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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  Awesome Car!!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dan - May 25 - 1:33 am

  Ford did great with this one. The ride is smooth and the power is awesome. The looks of the car speak for itself. Going back to the old body style really has gone well for Ford. This one gets a lot of looks and comments. So far we have really enjoyed our purchase.

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jerry Beltran - May 24 - 11:26 am

  Like others I shopped and shopped for a Vehicle primarily looked at the Acadia and similar cross overs. Finally decided on the Flex for the price and options. One major complaint is the poor quality or the paint job and body work it almost looks like the doors and side panels dont aline properly. If you look closely you can see allot of overspray and the quality of the interior carpet is horrible at best you can tell that Ford did not spend alot of time making sure that they did a quality job with the trim. Overall I love the car but would like to see Ford put a little more effort in the quality of the interior and craftsmanship.

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  Smokin !!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By USN - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I just took delivery of Black/Black w/Blue inserts. Didnt think I could get this much performance from what started as a compact. I have no complaints: outstanding acceleration, particularly in lower rpm range. The cornering and braking are go-kart like! I really like the interior materials and layout; very comfortable and supportive seats, even in the rear. Great visability too. The optional CD sound system is the best I have ever heard. I originally thought about purchasing a Vibe/Matrix. They are very good also; but if you are out for a performance ride, the SVT is better in almost every area.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By TEXAS - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Had a Chevy silverado and recently drove a Dodge 2002 ram for two days. The Ford supercrew with 5.4 in the best overall - mileage with power, room, ride, and comfort. Very pleased - 11,000 miles and no problems. Maybe get a Lariat next time.

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  Just missing a couple key things! - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Jeff McClain - May 24 - 3:35 am

  First, this review is for the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, but they dont have that selectable for the Platinum 4WD SuperCrew (odd?). I got this trim level with the optional 701A equipment group, because I first and foremost absolutely wouldnt go without adaptive (radar based) cruise after using it for the last 5 years on my Chrysler 300. To that, it performs grandly (much better than the crappy laser(?) based one on my 2015 Toyota Sequoia Platinum). Ive been a Chevrolet owner for 22+ years and never cared for Ford interior but LOVED the company. I finally found one I love enough to buy, and I really do like this vehicle. Still, there are a few things I wish they would just ever so slightly change: 1) Make the adaptive hi-beam headlights bright only operate when switched to hi beams. I can over-ride it when it is constantly switching in an urban environment by turning off adaptive hi-beams in the setup, or by turning the knob to just "ON". :( That isnt real practical or helpful. I would much rather just switch it between "Lo Beam" and "Adaptive" on the stick. You can force it for 60 seconds, but that is all. Minor, Ill just turn it off, and not have feature, but seems easy to accommodate in software. 2) I would like the ability to enable an audio beep-beep warning on the Blind Spot Detection when you engage the blinker in and something is there. Too often I miss the small amber blinking in the mirror. This feels like it would be easily updated in software, as they audibly warn you when a vehicle is approaching when in reverse, just like I would like. 3) I miss not having front ultrasonic parking sensors that I have on Chrysler 300. Ive looked and searched the manual, and Im not sure how they do the auto park, but dont have those? Ive checked, and pulled up until I lightly bumped a wall, and nothing...no sound. 4) No lit gear indicator on the gear shift (or more limited physical shifting pattern). It sucks to have a label for the gears right next to the shifter, but no indicator showing which one you are in, or some physical jog left right before dropping into M-2-1, at least? When the truck is dark, you really cant see if it is in D or N or M when engaging. At least my Chrysler also made the shifter only go P-R-N-D (stop, and then slap it right into Manual with up down shift). But this has P-R-N-D-M-2-1 all in a soft clicking line, and it is easy to go right past D...and no cue (without looking up at the instrument panel). :(

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  Solid transportation - 1999 Ford Escort
  By MartinPawley - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive maintained the car, and it has performed well. The rear suspension needed to be replaced after a spring broke, but that has been the only mechanical disappointment.

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  Fun / But - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By dlhickman - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive, but watch out for the mechanical. The direct ignition system is prone to failure w/these coils running 100+ -- replacement of the eight could set you back 1200-1500

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  2000 Ranger XLT SC 2dr 2wd - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By stadanko - May 24 - 2:00 am

  My truck handles good for a truck, more like a car. I like the styling of the body without pinstriping or door trim. Gas milage is decent for a truck. The truck is generally fun to drive. I have had no major problems mechanically or otherwise to date.

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  Worst Decision I have Made - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By NeverBuyFordAgain - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Based on other responses, I am not the only one who has had bad experience with the Ford "Exploder". Thats a typical term from mechanics. I have put over $3k in repairs to it in the 3 years I owned it. Replaced timing belt, manifold work, and it has this issue with stalling whenever it is idle, fixed it once, wont pay to fix again, traded it in(and got barely anything for it), also my horn, power locks, and rear windshield wiper all quit on me. I will NEVER buy a FORD again.

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  Decent, but cheap. - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Lb4Bd33 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was my first...for the most part its been a decent car. But the paint is way too soft, the quality of the interior sux, and the exhaust has always got something up its a** because it falls apart everywhere. If its reliability were talking about, then this car would be ranked pretty damn high in my books. Ive replaced the distributer 2x now and the problem seems to have finally faded. Ever since this issue and a faulty fuel pump, the car has been dependable. But I do agree with about every other probe owner about the outrageous prices to fix anything.