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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  3.6L V6 Ouch! - 2011 Ford F-150
  By no_v6 - May 23 - 9:19 pm

  I purchased a 2011 F-150 Crew with 3.7L V6 mainly for gas mileage. 2 months later when the temperature outside got over 90 and in traffic, the truck had a vibration or resonance in the cab when idling with A/C and cooling fans running. I brought the truck to the dealer, but they could not find anything. I noticed another F- 150 with the 3.6 V6 that had revisions to the exhaust piping (Braided hose right before muffler and different mounts). I showed a picture to the Service Rep. He said he asked Ford Hot Line and they know nothing about it. I feel the vibration was coming from the exhaust system. It was so annoying, I traded the truck in for an Fx2 with 5.0L, big difference.

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  Never Thought Id Drive a Ford... - 2011 Ford Flex
  By applesnkids - May 23 - 3:49 pm

  I just went from an 05 Infiniti FX35 to the 2011 Titanium Ford Flex. Did I just really type that sentence? First off, I should say I test drove three minivans Odyssey, Routan & Sienna. Out of the three, the Odyssey was the best BUT, it was a minivan. I couldnt get over the horrid styling of all three. We actually considered the MINI Countryman since its such a fun drive, but the lack of space was a problem. Then, we drove the Flex. Hands down, the smoothest ride. This SUV is big but uses the space wisely. Weve heard nothing but good things from those who have bought a Flex, too. So happy with our purchase! Get one...its totally worth it if you need space but dont want a minivan.

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  So Far High Praise for 2010 Ford Edge - 2010 Ford Edge
  By lnnyri - May 23 - 2:47 pm

  i traded my 08 Hyundai Elantra for the 06 Toyota Tacoma and then traded that for the 2010 Ford Edge SE. I have driven foreign cars all my life after experiencing bad fortunes with Dodge. I decided to go American this time around. Ive always liked to look. The interior dash of the Hyundai is more modern. The seating comfort of the Edge is better. The Tacoma was outdated and too bouncy. The Edge drives surprisingly smooth. The Edge is roomy. I like the ActiveSync and dual climate control, big wheels, and leather seating. I am back on American, I hope it doesnt fail me or I am permanently back on Japanese

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  Excellent Car-WIth its Quirks - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By dcomeau42 - May 23 - 1:02 pm

  I bought a Ford Fiesta SES Hatchback at the end of April. Overall this car is amazing. Its incredibly efficient. I just went on a road trip to Maine and it got 41mpg going back and around 38-39 going up/driving around there. For typical weekly driving I get around 35-37 mpg driving a combination of city and highway. Although driving back roads yesterday i was able to get around 50mpg. Note: The gauge for the mpg on the car is a bit pessimistic.

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  Best Truck Ive Ever Owned - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By teelelen - May 22 - 9:50 pm

  The one words that I think that best describe this vehicle are quality and reliability. Before I bought my 05 Ranger I had a 99 Dakota and was severely disappointed by the quality within one year of owning the vehicle it already had electrical problems and needed new ball joints. With my Ranger Ive never had any problems with it and it still runs strong with a 120,000 miles on it. I think people get stuck on the fact that the interior design is that comfortable and doesnt change that much from year to year. But at the end of the day the Ranger will run strong, work hard, and is of the upmost quality and will be with you for a very long time and will outlast most trucks.

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  Noisy top - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By mustang_1990 - May 22 - 4:51 pm

  The convertible frame it rattles as the car gets into bumpy roads. I know it is a 21 y/o car, but is there something I can do without getting the whole frame replaced?

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  loved it but it didnt love me - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By katepaints - May 21 - 8:20 pm

  I loved this car got it new. Two years into it, it kept shorting out so I couldnt keep lights on auto. Needed a new ignition before 50K. At six years the transmission needed overhauling after it died. With all the technical updates it ran much better. A year later at 129K the engine died. Ford in its infinite wisdom had put a race car engine in it so I really couldnt replace the engine at a reasonable cost. I was incredibly disappointed as I had been very good at maintenance and upkeep. I walked away and bought a 96 Jeep Cherokee which was a lot more reliable.

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  Cant complain one bit - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By roller_k - May 21 - 2:21 pm

  I bought my 96 in 98 with 14000 miles on it. 12 years and 160,000 miles later and it never had a breakdown. The transmission never gave me problems. Only problem after many years was the link to the auto transmission and the back door lock had problems that I never took it in for. I did most of the scheduled maintenance myself and Im no real mechanic. Great vehicle from Ford.

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Edge
  By jbrtp - May 20 - 8:32 pm

  Went from 2007 to 2009 mariner to save gas - no power - chose Edge after looking at Subaru, VW, BMW, Mazda CX7 - good deal on a great car. We really like it. Wanted Sync *worked great on Mercury* did not want MyTouch. So we got an SE and got neither lol.

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  Outstanding truck after 16250 miles (26000 KMs) - 2010 Ford F-150
  By eubor - May 20 - 11:48 am

  We purchased this truck new in mid-Aug 2010 for around $35K, for our general contracting business. Having high expectations after reading all the reviews on this truck, and in our opinion, the only truck that successfully integrated reliability (one of the top requirements) functionality, comfort, fuel efficiency (relative to the size of engine in this case the 292HP, 3V 4.6 V8) and value for the money. GM trucks are good trucks no doubt, but they just cant compare to the F-150 in terms of refinement and overall long-term durability. After 7.5 months of ownership and hardwork this truck has proven to be extremely reliable, refined (very quite and smooth) and is helping our company make $.