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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  Great job Ford on a good car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Robert Cooper - June 19 - 8:36 am

  This car is great on gas. Im getting 34-35 MPG drive both city and highway. I drive 36 miles one way to work 6 days a week. It also has a good sound system in it.

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  Best Truck Made - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Angela - June 18 - 6:16 pm

  I wanted this truck for a long time and finally came up with the funds to get it. It is wonderful! I am a very picky person and I can not find anything wrong with it. It is the best truck ever made!

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  Ford Tough At A Reasonable Price. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - June 18 - 2:34 pm

  The 2005 Ranger XL 2WD Reg Cab with the 2.3L EFI 4 cylinder engine is a fun and reasonably priced package. While Id like a little better acceleration, I find what it delivers adequate. I have the 5-speed automatic O/D transmission and its very smooth. The A/C works very well (important in Florida) and cools the cab quickly even on hot days. The dash and instrument panels are laid out well and all the controls are easy to reach.

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  CROWN VIC "THE BEST" - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jerry Lawrence - June 18 - 11:50 am

  Being a paraplegic and towing a small travel trailer this car meets my needs.It has plenty of power but as soon as you take it out of over drive pulling the trailer you mpg takes a nose dive.The Crown is still one of the finest looking cars on the road!I love it!

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  Bulky Vehicle 4.2 6 Cylinder - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Dadwithkids - June 18 - 8:29 am

  I bought this truck as a replacement for a small Japanese truck. That being the case, it is just too big for shopping malls, and city driving. Really good for hauling mulch, bicycles, etc. I chose this truck because I could stick the kids in the back seat not everyday, but once in awhile. There was no better value on the market. It drives well, manual transmission is slow, bulky shifting (not fun), problem with heating system (header adjustment door locked up, expensive fix), cruise control recall. It is not as well made as a Toyota or Mitsubishi. Mileage - I get 15-17 in mixed driving.

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  Terrible 2009 Ford Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By NannyJune - June 17 - 9:03 pm

  In the first 3 months of ownership, I have been to the dealer 6 times for mechanical and body issues. The car frame was totally out of whack, the front end was not aligned, the driver side wiper flew off in a horrendous rain storm, the powertrain light comes on, the transmission kicks, starts in second gear, rarely can get up to speed. They fixed most of the body issues and the windshield wiper but the rest of the problems linger. No one can find anything wrong I am told but still the powertrain light is lit and performance is bad.

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  So Far so Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bluyo - June 17 - 5:21 pm

  So far so good. We take this SUV to beach in the summer and make full use of the on the fly 4X4 which is great. We have fit so far 6 people, 3 dogs and camping gear in it and no problem. It is very comfortable to drive and has great features. Fuel economy is not the best, but you can expect that from any full size SUV.

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  Windstar - Quality is Job none! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Parents of Three - June 17 - 4:19 pm

  Bought 2000 Windstar new. Day1, heard clunking transmission when shifting. Dealer said its fine. At 54k miles, transmission died. I had original complaint documented. They gave us a break - still cost me $800. 5 minutes later, transmission died again. Cost $100 deductible plus other $125 transmission problem they said not related. Yeah right! At 63k miles the front spring broke. Cost $925 for 2 springs, alignment, etc. Had that back 3 days and the ABS/Brakes lights went on. Took it back - $1157 quote for "Modules." No way Im paying them that. Dealer/Ford gave no other help. Please research before buying or get extended warranty. Im trading for Sienna or Odyssey this weekend. Should not have so many problems at 63k miles.

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  Wonderful Truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By madmaxoohhh - June 17 - 1:57 pm

  Surprisingly good build quality and great off-road capability.

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  My F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Billy Meeks - June 17 - 1:30 pm

  Very reliable and smooth ride but poor fuel mileage makes passing gas stations hard. Very solid truck with lots of interior space. 4X4 system pulls very well. 4.6 motor is a little sluggish.