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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  past its prime - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By jim&kiche - October 12 - 2:00 am

  bought the car at 90000 and now have 15000. ive probably put at least $4000 into in the last 3 years. various problems: brakes, driver door hinge went bad ($700), too many other little things to remember. a/c broke. inflatable seat pads stopped working and one deflated causing it to tear from wear. driver door handle, not the latch, broke off because of hinge issue. trans not very smooth. passenger auto door locks dont work any more. rear window wiper only works when it wants.

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  One tough truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By John C.H. - October 11 - 5:36 pm

  Over all this is by far the best truck I have ever owned. 6 trucks in all. Fun to drive, quite, great fit and finish. Good job Ford Motor Co.

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  Great Little Car, - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Michael Lehman - October 11 - 1:34 pm

  People are all complaining about the transmission issue that these cars are having. Yes, I understand thats a problem but Ford is well aware and working on taking care of it. My review isnt based on the transmission alone (which I did have to have my clutch replaced) but I am not going to complain if Ford is willing to extend the warranty and keep my car running until they come up with a fix. Overall, amazing little car. I have always wanted one of the new focus sedans and was able to find mine at a dealership pretty decently priced. Fuel economy is amazing, handling is excellent, its sharp looking and the performance is not like other 4 cylinder vehicles. I think Ford has designed an excellent little car.

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  Average truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By ike1 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Just ok. 5.4 engine still sluggish. I added dual exhaust and a K&N filter, it helped a little. Poor stereo, you think they could do better. Heated seats turn off by themselves, and button is in a awful location. climate control is nice. front seats very uncomfortable, even in leather. gas mileage 15 all the time.

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  Problems with Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By amwinston - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ranger for almost 2 years and am very disappointed. The initial purchase seemed like a good on, but the quality of the vehicle is no good. I have had the truck in numerous times to have various things fixed under warranty. Some things to be fixed more than once. The service was great to have the vehicle fixed, but this does not make up for all the time it had to be repaired.

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  My first truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By paradoxdsf - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Im not really a truck person, but I needed a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get me in and out of my driveway (etc.) during the winter months, and the Ranger was the most affordable thing I could find.

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  extremely unsatisfied - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Magdalena - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I would never buy a Ford again. I have had three and I have learned my lesson. The catalytic converter went out on my 2000 Ford Mustang and it was very expensive. Ford did not replace any parts to it and I would not recommend anybody struggling with any Ford vehicle. Prior to that I had a Taurus that the transmission went out on it. They are the worst and unreliable cars that Ive had.

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  All Fords Trucks Need This Style - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dennis - October 10 - 5:40 pm

  Test drove several different full-size trucks models including Ford. Had an F- 150 for 11 years. Not much had changed on the interior including, entire front display panel and radio. I was disappointed with this until I test dove the Sport Trac. Its like getting the inside comfort and styling of a luxury car, yet with the manly toughness and sporty styling of a truck. I get 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in town. This is slightly better than my previous F-150. My family and I really enjoy going places in this remarkable vehicle.

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  mpg over rated in 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - October 10 - 9:36 am

  I just bought a 2006 500 Limited. My shock was that it averages 5 mpg less than the sticker. Instead of getting 29 highway I am getting 24.5 mpg and I am only getting 18 in city. This is based upon the onboard computer. Each of my former vehicles my mpg matched the highway mileage for performance. Same roads - what a disappointment! Radio is cheap, too.

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  Better than the Accord! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Asheley - October 10 - 9:03 am

  I have always owned Hondas, but I decided to trade in my Accord on a brand new Fusion. It was a great idea. Instead of having to put aftermarket parts on my car to make it be appealing, the Fusion already comes with chromed-two tone leather-carbon fiber dash-and nice head and tail lights. I have mine in black with black and grey leather...it looks better and is just as reliable as any factory Honda out there. So why would anyone pay more for a Honda, my Fusion is one of the best ideas Ive had in a long time