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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  FORD BUILT TOUGH From Norfolk VA. - 2002 Ford F-150
  By miketerrell - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Not one flaw in the body or interior, 16 - 17 mpg city, 17-19 on the road. Slight delay on accelleration. This is because the hole for the air intake is to small. Put a Air Cleaning Kit on and the horse power goes up and no more delay. No change in gas mailage. Used Dura Shine instead of wax and it never looks dirty. (dark blue paint) Still looking for something wrong but havent found it. Wouldnt you know it, the air conditioning is to cold my glasses fog up when I get out of the truck.

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  Ford hit it off real good... - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Vinnie - August 14 - 6:29 pm

  This is a must ....We love our Flex,,,This car is smooth driving and great in handling not to mention how much room it has on the inside...Leaving for vacation in 2 weeks and we are really looking forward taking the Flex with all the room in it for 5 people we will all be very comfortable for the ride.

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  08 Ford Edge SEL - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Amanda - August 14 - 2:52 pm

  Ive only owned my edge for a couple months. I had a Hyundai elantra and wanted a bigger vehicle since I just had a little girl. I love the room in the edge. I was looking at a few suvs and most of them still looked just as crammed as my car did once I put the car seat in. This crossover has plenty of room for the car seat and plenty of cargo space for my stroller and anything else I might need to take along with me. Also love that it has ac vents in the back so I dont have to worry about my little girl burning up. Its very comfortable even in the back seats. Gas mileage could use some improvement though. I usually get about 22-24 on the highway and about 16-18 in the city.

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  My best car yet!! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By grfxgdss88 - August 14 - 1:17 pm

  I purchased my Taurus in March of 2009. It was a high mileage car (84,000). This little trooper is awesome!! Ive taken several long distance drives (1000 roundtrip) and the gas mileage keeps getting better and better (25.5mpg) The only issue I have with it is when I bought it, the 6-CD changer only was able to play 1 disc. It will not advance. If thats my only issue with this little gem, I have no complaints!!

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  Bad Rear Rotors - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By baberalla - August 14 - 12:46 pm

  Took car in for 20K check up after having it inspected 6 months earlier. Found out that my rear brakes and rotors are bad. Asked how rear rotors would go bad after 20K miles. Was told manufacturing issue but they were not responsible. Also need new tires after 20K. Want to buy American but looks like Toyota may be getting a new customer.

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  super car - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By The forever car - August 14 - 1:11 am

  I bought this car for my wife when she was teaching in Virginia because it had the best crash test data of any of the small cars. It had to have an auto matic trans. I got it with AC AM/FM casette, elec outside mirrors, elec rear defrost and wiper. Every thing still works like new. It has 109000 mi. I keep it in like new condition. Clear coat paint has begun to go away. I wish Ford would make them again. We got 44 mpg when new but that is down to 37. I believe that the fuel injectors need replacement. Has passed smog test everytime. Emissions are about 5% of what is allowed. Super car I have driven this car from Virginia to California 3 times and slept in it several times!!!

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  Great value for money spent! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Richard - August 13 - 7:14 pm

  Exceptional summer toy! I have the 6 speed auto with paddle shifters, not the 6M. Also have the performance package with bigger brakes, suspension and summer tires. (A second set of winter or all season tires is a must have because at below 40 degrees the Pirelli P-Zero summer tires are hazardous to your health! Recommend Pirelli P-Zero Neros ) Acceleration is scary fast especially in the sport mode, and drivability is exceptional. Its heavier than its Camaro counterpart, but much less skittish. Solid, dependable, easy- and fun-to drive. This Mustang has all of the luxury touches that my Lincoln MKZ has (back-up camera, heated and cooled leather seats, navigation, sound system, dimming mirror, memory seats and mirrors, etc.) With the top down its what youd expect; with the top up its as quiet and luxurious as the Lincoln. The "auto press" consistently gives this car bad marks for a buzzy engine and its infotainment system, while ignoring its value and dependability. IMHO they are wrong. If you are looking for this type of car, you must consider it - lest you spend thousands more for a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, or wind up disappointed with a Camaro of Dodge. Drive it - you will be surprised (read amazed).

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  Very Nice Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By smithbt5 - August 13 - 5:56 pm

  This is a very good truck. The handling is the best I have seen on a truck. The ride is very controlled and comfortable, but a little stiff. There very little body roll. Crash test ratings are excellent and even the resistance to rollover is good. The acceleration from a stop is adequate, but not as good as you might expect from the horsepower and torque ratings. Acceleration seems better when passing and merging. I love the deep bed and very large console storage space.

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  Nice Truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By steviewonder 20 - August 13 - 4:22 pm

  Great ride, very comfortable and quiet. Got the 5.4 engine as I got a great deal on an advertised package, and the mileage only 1 mpg less. Getting about 14 mpg in the city, about the same as my old 97 f150 4.7 v- 8. I noticed in consumer reports, they mentioned the truck engine to be a little loud, and the ride a little rough. Wow, I would have to disagree. This engine and tranny is silky smooth and quiet, everyone comments on that who has been in the truck. I test drove some other trucks, but this one really feels luxurious.

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  HAVE A CRACK UNDER THE REAR WINDOW??? - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bakemama - August 13 - 3:29 pm

  I see so many people posting about getting a crack on the body below the rear window, sometimes under the rear wiper. I had that on my 02 Explorer Limited in 05, but had it fixed asap as it was a recall issue. So if your dealer says they cant fix it... thats a bunch of bull. As for my Limited, I dont have it any longer, and wish I still had it! I have a huge commute and couldnt afford the gas when it went up to $5 a gallon, so traded it in for a sedan. Am now looking to get rid of the sedan and find another Explorer. The limited trim and features were excellent and I converted more GMC/Chevy and import guys that hated Fords with it. Also worth noting, never had any mechanical probs with it