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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  Lemon:Transition at 16,000 miles! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jj - January 22 - 12:36 pm

  The first time my 2001 Ford Escape XLT broke down, it was a result of the Serpentine belt falling out of my car due to a loose belt. The second time my Escape left me stranded onthe highway, was due to the V6 transmission. At 16,000 miles my car needed a new transmission. Ford Motor Company promised me an extended 100,000m/ 6 yr. powertrain warranty at no cost. I have yet to recieve the paperwork from Ford I now laugh at their "Committment and Quality" commercials.

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  Meet Isabella - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Katie - January 22 - 11:43 am

  I fell in love with this car at first sight. I had been casually looking for a convertible for about 3 years. When I first saw it on TV in January 2005, it stopped me dead in my tracks. I have always had a sweet spot for the old Mustang GTs, but knew it still had some bugs. What turned my head was the retro body style. What hooked me was how the car performed. After my first test drive I was blown away. The car felt very stable on the road and around sharp corners (really fun actually!) If you were to consider getting the Mustang GT the one thing I would absolutely insist on would be traction control. The GT still has a light rear-end (much better than 2004), traction control is a must!

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  My new ranger FX4 - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By RedRanger - January 22 - 8:10 am

  To start off with I have to say this truck is awesome! I had a 00 Ranger XLT 4x4 and that truck doesnt compare to my new one. With all the features you get with the FX4 package your not left wanting anything more. This is definently the best ranger ever made. I also love the looks I get driving down the road from all the other truck owners, especially since I still havent seen another FX4 on the road yet anywhere.

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  Love my flexy beast! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Bree - January 22 - 7:01 am

  We have had our 2009 flex for a few years now, and I’m struggling with the fact that I may want to trade it in because it’s getting high on miles. The only thing we have done is routine maintaince all the years owning. This car has been so good to us!! We have driven it across country 4 times and it has been nothing but comfort! I have been looking at other vehicles such as the expedition because of our growing family but still keep coming back to the flex. I will honestly just get a newer one at this point. I love it so much. By far the best car I’ve ever owned. My previous vehicle was a Dodge Grand Caravan. So I went from junk to this amazing car!!

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  Definately! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Expy-lover - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Had the thing for near five years; its only a lease so weve got to turn it in in a few months. Love it, the nice firm seats are a plus but it would be nice to have a soft passenger seat. Only for short drives, that is. Great power, roomy interior. Great buy. The new ones dont have th same spacy feel. These trucks can go over everything. When I first acquired this I ran over every curb. I have a son who loved me flooring it so I did on a strait. Its got power, but lacks accelleration

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  A rolling techno geek brick! - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Phillip - January 21 - 3:28 am

  Mine is a Lariat 5.5 crew with 3.5 ecoboost. Oddly not on the trim list?? Its equipped like a Limited and I ordered for towing. FX4; max tailer; and big telescoping folding mirrors. Not a boulavard girly pickup, but nice platinum white one with pulling power. NO SUN ROOF...why? dont need it and weakens the roof in a rollover. It drives serine and is vault quiet. Nice to drive, but with less turing circle than my 2011 XLT 5.5 crew was and the front seats were better in the 2011. . The Goodyear model tires named "Fortitude" model are way too soft 5 ply and presents a jitttery ride with sloppy control. So, i traded them for Michelin Defenders LTX MS (new 2016 model) range load E and its a changed pickup. It is more settled and planted on the road with zero jittery ride Much better handling and cornering. A bit more firm ride due to the E load range tires. This is the tire for this pickup, especially if you want to tow. I have read many complaints about the jittery ride , even in Conusmers Reports. Well, tires are never mentioned how much they effect the performance and handling in vehicle reviews. Ford would sell many more pickups if they would consider this tire as standard for an FX4 and max trailer tow options. Tires matter always...and tire pressure. So far I am elated and looking forward to driving my pickup and pulling my trailer. I would seriously look at the Fords their safety is top rated and build quality is outstanding. I have owned two ford F150s in the last 15 years and all were good to me. BTW...drive the turbo with reason , check tire pressures often and youll get decent economy....forget good gas mileage when you tow......10 is normal. Also, use premium fuel as Ford recomends when towing. You have the engine....use it to its maximum capablity...you paid for it!

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  more power than one needs - 2003 Ford F-150
  By gifted one - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Fords lightning is a true "Bass ass" vehicle........ More fun and neck stretching excelleration than one needs. Turns heads, tows 5000 pound and goes 150 miles per hour.

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  Great car would not have any other one - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MadMan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great improvement from the old explorer and just in time for me to buy mine. I test drove many different suvs and this one is by far the best for the price you are paying. The feel of the car makes it so that you feel like you are in complete control and like you command the road. The cargo room is plenty for caring any of the various things you would need to haul around.

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  25K and not a problem yet! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ZX3me - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this car for commuting, so much fun to drive. Havent had a single problem or warranty repair ...yet, very reliable. In a pinch have had to fit my family of 5 in it...no problem, has a lot of room for a small car. Its just a blast to drive and i am consistantly averaging 30 MPG even when revving it off the line. Its been a great car plus I scored a 60mo Ford loan at 0% APR!

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  Best deal in towm - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ayccya - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The SVT is a screaming deal, especially if you could get it with the $2500 rebate. This is one very fun car. Superb handling, great accelaration, very comfortable ride for a performance car, decent gas mileage and very spacious interior (lots of headroom). All these make the SVT a great commute car. Ive driven Porsche, Audi, Saab, Mercedes and others and the Ford Focus SVT rank one of the highest in terms of fun to drive. The only complain I have is the over aggresive bad-boy styling. I prefer the European vesion RS or ST170 much better.