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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  Disapointed with Ford transmission again - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Nick - January 24 - 8:13 am

  The ride is firm but comfortable,steering is taut without being overly so, vehicle corners well and the interior is a class act, but unfortunately all this is marred by a transmisson that takes all the joy out of the driving experience. I purchased a demo w/16000 miles on odo. Clearly I didnt take the vehicle for a long enough test drive. When going down hill or coasting to a stop when speed drops to about 40 the transmission down shifts & slows the vehicle so quickly you end up having to give it more gas. This vehicle is supposed to have a CVT transmission which is supposed to shift smoothly. Well apparently no one at Ford got that memo. This is my third and last Ford.

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  Quality & Value - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bpayton63 - January 23 - 3:53 pm

  I have been very disappointed with the quality if this car. I have had to replace a front wheel barring not 2 months after purchase and have had transmission problems this car does not have the power you cant pass unless your going down hill or have plenty of room it does not feel safe on the interstate. The battery terminal went bad and that had to be replaced too. The interior is cheap and the seats are already separating (I weigh only 125 lbs) and the trunk doesnt say open. As far as design and comfort I love it that is why I purchased this model. Unfortunately youd better love it because there is no trade in value my $16,000 car is only worth $7,600 depreciated 1/2 in 8 months.

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  Old Dog, New Tricks - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By brettsgirl - January 22 - 6:52 pm

  There seems to be a lot of poor reviews out there for this aging little truck. My questions may be: What is the best selling compact pickup ever? What is the most "bang for the buck" that you can get out of a compact pickup? Believe me when I say that Ford Motor company is not without its reasons for keeping this little truck around. Money, and lots of it! I love my brawny little workhorse! After driving some of the competitors overpirced products, I found myself with Ford again. People complain about the ride: well, it is actually a truck, not a thimbly little car, with a box, and cab! I can go places with my untouched Ranger that most big trucks wouldnt dare!

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  2016 Ford Explorer Sport - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By James Alexander - January 22 - 8:06 am

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  Inexpensive for a reason - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Carreview - January 22 - 7:02 am

  Fun engine. Comfortable interior. Poor build quality (several of mis-fitted/mis-aligned body panels, convertible top issues, windows are aligned differently, when compared to each other, etc.). Long-term reliability unknown, but build quality leaves something to be desired. Price likely reflects use of cheap parts, which could call into question long-term durability. In summary, its a fun, modestly- priced convertible with questionable quality control and unknown long-term reliability. It just does not give the same warm fuzzy that a Honda or Lexus does in terms of solid build quality right off the dealer lot. Buy only after you have noted these cautions.

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  Always a blast - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By mystangsally - January 21 - 4:04 pm

  Every car I drove before this one was a GM product, and I knew something was missing. Then, one day my little brother show her to me. Since October of 2003 I have been a proud owner of my Stang. Bone stock when I bought it, but since then have put in a Tremec Trans. BBK tuned headers. flowaster exhuast from headers back. BBK air intake and 430 gears. Still my daily driver, and its the greatest car Ive ever owned. Only problems ever was the trans. (my arrogance), tie rod end, and radiator. There was a recall on the emergency brake kit, but not a big deal.

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  Joy to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By H. Graf - January 21 - 4:53 am

  My wife and I have owned the 2006 Escape for three months and broke it in on a 1800 trip up to the Pacific Northwest during the holidays. The weather was awful, but it gave us an opportunity to test this vehicle under stress conditions -- hard rain, wind, fog, bad pavement, etc. It responded well with the situation, especially in heavy traffic during storm activity, when other cars unexpectedly stopped or abruptly turned in front of you. The mileage was quite good in such an adverse weather condition -- about as high as 27-28 mpg.

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  ford t bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By samantha12 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  design flaw . .drivers seat belt flips back to nick the chrome side panel as well as black interiot . .have seen this problem on several. rag top up gives more visibility . rear view mirrow at night not great should have compass in mirror . cruise control hard to put on . .button in awkward spot . hard to put hardtop on if single person . need 2 people . overpriced for what you get . . dealer really scams with addons . etch glass, etc. can be done free at PD.

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  Ford Ranger XLT LB 4WD - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Dale Gould - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I really like this truck I have owned it for ver a year, I cant find anyting really wrong with it. To pick it apart I would recomand anyone to buy the 4.0 it gets the same gas milage as the 3.0, I would also add an extra 2 inches of leg room. However I have been very saticfied and it had convinced me that my next purchase will be a F 150

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  Mudding Machine - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By hockeyfreak55 - January 20 - 9:02 am

  I use my Bronco as a daily driver during the week and on the weekends I take it mudding through the Georgia red clay. Although mudding and off roading put years of wear and tear and the only complications I have were do to my stupid teenage invincibility beliefs totaling $1200 in parts, but I wont make that mistake twice