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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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Fireman31 - October 12 - 1:20 am

  I wanted a truck, but didnt want a full size. Did a lot of research and found this truck to be the best choice out of them all. I get better fuel numbers than i ever thought. Just did a 3000 mile trip and averaged 24 on the highway, and thats with cruise set at 75. Went camping on this trip and the truck was great. Stuffed it to the max. I was able to fit something everywhere. I love all the storage. Toyota needs to get over itself. You cant go wrong with this truck. All Ive had to do is change the oil. Granted Ive only had it for 5000 miles, but Im thoroughly impressed with everything this truck brings to the table. Ford is coming back for a reckoning.

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  From C5 vette fo 05 Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By pathfinder - October 11 - 6:56 pm

  Living in the Texas Hill Country made driving my C 5 Corvette a lot of fun, but I got tired of being surrounded by huge SUVs and pickups. A base Explorer seemed to be the safe, not too big and not too expensive, choice. Making an SUV attractive is sort of like putting earrings on a hog. You can only hide so much ugly, but Ford did a commendable job with the Explorer.

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  This is a Focus!? - 2012 Ford Focus
  By richrocks - October 10 - 1:13 pm

  Ford has really upped their game this new vehicle. The new focus provides a perfect balance between being a “fun to drive” sporty car and a practical fuel-efficient vehicle. The focus is not as fun to drive as a Mazda 3, but gets much better gas mileage. In turn, it does not get as good gas mileage as a Prius, but is much more fun to drive. The focus finds the happy medium. The handling of the car was much better than I anticipated. It holds corners well and the steering is very responsive. fuel mileage. City – 30; Highway – 37-38; Combined 34. Coming from a Jeep Liberty which got 17, I am a happy camper!

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  Big, Roomy and feels like it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Spyglass - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Admitted Ford fan with a strong bias towards Ford products. Though not the strongest engine (5.4) on the market, still very competent and solid performer. I own a 2000 F-150 and am amazed how much better the turning radius is on the Eddie Bauer Expedition. Sound system is superb. Heated and air conditioned seats give a new meaning to comfort. Appears to be well built with not a single problem found in the first 4 months (knock on wood).

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  I think I made a HUGE mistake! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By togobackintime - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This was, unfortunately an Impulse buy. Ill NEVER do that again! Rides as if you are riding on solid rubber tires. The rattles are unbelievable! If you test drive one of these, take it over just the littliest bit of road imperfections, ouch! Gas mileage is shameful! Got a Big Wallet?..youll need it! 5 Years to go & dreading it!

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  Mini-SUV for half the cost - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bjustus - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Roomy and comfortable, excellent handling, peppy. Have driven mine 20000 miles with zero problems. Fit and finish is excellent.

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  Love My Five Hundred - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Shaun - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Five Hundred about a week and a half ago. I love it. The ride is smooth and a lot of people have complimented me on how much they like it after riding with me.

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  Finished with Fords! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Not Again - October 10 - 2:00 am

  While fun to drive, it is obvious that Ford skimped on the breaking and suspension systems of this car. Too bad! Have gone through rotors several times. Struts have also been replaced. Getting sick of this pain in the butt car, and have given up on Ford.

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  Unreliable - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Nicholas stinson - October 9 - 9:42 pm

  This car was amazing at first I loved it but the more I use it the worst it gets, 120000 miles and the ac has gone out twice now and this time it is a compressor, the seat belts don’t work at all they don’t even retract and the driver seat has already ripped. The Bluetooth half the time doesn’t even work and the highest package stereo is horrible the speakers pop at low volume due to not getting enough power out of head unit and amp. The stereo also doesn’t get any louder when you turn it past 4/6ths the volume after that it is pointless. Also things rattle inside the doors non stop from the radio and also from outside rough roads.

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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By WestTenn - October 9 - 1:03 pm

  Ive owned my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport for nearly 4 months and I have no regrets about my purchase. I continue to enjoy the power of the 3.5L V-6, crisp handling, and quiet ride. Its a nimble-enough of a car in-town and a smooth performer on open highways. The leather-upholstered seats are fairly comfortable. I have found the EPA fuel mileage estimates to be very accurate for both city and highway driving (21/26 mpg). Its an attractive car; my friends really like it and strangers have come up to ask me (in a nice way) to find out what kind of car it is! The main "disappointment" would be the brakes -- they could be a bit more resolute.