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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  Love it - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By GREAT TRUCK - May 30 - 8:37 am

  I have had no problems with this truck at all and I have 26,000 miles on it now, runs great and ride great! I owned a s-10 with a 4.3 v6 and it was not half the truck as the ranger. This rides and feels like a bigger truck!

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  Still going strong - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Sal - May 29 - 6:49 pm

  I bought the XLT on Nov 2007, it now has over 200,000 miles and still rides great, purchased in California and imported into Mexico, no major mechanical problems, in fact I just replaced the gas pump, it still had the original manufactured in 1997. Minor problems with the locks and one repair to the cooling system, other than that just the regular maintenance, around 320 miles per gas tank and engine is really strong, no problems with cold or hot weather. People where I live stops me and ask me if I sell it cause it stills looks really. I have the XLT 4 door and changed the gauges to the white ones from the sport myself. I love my truck !

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  Good car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By sal - May 27 - 8:35 pm

  Really Great car for the price i got this car. ford did a great job with this car.

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  My mustang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By 1996 mustang gt - May 27 - 2:40 pm

  This mustang still has not given me any problems since I bought it. Even at 14 years old. I expected it to have give me at least some problems.

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  Home Run! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By AUERGANG - May 27 - 11:42 am

  Ford hit a home run with this EcoBoost Flex. Its quick, comfortable and a blast to drive. I just came back from a week of golfing with my buddies and this car made the trip even better. Fords Sync system beats all other telematics hands down. Its so easy to use by even those who are not tech savvy, like me. I hope Ford continues on its current path.

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  Reliable as a tank - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tdwillis - May 27 - 8:24 am

  We have had this car since it was new and now we have 188k on it and all I have to say it has been super reliable and flawless. The only problem early on were the front sway links, but mechanically our focus has been and still is remarkably reliable. The trans and engine is original and has never been serviced for nothing. We also have never had a check engine light come on and it passes the emissions test every time with flying colors. Our Focus also doesnt burn a drop of oil. I dont know why everyone else has had the problems they have with their Focus but my experience has been very positive. Driving this car 300k miles doesnt seem like a fantasy anymore.

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  This is why I drive Fords - 1994 Ford F-250
  By Andy - May 26 - 7:12 pm

  I bought this truck used from my father 12 years ago, he bought it new. I just turned over 330k on it on my way to work today. You just cant beat that. It still can do everything I need it to and still looks and drives great. Dont think I will be in the new truck market for another 12 years or so, maybe longer

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  Totally Happy - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By David Myers - May 26 - 8:48 am

  This is my 8th car and is by far the most enjoyable car ownership experience Ive had. There is absolutely nothing to complain about with the car that I was not aware of when buying it --- the quality of workmanship throughout is excellent, everything is tight and works perfectly. There is only one thing I dislike about the car, and I knew about it upfront -- the solid axle in back and the consequent compromise in handling. That said, I get so much joy out of owning this vehicle, I cant imagine ever selling it. I LOVE IT!

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  My second Taurus - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus2 - May 25 - 7:42 pm

  Bought my 07 Taurus with 72,000 miles. I like my Taurus. Smooth comfortable ride. Roomy inside with high ceiling. Good gas mileage. Beautiful leather interior. Only problem is the radio. Lots of AM static. Dealership cannot figure out problem. My first Taurus had a better stereo system. My 1st Taurus, a 2000, had 209,000 miles when I sold it. Both of my Taurus are very reliable vehicles.

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  Escape over Toyota - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Steve - May 25 - 3:53 pm

  As a former Toyota owner I could not be more pleased with my Escape. The last Toyota was a loaded 2008 Camry XLE and the Escape matches or exceeds that car in every way. It is a pleasure to drive and do believe the interior is bad by what you read. Mine is the charcoal color leather and really looks great!