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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  Daily Driver - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Eric - August 4 - 1:30 pm

  Ive owned 2 Rangers do far and loved both. Bought my 07 with 250 miles on it, and have put 38,000 miles on it with out a single issue. I would buy another Ranger at the drop of a hat. My Ranger gets 22 miles per gallon, only after some aftermarket parts, but I love it!

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  2014 shelby gt500 convertible - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By jim - August 3 - 8:44 pm

  so I now have 5300 miles on my 2014 Shelby gt500 convertible and feel its time to write my review, first this car can be beast or a pussycat depending on how you want to drive it, if your going to drive it hard you need to be careful, make sure your going straight, the goodyears do not grip great especially if its under 60 degrees out, much better in warmer weather but still need to be careful, this is actually one of my complaints about the car, it has so much power and the gearing is so high that you cant floor it in first or second because youll be all over the road and if you do hammer it lets say up a highway entrance ramp by the time your thru 3rd your at 130 mph, in a weird way its not as much fun to drive because you do have to be so careful and essentially you can only really push it in 3 gears unless you want to get to 150 mph in a hurry. I have had a 2007 Shelby gt500 and a 2007 saleen s281 and while neither could hold a candle to the 2014 they were much easier to drive fast and in a way more fun because you werent as worried about pushing them. That being said the 14 is an incredible car in every other way, the brakes, handling etc are great, even though this car also has a live rear axle it is way better than the 07 saleen and Shelby that I had. I have the recaro seats in mine and they are very comfortable, big complaint is the ford sync system, it sucks period, navigation hasnt been right yet, hands free phone never works, stereo is weakest in any new car Ive ever owned and its the upgraded version with the sub in the trunk, thank god the exhaust sounds so good lol, I realize you dont buy this car for the stereo or navigation but shame on ford for putting this crap in a 70k car. as for driving this car like a pussycat its very tame if you want it to be, the stories about the horrible clutch are bs, the pedal is not too stiff and I have yet to ever stall it, even though its geared so high I can pull into my road at 15mph in 3rd and move fine up a pretty steep hill to my house. Overall this is an incredible car, if your looking for something that sounds incredible, is just about the fastest thing on the road and will command attention this is the car for you

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  The best truck anyone could ever buy - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Gold Ranger - August 2 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this truck with 105,000 miles on it just to drive to work and take the trash out. It lacks in the power department, mine has an auto trans and it shifts perfectly. I love the truck. Ive taken it to the beach, up the mountains, pulled campers, horse trailers. So far no problems other than the AC had a leak cost like 3.00 to fix. Would recomend to anybody! I would like a console and a seat that laid back a little more.

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  The tank - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By blackhaus50 - August 2 - 3:59 pm

  This truck is an animal. Starts everyday and wont die after 20k in 1 year. So far so good. No major repairs yet and my Explorer has 188k on it. AC dont work, thats about it.

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  I was warned - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Gary - August 2 - 8:05 am

  Bought this used with 12000 miles and still under factory warranty. AC wasnt working, needed seal put in. Gas gauge started to flucuate between empty and full along with display message of fuel comp error. Took 4 trips to dealership to fix. Once when I was discussing with a customer his scan tool he had sent in for repair at my job I mentioned I tested his tool on my Taurus. He said, " your tranny and one motor mount will go bad". 6 months later tranny went out at 36200 miles. Ford dealership said it was a stripped pump shaft in torque converter. I get about 29-30 mpg highway with the 3.0L six, but just dont trust the car anymore, will probably trade it soon.

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  Not Bad, Not Great Either - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By GTMan - August 1 - 10:04 pm

  Lifelong owner of sport sedans from Far East or Europe. Living out a childhood vision of owning a sports car with a great American V8. Car is engineered around the powerful engine, not much else. Unlike products from other domestic makers, the understated styling and lack of cheezy exterior add-on is quite appealing. Obviously, this is a recreational vehicle, so it does not dissappoint, great engine sound, accelaration is pretty linear, and suspension is a good compromise. Not meant to make social statement, so no complaints about ~15 to 24 mpg. Overall, not a perfect car, and not for everyone, but just a fun personal toy to have in your garage.

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  Decent Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - August 1 - 12:37 pm

  We bought this truck used with just over 40k on the odo. Now have over 88k and it hasnt been too bad. Biggest problem is the 4x4 low stopped working. I havent spent the money to get it fixed because I never use low range 4x4. Considering this was a first year redesign, it hasnt been too bad. The power is great. The third row is a nice feature. There is plenty of storage. I bought an 07 SportTrac because I was so happy with this Explorer. That being said, I think we are going to get a Honda Minivan next year because we need more space and the reliability/resale value/gas mileage is so much better. Overall, the 02 Explorer is a great family vehicle, just needs some minor tweaks.

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  Why this transmission, Ford? - 2012 Ford Focus
  By - August 1 - 11:04 am

  Theres a lot to like about this car: cool styling, good fuel economy, comfortable, and handles well. My only gripe, and its a biggy, is the "automated transmission." It is very disconcerting driving this car. If test-driving this car, make it a point to do a left or right turn from a dead stop. The car searches for a gear and lurches when it finds one. Not pleasant.

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  Great Ford car! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - July 31 - 10:10 am

  I bought this car because of its low price, great warranty and looks. It has the alloy rims, spoiler, console option and power seat. Maroon color is nice and everyone loves it. Drives like an expensive car. It had 30k. Seat could use some lumbar support, after long drives my back hurts. I traded in my 2005 Chevy Malibu for the Taurus, no regrets so far!

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  Drinks Too Much Gasoline, Too Thirsty - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By suv800 - July 31 - 8:03 am

  We have it for about 2 weeks, Drive like a minivan because its kind a small. Needs a little more horse power. Didnt save much money on gas, not as good as I thought. This thing needs to rise up another 6 inches on the front end area.