Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Outstanding value - 2007 Ford Focus
  By FocusRocks - January 17 - 3:09 pm

  Yes, the seats are uncomfortable. I have found that they are more comfortable after losing 70 lbs. Went from 230 to 170. The tires, too, are a poor choice by Ford. They put performance tires on an economy car. The Pirellis are designed for 12,000- 15,000 miles so people complain when they have to replace them at 20,000. The car is well built, no rattles or shakes after 50,000 miles. It is super fun to drive, the interior is well laid out, and I have had no maintenance issues at all. The car is just as tight today as it was when I drove it off the dealer lot.

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  Most reliable Vehicle weve owned - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Bill - January 17 - 11:22 am

  My wife went to look at this SUV on 9/11/01. 5.0 V7. It has been very reliable, starting to have some repairs now but it has 147,000 miles. I have towed several Uhauls between WI and TX, plenty of power, also a 25ft Boat. It was great when we lived in WI during the winter. AWD works great, you dont have think about when you might need 4 wheel drive. Mileage not so great, but then this is an SUV. 14 around town, 18 on the highwy, best was 19. I had a 94 Explorer so this is my second and now also have a 04 Mountaineer. Smaller V8 4.6L but more power and better mileage. We now live in SC but travel back to and forth from WI. This was a great vehicle on the road.

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  You get what you pay for - 2000 Ford Focus
  By pablo - January 17 - 2:24 am

  I think is a pretty decent car for the price I paid. I have read the reviews and I agree with some of the problems listed here. The brakes system vibrates and there is a light that comes on when I turn too sharply or hit a bump. I think this is a good car for someone without kids because the two door deal is uncomfortable at times for the ones seating in the back. I have seated in the back, nonetheless, and it is spatious, just kind of a pain to get in and out. Overall it is pretty handy, good design, the 5 speed may be better than the automatic transmition. I owned a Taurus for 2 years and the transmition broke down.

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  Lovin the ride - 1999 Ford Contour
  By smoothride - January 16 - 5:50 pm

  Bought 4 years ago, wasnt looking to buy Ford, but found it, tried it and fell for the smooth, quiet ride. Love the way it picked up speed. Front seating very comfortable, back seating fairly good, little tight for long legs. Love the V6 except for gas mileage 20-22 city, 25 hwy. Been an excellent family vehicle. Lots of room in truck, love the sun/moon roof. Air cond. great, heater takes forever to warm but great once heated. Doors ice over very easily, dash is peeling up and back, cup holders are bad. Even stood up well to hitting a 200 + pound deer, damaged only hood, grill, and headlights. Oxygen sensor needed a good cleaning around 105k miles, very common among Fords.

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  Buy American! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Canadian - January 16 - 5:30 pm

  Bought used. The design inside and out looks good with the SES package (although inexpensive for a new car, doesnt look like a cheap car). Rims look awesome, but they will get a little scratched up being flush the side of the tire. Driving and handling are great, driving 120KM on the highway feels perfectly safe. Driven in winter conditions Dec-Jan this year, no different than any other car. Has some traction control that kicks on when slipping once...car is smarter than me. Glad I bought this over the Mazda3 (I notice more and more with the passenger door dents from attempted break ins).

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  Darn good trucks - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Scott - January 16 - 4:11 pm

  1st was a 92 reg cab SB 2.3 w/5sp. Sold with 198,000 on it. 2nd. Is the 99. reg. cab. short box. Still driving it with 220000 on it and it runs as good as the day I bought it. I tow a utility trailer with a 2 seater atv consistantly. The 2.5 and auto trans. work well, if a little low on power. My trucks haul and tow constantly so this a testament to the Ford build quality of these little trucks. At 64", 250lbs, Im a little cramped. Just bought an 06 king cab auto with the 3.0 today but am keeping the 99 as my commuter. This makes my 3rd white Ranger! Great winter trucks if you run studded snows and put 250 to 300lbs in the back. Never had any traction issues here in NH.

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  Nice to drive but..... - 2009 Ford Escape
  By vtxrider - January 16 - 2:11 pm

  The vehicle has massive blind spots behind the driver and on the passenger side and miniscule rear window. They have very thoughtfully placed the spare tire under the SUV but then put the jack under the cargo area in the. WTF were they thinking. Also there is no gas cap. There is no way to lock the gas cap as there is not one. I brought this up as I lost most of a tank of gas in a Savannah, GA parking garage because of this. The cargo carrier on top is almost useless. With the height of the vehicle and the placement of the doors it makes tying something on unpleasant to say the least. Road noise is high. I have the Sync package and people can hear it through the phone.

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  Will keep it forever - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jfx4 - January 16 - 8:23 am

  FX4 model. Great truck. Had it since new. Now have 142,000 miles on it and still running strong. Only routine maintenance done. We tow horses regularly with it and no problems. Truck is paid for and I will keep it til I run it into the ground. Only thing I would have preferred are captains seats, not the 60/40 bench that I have.

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  Tough and Fun Truck to Drive - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Alfaromeo164 - January 15 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my truck brand new and I now have 30000 in just 8 months. I havent had any real bad experiences. The only thing that stopped working is the dome light, which only turns on every so often, At 10,000KM I noticed that my clutch pedal started making a funny squeaking noise, Sounds like it needs lubrication. At 18,000km The passenger side seat stopped reclining. Im not worried because its all covered under warranty. Other than this the truck runs flawless, and is great to drive around. It handles great in Snow and sticks to the road. Its a good buy for the money. I would highly reccomend putting a tonneau cover for a little better fuel mileage.

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  Got a good SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Bill - January 15 - 9:21 am

  Bought the SUV because wife wanted to sit higher than a car. We tested every model we could think of and kept coming back to the Escape. I would recommend the Insync feature. Sun roof is fun. Nice and roomy. V6 provides all the power we need as we travel over mountains. Average MPG highway is 28. In town 20. Would like rear disc breaks. Got stuck in snow a motel parking lot during Christmas blizzard and the was unable to rock to get out but on the snowy icy road very stable and safe.