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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  A great little truck. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By burninrock24 - April 5 - 1:05 am

  The option for my model was not above. I drive a 1998 XLT 4x4 w/auto transmission. I bought the car for $3,000. with 146,000 miles on it two years ago as my first car. It is still running strong to this day. It has had its usual maintenance, that is a given for any car of this age. Sure, it has its quirks, but regardless, this is a great little truck that will never fail you.

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  Born to Be free - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ybbaw - April 4 - 5:06 pm

  Recently purchased a used Ford Fusion SEL. my first impression is that the quality of the ride is good. Heated seats are nice and duel control air works well. Im sure as we put a few miles on it and situations change Ill have more to say about the car. But, for now its a nice ride for the money.

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  Very Pleased!! - 2011 Ford Flex
  By flexfield - April 4 - 9:45 am

  Just bought the 2011 Ford Flex Limited last week and loving it! This is the first Ford I have ever purchased and I am very impressed! It has a lot of features and options of higher end luxury cars and suvs. Love that the limited comes standard with Nav, premium sound, back up camera, heated seats, power driver and pass. seats, and HID headlights!! One thing it has over others...SYNC! Still figuring it out, but it is pretty nice to have! The ride quality is superb so far after the first 250 miles and the V6 stands up when you need to mash the pedal. Rear passenger leg room is VERY spacious and comfortable, especially with reclining the seat!

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  2011 SEL - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By brachmw - April 3 - 6:38 pm

  I have had my SEL for 6 months now. Cant say enough about it with the possible exception that big and tall drivers will be a little cramped on the drivers side. I am used to spacing my legs out side to side, but it is difficult in this one.

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  Excellent truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By thesauce05 - April 3 - 6:30 pm

  I bought my truck in 2004 to replace a totalled 1997 EXT cab Ram (which was a crappy truck). This truck is has been great. 11 years old and still going strong. Im actually surprised to see people complaining on the amount of power they get out of their trucks. I mean, 4.6L isnt much, but I get tons of power for such a small engine. Ive never had to do any major work and only recently has small things began to go wrong (ABS light, AIR valve, rusted fuel tank straps). Everything else on this truck is in top notch working order. Engine runs great and starts up in the coldest weather every time and the transmission shows no signs of stopping, even with 127000 miles. Next truck will be a f150.

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  Fun to drive! But not exactly the best built - 2001 Ford Escape
  By candybandy - April 3 - 3:36 pm

  I love to drive our fun Escape! I love it sooo much! The problem is, it hasnt even reached 150K and its already causing more problems more than its worth. Around 70k one of the back door locks broke, and ever since then its been a downhill of brakes, tires, lights going out, fan belts, you name it. Right now our transmission is going out and Im very sad. Its parts act like its well over 200k but it looks almost brand new! I love the smooth ride of this and the quick turns it does. Its a great small SUV. Since this is a first year, I think if you bought a later model you would be better because they probably would have all the kinks out.

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  Great Car for Reasonable price. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By lilkk - April 3 - 1:13 pm

  Ive owned my 2003 Ford Focus ZX3-5 speed manual since July of 2003. For being a lower priced vehicle I couldnt have asked for a better more reliable vehicle. Ive only had two problems over the last, almost, 8 years. The first full summer I owned the vehicle the A/C went out, but was covered under warranty-no hassles. Recently I had to replace the alternator, otherwise besides routine maintenace it has been a fantastic reliable vehicle I couldnt be happier. When I bought the vehicle I was just going to college. The storage in the back of the vehicle is amazing for the size. For being a small vehicle it handled Wisconsin winters very very well. Definitely recommend Focus.

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  Ford Ford Ford what can I say - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By chevylover229 - April 2 - 2:21 pm

  I hate ford now. thats all I have to say(bought with 4,253 miles)(broke down with 4,950 miles on it)

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  2006 traded for a 2004 Tahoe thats better - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By chevylover229 - April 2 - 2:19 pm

  we have 7 kids (4 at the time we bought it in(2006) it looked OK, were we ever wrong. The only good thing about it was it broke down under warranty(16,320 miles) it was used with 15,000 miles on it we barley owned it. every thing under the hood needed to be fixed, Everything. and ford wouldnt fix it. and it was under warranty.

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  2011 Yellow Ford Fiesta Hatchback SES Automatic - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By ceg1001 - April 2 - 12:16 pm

  I traded in my 08 Ford Mustang, to save some money on car payments and Gas. I have not been dissapointed. This car has the best MPG I have seen in any car. I do 40 mpg in the highway and 33 mgp in the city, versus 19 mpg with the Mustang. The car came with SYNC, Ambience Lighting, Sirius radio, and Cruise Control. The car handles rather well on the highway, you get the feeling that you are driving a midsize sedan. As far as interior space, I can fit two car seats in the back and drive comfortably in the front. The trunk space is decent. I would recommend that the add an armrest on the drivers side. I was aprehensive with giving up my Mustang, but I am now certain that I did the right choice