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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  Rear Axle Problem - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jsapie - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this used last week. Heard a whine in the rear end. Took it to the Ford dealer and they are replacing the entire rear end. They told me that a few have come back due to this problem.. Gas mileage is 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Engine is very quiet. Sometime you need to listen to see if it is running. I think the BF goodrich tires make the ride rough due to the tread design. The front rotors needed turned due to a vibration in the steering wheel between 40 - 6o mph. Purchase a Ford ESP extended warranty over the web from a Ford dealer for a better price. With all the equipment on this I think you will need it!

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  Working truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Blue collar guy - June 27 - 4:30 am

  I seem to be one of the few that buys a truck to use as a truck. I am more interested in the motor, frame, tranny, rearend than if it has heated seats or I can plug my IPOD in or heated seats.I haul with this truck an drive it into fields. down graval roads an in the snow. The truck does very well doing all these things. An I feel its the best bang for the money. The frame is very stiff no flex an the truck likes to work. If you are looking for a truck that you are going to use as a truck this truck will serve you well. I am getting around 18mpg an that ok with me its a truck not a little car. I have 3.73 rear gears in this truck for towing an hauling.

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  Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Kevin - June 27 - 3:10 am

  Handling, gas mileage is great.

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  96 XLT V8 after 8 years & 120,000 miles - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Clockmaker - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. Its never been out of service. Most miles are highway at or above speed limits, but quite a few are off-road in Colorado mountains. The ride is not very good on-highway and is jarring off-road. AWD is faultless. Overall MPG about 16-17, OK considering CO winter fuel. Interior and exterior design were state-of-the-art when bought,are still OK but dated.Interior still makes sense. I rate performance high because it has always done what I asked- towed trailers, off-roaded, passed in tight situations, stopped well in emergency situations. I still havent added a quart of oil between changes. Result: my next SUV will be an Explorer.

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  Windstar 969 - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By richardkandi - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We like this van.It is a fun van to drive and lots of room. Solid built and nice looking.Our gas mileage is 20 MPG.

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  Hi-value pickup that fits in your garage - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By T Koester - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is a 3 liter, 5 speed auto, 3.73 rear axle ratio with limited slip rear axle. I have never been stuck even with many off-road miles. Gas mileage is l9/24. Nice ride and the 5 speed A/T is smooth.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Robby K. - June 26 - 5:50 am

  I am so impressed with my new Hybrid. It gets great gas mileage and provides a smooth quiet comfortable ride. I like the eye level informaiton display which makes it easier to focus on the road. I also find the convenience of the mp3 player hook up and power outlet a huge bonus. The Escape is not only a great value, it is fun to drive and saves the environment. I am so glad Ford made this very luxury affordable.

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  I think I made the right choice... - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By skyman_evans - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my 2002 Ford Taurus SES. It rides smooth, is roomy, and has a comfortable feel. The only problem I have had so far is a few parts in relating to the heat and air had to be replaced. I would recommend this car to others.

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  Buyer Beware!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Never Ford Again - June 26 - 2:00 am

  The first problem we had was at 2500 miles. The car overheated and air conditioning went out. From that point on anytime we were driving for more than 30 minutes the car would act as if it was overheating. The dealership couldnt fix nor could for. At 28000 miles Ford finally bought the car back from us a full value. This car has major potential electrical problems. Buyer Beware!!!!

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  a letdown....... - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By kpc96 - June 26 - 2:00 am

  well, i finally got my bird...for the price, i am disappointed...exterior fit and finish is poor at best..on hot days, rear bumper cover warps a bit and front bumper cover is visually uneven, also has a optical flaw in the windshield...a shame because mechanically is very sound and runs smooth with good power and handling...too bad exterior quality doesnt match mechanical quality.....