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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  Best car Ive had so far - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By paris2325 - June 25 - 1:46 pm

  I have a 2001 for taurus se flex fuel, that was a fleet vehicle for the state of Idaho. I bought it at 121,000 miles, and it has a rust pattern under the engine that indicates it has already blown the head gasket. Heard lots of horror stories about Fords, but this car has not had to have 1 bit of mechanic help. It runs great, is currently at 135,000 miles, youd never be able to tell!! on the down side, Im taking it for an inspection, I suspect some kind of transmission issue. Hopefully its not going out, but It wont surprise me to hear that. my camaro is way more fun to drive, but my taurus great for my 4 year old. love this car.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Compunerd - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This F-150 has been a very solid vehicle for me. After the disaster that was my 1999 Olds Bravada the simplicity was a welcome change. Though I have only put about 10000 miles on it, I have not had even a minor mechanical glitch at this point. With current incentives, it cost less than my old SUV did USED. I think this will be a reliable truck for years to come. The Super Cab is not very roomy but can hold an average sized adult male on shorter trips (under a couple of hours). The back "doors" help with getting passengers into and out of the back. The ride is fairly smooth for a truck and it gets better milage than expected.

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  mixed - 2008 Ford Edge
  By fordowner - June 24 - 2:34 pm

  I bought this car because it was cute and i wanted a small suv so i dodnt have to cram my stroller into a trunk anymore. Overall, I am pretty happy with it. I am a little disappointed because the carpet under the driver side has already pulled back and wire are showing, as well as the drivers seat underneath (my car only has 7k on it). The door rattles a little. There is no passenger handle to grab for assistance while getting in or for comfort while driving. There seems to be several blind spots. My biggest complaint is the ac. The vents only move down and you cant close them so you always have the air on you! my husband likes it cold so I am always uncomfortable when he drives

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  the ford that could - 1997 Ford F-250
  By nathan - June 24 - 12:02 am

  i have had my ford for about 8 months and i have been shocked over and over i have hauled over 15,000 with a trailer. the most impresive was the 5100 hundred of scrap medal shavings just in the bed, no trailer. i love my truck, the only thing is i get lousy gas milege...

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  Never Again! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By LexiRae - June 23 - 7:53 pm

  I bought the explorer with 60k on it. Had it for 6 months. Loved it at first, until I came back from a long weekend. I went to start my explorer and it didnt start. Finally after about an hour of trying, it started and I had three different dummy lights on. Low oil pressure, 4X4 light, check engine light. Brought it to a mechanic, cost me $350 to fix and even after it was fixed the truck still shook like I was in four wheel drive. Brought it back to the mechanic who couldnt find anything wrong with it. Certainly not my most reliable vehicle. Traded it after only 6 months for a Toyota... Best thing I ever did!

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  Ford fan - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Greywolf - June 23 - 5:00 pm

  I bought a Ford truck (my third one) because all the other brands of vehicles I have owned let me down when I needed them to be reliable. The previous 2 Ford trucks (1970 F100, 1993 Ranger) were pretty spartan trucks. The 2009 Ranger is much more comfortable and fun to drive. The only fault I have found is the 4.0L 6 cyl. is not too fuel efficient.

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  Ford Catches Up - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Rich9294 - June 22 - 8:11 pm

  This is the first U.S car that I have owned that equals Honda in quality. It is a safe car, with good handling and a good ride.

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  Qualitys not there - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mr boil - June 22 - 7:37 pm

  I love this car. Thats why it pains me to have to report this cars been in the shop almost a dozen times. It was in for the rear clutch pack TSB 4 times! The Shaker system ate several CDs. It rattles. Its hard to fuel at times. The A/C barely cools the interior. Ive had 10 year old Hondas that didnt exhibit 1/10th the problems this cars had. This is the last Ford this former employee will ever buy. What a shame.

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  A Swiss Watch From Ford - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Paul Blood - June 22 - 2:17 pm

  This car has been the most reliable car my wife and I have ever owned. We bought it as a rental return with about 16,000(?) miles on it. It now has 116,000 miles on it and has not required a single repair. This Ford Taurus has required fewer repairs than the Honda Civic and Subaru Loyale that we owned in the past. The pushrod V-6 in the Taurus does not give hot rod performance, but hey you dont buy a Taurus to drag race it. It starts every time you twist the key, has a huge trunk, is comfortable, and gets decent gas mileage.

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  Pros and Cons Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By a david - June 22 - 11:01 am

  Have had it about 1 month just finished a long trip down to Iowa and back. Here are my thoughts. Pros: Enormous amount of interior room esp for legs and head at all sitting positions. Boys love the ability to sit in diff places comfortably. AWD worked flawlessly in driving thunderstorm on highway. MPG better than expected ~23MPG @ 75mp. Rides and steers nicely. Have towed a popup camper and gear with no problems using factory tow package. Concerns: Needs telescoping steering wheel, adjustable headrests - no excuse Ford! Finding a comfortable drivers position can take time. Cannot buy a standard roof rack w/o factory rails. Door skins curve under car, probs w/paint chipping on gravel?