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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  Lovinmy2011 - 2011 Ford F-150
  By truckin2011 - April 28 - 11:10 am

  While shopping for a new truck I researched the specs and read the reviews of the 5.0L 4x4 truck and compared the Ford to its competition. I must say I was impressed. The F150 was touted to be "best in class". At 1310 miles, turns out the reviews and numbers were right. I am highly impressed with the tow capability, comfort, fuel economy and cabin-extras Ford has included. Im getting an overall average of 19.2mpg mixed, 21.0 hwy. & 17+ city. My 21, 4000 lb. pontoon boat tows effortlessly. I hardly know its there and it doesnt impact my mileage too bad during tow (-4mpg). The cabin is the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive ever owned. Great styling with lotsa room. Great truck !

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  Beware - 2006 Ford Escape
  By disneychick8 - April 27 - 9:46 pm

  I bought a 2006 Ford Escape brand new which is now paid off and I now have spent an additional almost 1/3 of the purchase price on repairs. At first, it ran great other than loud road noise when driving down the highway (like air was leaking in somewhere) At 38,000 miles (yep, just off warranty) the #6 piston fell apart in the engine, At around 50,000 miles, the Throttle Body needed to be replaced due to the gas pedal was sticking. Now at 68,000 miles, just this morning, I lost my brakes after dropping my kids at school. One brake line busted and two more are leaking. On the interior, the tubing seal around the passenger side door is falling off and the truck is starting to rust.

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  My 5th Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hambone33 - April 27 - 2:15 pm

  I bought my first Ford Truck in 1990 and have owned nothing but Fords since then but I am about to try another brand after this 2004 F-150. One of the over the plug coil melted down - twice. The second time leaving me stranded on vacation. THe dealer in Redding CA stuck it to me on the price of repair. The rear axle seal started leaking. Replaced both axles as they had a ring worn around them by the seals. 30K mi. later same thing and had to replace axle and seal. Leaked again, back to dealer 3 times. Still leaks and they say I need whole new rearend. Still driving it but going to sell and buy a 2013 RAM.

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  ... a love/hate relationship - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By johnwz - April 26 - 9:52 am

  Its tough to describe how I feel about this car. Got it used in 05 with about 140,000 miles on it and currently have close to 208,000 logged. The V6 is powerful but, of course, trades off fuel efficiency. Over the years I have noticed it has been losing coolant more than it should be, along with persistent cylinder misfires, always on cylinder 1 and the corresponding spark plug comes out looking worse than the others. I got a new cylinder head and spent a weekend putting that in. Maybe about 2000 miles since then the car runs better than ever and havent noticed any more coolant leak. Somehow the transmission has remained solid throughout ownership.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By otownmanboy - April 25 - 5:16 pm

  First, I own and drive the 2011 Ford Fusion SE with the automatic transmission. ( Not a listed option for this model under review section as it should be. ) I have been buying and driving all makes and models of cars since 1967. The most impressive thing about this car is its thoroughness in its excellence from the most major thing to the most minor thing. It does EVERYTHING well that a car driver would hope and expect a car to do. I have the completely loaded version and I challenge anyone to find a better fully loaded midsize family sedan for under 25,000 sold in America. If you do, please let me know as I will have to see it to believe it!

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  AWESOME TANG! - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By tcross16 - April 24 - 12:16 pm

  I grew up with what I thought was muscle cars from the 70s,80s and 90s but have never experienced a power house like this 2012 GT California special (automatic) which is loaded with comfort and the latest electronics,also has an awesome sound system.I have 2,200 miles on it and Im getting 28.5 mpg on the highway with the cruise set at 69 mph,with a combined city/highway at 23 mpg.I have never been in a car that so many people (of ALL ages) have stared at while driving or just parked.The hardest thing to do in my life now is to turn off that 5.0 engine after I park my mustang GT in the garage for the night.FORD DID THEIR HOMEWORK ON THIS STANG!

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  BAD EVERYTHING - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By niecyx5 - April 23 - 10:37 am

  This is the worst vehicle FORD has ever made and BUYER BEWARE!! DO NOT buy the Freestyle. First, the brakes have to be replaced every 6 months, the throttle has been replaced 2X and Im still having problems, not to mention the transmission. I will buy a Nissan, Toyota, Honda, or anything besides an American made car ever again.

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  Overall, Hunk of Junk! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By kelsey_b19 - April 21 - 1:16 pm

  My husband and I have had nothing but problems since we got our flex. Whats worse is the countless number of times we have to take it in to the dealer. They do not acknowledge the fact that this car should be considered a lemon. It has a foul smell coming from the ac/heater, the brakes grind and pulsate when you apply pressure, the interior has a constant rattling sound, the front console latch broke off within one month of buying it, the cheap plastic air vent covers fell off within 6 months of buying the vehicle, and the transmission grinds, jerks, pops, and seizes up often. We bought it from ken grody ford in carlsbad, ca and they sold it to us with electrical problems in the headrest!

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  Still Loving it after 12 years - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By karent1231 - April 20 - 10:40 pm

  Bought my Stang new in 2000, would have loved the GT but fell in love with the Gold V6 with the 5 speed. The color still gets compliments today. Have 67K on it, and until yesterday have only had to replace tires, a battery, front brakes,bad window/lock switch and a fuel line which rotted out . Yesterday the clutch blew. I cant even be upset about it. The maintenance on this car has been next to nothing. I love the performance, still has a lot of kick! One bad paint spot on the roof and not happy with the fog on the headlights. Great car and will be buying another when this one decides to go to heaven

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  1996 Ford Probe SE - 1996 Ford Probe
  By kolster - April 20 - 7:54 pm

  My family has had this car for a few cars and it has been great! We have 216,000 miles on it! Its been a great car. No complaints!