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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  2012 Explorer = Excellent SUV - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By jwinco - December 29 - 10:41 am

  Recently purchased a 2012 Explorer XLT 4WD for use in Colorado. Traded in an F-150 with the 6.2-liter V8 engine primarily for the mileage and its paid off -- mileage is about 30% better, averaging 21.5 MPG in mixed town/highway. Overall have been more impressed with the Explorer than I thought I would be. Drives and handles beautifully for an SUV -- I dont agree at all with some of the magazine reviews that the ride is too mushy. Extremely comfortable interior that is whisper quiet even at highway speeds. Its just a pleasure to be in and drive this SUV.

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  Went in for a oil change came out with a morgage.. - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By 88jimbo - December 29 - 7:45 am

  Went a local ford dealer for a oil change they said it was time to replace pwr steering fluid. No big deal the car has 70k on it they did that we got the car back . Not 3hrs later the check engine light comes on so I figured they might of bumped a sensor or somthing . so when my stepfather gets back he tells me the air box needs to be replaced . now this car has never been in a accident and yet the dealer tells him it was all cracked up and throttle body is rusted so the replaced for like $2000.00 so good enough they get car back .The next morning the check engine light is on again. Now they say it needs a computer for a nother $1500.00 .Now im pulling my hair out feel free to comment .

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  Rock Solid, Fun to drive, great on gas, value for money... - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By jacob40 - December 27 - 4:16 am

  I was not a big fan of American vehicles, after considerable research and after waiting one year I purchased a 2012 full lodaded XLT model, my first American vehicle. After 45 days & 2500 km, I am glad I made this choice, do not have any problems to report except for some samll glitches in the voice command, need to get the software updated. The Exterior looks great, engine is crisp and refined. Overall the vehicle feels rock solid, the stiffer suspension provides a nice sporty ride. Engine power delivery is excellent with the torque peaking at lower rpm compared to competition. The interior is rich and sophisticated which you typically find in more expensive luxury SUVs.

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  Boss 302 - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By z51hdtp - December 25 - 6:43 am

  Having owned many muscle cars over the years I did a great deal of research before deciding on the Boss. It is definitely the best bang for the buck. You can tool around in the car and it is docile as a lamb but if you want performance it is there in an instant. Achieving 20 mpg in town and 25 on the road in normal driving. Spirited driving results in 16 mpg overall. The handling is superb and the engine power is as expected. This is not for the faint of heart, the ride is somewhat choppy and stiff, there is a lot of road noise at highway speeds and it is easy to spin the tires in the first 3 gears but if you are a muscle car lover this is all just part of the fun.

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  Better than my S10 - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By kwuerfl - December 23 - 1:53 am

  Love the stiff suspension and handling. I love driving this little truck lots of fun in the dessert.

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  Battery and Transmission - 2011 Ford Edge
  By henry55 - December 22 - 3:57 pm

  Bought 2011 Edge on August 9, 2011. Nov 4 car not stating good. Loss of power when driving. Took to Ford garage said battery post needed cleaning and there was water whicht hey did not know where it came from. Dec 2 once again noticed loss of power, I checked under hood battery very corrided. Took to Ford garage I asked if maybe the battery could be defective they said they would not replace unless it tested no good. It tested no good. New battery put in. Dec 9 Took back to Ford garage not sounding good loud when shifting and slight vibration on brake pedal. Mechanic took it for a drive and said just wind noise I said it was not like that he said that was because I bought it in the

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  Recommended - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By tabbies - December 21 - 6:24 pm

  This is my dads ranger. He fxed it up so its like new, had an enourmous amount of problems(refused to start, worn everything, severe loss of fuel efficiency/performance etc, etc, etc, etc,) Now the brakes work like a charm, brand new engine, trans, tires, etc. main problems=BODY ROLL IS INSANE, my dad could not drive it after a short drive, he had a bad knot in his neck and I drove him home. fuel economy is on avg. 17mpg. you have to keep in the 2-3k rpm band for tiptop perfor/fuel effici. It has decent power. Its a bit loud but I like to hear the engine. overall, if you can find one, and fix it up, buy it. Its a good choice, unless your old and experience frequent joint pains. -_-

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  Explorer poor choice get a pilot or something - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tabbies - December 21 - 6:07 pm

  Bought used in 09 w/ 80k+ miles. Now 105k. Poor fuel economy I avg. 15 city, 16-17 highwy(67-77mph) UGLY interior. Its fine @ first but look at it for a while and you be sickened. Speaking of sickening the tire noise @ high speeds is very. My kid had a stomach bug, and one or the other tire noise or ugly interior finally made him give. I was about to follow suit. Heat failed, leaving us w/ 1 georgia winter and no heat. Drive/powertrain= reliable, luxurys(audio is funky too)=not. It WILL get u from place-to-place, but w/ @ a high price(not $). Dont recommend. (shifts are jerky but u get used to it, easy to maneuver, no cargo room w/ seats up, stick with 1.5-3k rpm for best perfor/effici

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  almost luxury , beware of goodyears - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By kyle26 - December 21 - 3:12 pm

  I have put 2,000 miles on this car and still dont know what to think. From the beginning the goodyear eagles 19" have been a joke, it took 10 tires to get 4 that would balance, huge disapointment however dealer was great and made it right. The ride seems to be quiet at times and real noisy at others, road, wind, tires?? i dont know. however the ride is soft the seats real comfy and all the amenities top notch which leaves me to wonder why the crappy tires. anywho a gtreat car to short lease but that maybe it, still its better tan a cadillac cts.

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  AWD SEL Edge 2012 a Great Consideration - 2012 Ford Edge
  By mtschida - December 21 - 12:35 am

  I live in a mountainous area and have been struggling a few mos. a year with my FWD. It was time to go for an AWD. I also need room for 2 dogs, musical instruments, groceries, grandkids on occasion and was struggling with my smaller FWD sedan. Id put the back seats down on my sedan and the dogs (Border Collies) would slide into the trunk. Needed a bigger car that could hold the road and get up all these hills while filled with stuff...In making my decision, I looked at several vehicles but liked the Edge. Had rented one and was very happy after a week of driving in snow and up and down some big hills. Also loved the tech.