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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  Dream Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Dave - May 11 - 12:16 am

  I bought my first mustang when I was 16 years old. Now 3 years later I still love this car. Its pretty fast for a V6 after the cold air intake and exhaust, and not that bad on gas. I get commented on my car all the time. Also the mach 460 stereo system, Everyone loves how it sounds. Its the best think I could of ever bought.

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  Great camp truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By RSR - May 10 - 11:39 am

  Im an assistant ranger at a Boy Scout camp. We do a lot of work and rely on good trucks. This Ranger is the best truck weve ever had, great little workhorse. Does everything that our F-150 and Silverado can do, and is better off-road, especially on hiking trails in the woods. Ive hauled trash, lumber, dirt, gravel, stone, concrete, tools, trailers, boats, even another truck. In 3 years its gotten pretty beat up at camp, but Im confident it will last for many more years, then well buy another one. Starts up every time, 4wd is great on dirt roads, engine gives just enough power, and it just drives and works like a bigger truck. Love this Ranger!

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  08 Focus SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Vic Epps - May 9 - 11:11 am

  Purchased this car for my son in college. Wanted something new, safe with good gas mileage. The vehicle handles well. The build quality ( Exterior panel alignment) is a little off. At 17k the car began making a loud noise from the drive train when accellerating on a freeway. Took it in for service. There is a TSB which addresses the problem. A foam insert on the air intake tube becomes loose. The problem was repaired by ford. They also reprogramed the ECM due to air defroster issues. ( Another TSB )

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  Good Starter Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By JPH - May 8 - 6:24 pm

  My dad bought this vehicle for me as a graduation gift and for college. It drives great and i dont spend much on gas, which is great for a college kid. It has great handling and decent acceleration for 140 hp.

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  BEWARE of 5.3 Triton - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Upset Illinois cust. - May 6 - 7:53 pm

  This is a nice LOOKING truck. BUT.. within 20000 miles the 5.3 triton and drive train have major issues. The interior is great. I enjoy driving it and people tell me its really looks nice. BUT,the ticking noise from the valve train and VCT is just poor workmenship,parts and design. After paying $42,000.00 for this vehicle and four years later having to dump $2000 for engine repair is Wrong. Ford knows the fix and wont recall. I give the truck a 8.7 out of 10for its handling and looks. Ford a 3 out of 10 for allowing this to happen. Warranty stinks.

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  From Ford Family Forever! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Dory it is - May 6 - 1:21 am

  Rented a fusion on several business trips, always looked forward to getting back to my Audi... Then, my dad died, and my sister and brother went back to Fords. My dad only drove fords, even when he was a young race car driver... between the truck and mustang, I decided to go for a test drive. Saw the white gold fusion and spent a long time driving it. The rentals did not have the same feel as this lovely new car. I ended up leasing, because I know that in a few years I will want another, with updated options. The only real complaint I have.... I cannot lock the fuel cap and my gas has been stolen too many times. Calling Ford today to see if there is a way to lock it! I kept my Audi, and after a few months, I totally weaned myself off it. Truly back to being a ford fan! I have owned several cars, including 3 mustangs... looking back, there is nothing, at this point of my life, than comfort! Thank God for progress!

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  not bad for a starter car - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bluesfan5 - May 5 - 4:34 pm

  got my 1994 ford explorer eddie bauer. needed about $1500 worth of repair. After that, cant complain much more. Once you push her past 70 MPH it starts shaking violently and makes a ticking noise. It also gets bad city MPG. The factory speakers are also poor quality. Other than that, it is a fun car to pile in a cruise around in, good 4x4, fun to drive.

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  Not your old Taurus - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Gary in WI - May 5 - 12:47 pm

  I purchased a one year old Taurus SEL with leather and the major convenience group (auto climate control, 6 CD changer etc.). Overall, I have been extremely pleased with the car -- absolutely no problems. I have a couple of previous Tauruses, most recently an 06 SEL and there is no comparison to the current version. The older cars were OK, but they were basically appliances to get you from point A to point B. The current version is much more refined, favorably comparing to near-luxury cars such as the Toyota Avalon and for a bargain price! (No kidding, when guests ride in the car, they are surprised to find out its a Taurus).

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - May 5 - 10:51 am

  I drive my escape every day and I just love to get into it. The 5 speed transmission makes it more fun to drive and helps me control my gas mileage more. I drove from NY to Arizone and I was averaging 32 mpg.

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  Not a Bad Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Chris - May 5 - 9:42 am

  I am about to return this vehicle off a lease. I have put 60000km on it. The only thing it has needed was blower motor and a new Ford symbol on the front (from rock and salt). This truck otherwise has been reliable as hell. Although it is very slow off the line. I found it pulled just as hard with the a double snowmobile trailer loaded. Very bad fuel mileage with the trailer on.