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:

• 

  Two thumbs down for ford! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By David - April 1 - 12:29 pm

  Been sent in for transmission issues 4 times since first purchased new in 2012. Everything from grinding slipping and rolling backwards no repairs every worked just told thats how it works , now at 56k miles the transmission quit completely! Radio repairs multiple times now it just flashes " indexing " car should have been recalled. Nobody in their right mind would own or purchase this unit.

• 

  Misleading MPG - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By izzy20 - March 30 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 months now and I think Im now a decent hybrid driver. However, I dont think this car can deliver 47 MPG. Theres an instrument on the dashboard called Fuel Economy that shows your average MPG. I ALWAYS reset it when I fill the tank and I ALWAYS get 51/52 MPG when I need to refuel. I was excited I was getting "52 MPG". However, I also ALWAYS reset the dashboard TRIP 1 mileage counter when I fill the tank. I started noticing that I consistently get approx 560 miles per gas tank when I end with 52 MPG. Unless Im missing something, 560 miles divided by 13.5 gallons is only 41 MPG. I dont understand why the dashboard shows 52 MPG when I only get 560 miles per tank.

• 

  Comfort - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By gary maddox - March 30 - 8:33 am

  The car isnt designed for tall people to drive. Cant tilt the steering wheel to see fuel, temp. gauges. Not good tilt system. Not enough leg room. When seat is all the way back arms are extended so far youre tired when you drive very long. The car wanders. Trunk is too heavy, hard to open. Hood has prop. Trunk light isnt located good and times off to soon.

• 

  Bad Ford - you should know better - 2000 Ford Focus
  By badcar - March 30 - 2:00 am

  There have been several recalls on this car including the rear wheel bearings. I wish I could get rid of this thing but the value has been dropping much faster than I can pay the car off. They have had to replace the complete breaking system after only about 25,000 miles and the wheel bearing went bad coming home on Christmas day with the kids in the car. Im about ready to tell Ford Credit they can have their car back.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By shakey - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Owned it for almost a year and 60000km (37000 miles) with absolutely no problems to report. Great 4wd in snow. Unless you are very short, dont waste your money on side bars - all they do is get your pants dirty when you enter/exit the vehicle. My best fuel mileage has been 29mpg (imperial gallons) on the a long highway trip with cruise control at approx 65 mph. This vehicle has outstanding performance with the 200hp v6 duratec. I would recommend this vehicle.

• 

  2004 Expedition is a great value - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Natiman - March 30 - 2:00 am

  If your goal in life is to break the 1/4 mile super stock record, this is not the truck for you. What this V8 has is low end musle, brute force, stump pulling tourqe. Expect no better than 14 mpg average, highway drivers may get as much as 18mpg. Standard equipment on the XLT 5.4 4X4 includes rear A/C and heat, 125 watt sound and enough seating options for any family.

• 

  Awesome SUV!!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Hairbear - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is totally awesome! The ride is smooth, the power is great, the seats are comfortable, the sound system sounds beautiful, 4X4 powers thru snow and MY WIFE AND I BOTH LOVE IT!!!

• 

  NC Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rob and Sue - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling, pleasing car - great pickup, ease of steering. One of the best cars Ive owned, driven - very comfortable. I haul wife and two labs; the labs ride in back of back seat - safe secure spot to tie them in.

• 

  I Love it!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By IrishRover56 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it a short time, but I love everything about it.

• 

  Family Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Xyooj Vang - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the American family luxuary truck. I have tried all the the big three; chevy, dodge, toyota, and none of them attract my vision. This 2004 F150 is the one. It has everything I want. If you any of you are looking a luxuary truck, dont go any further. Ford is the one without the FX4 Pkge. It ride like a sedan. It has everything a driver need for a family of five. Nice job Ford!