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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  2011 Lariat Limited 4WD - 2011 Ford F-150
  By pr4mncplus1 - January 30 - 10:26 am

  FINALLY, Ford puts a work horse engine in the F150. The 6.2L is a monster in this truck. From the moment it starts, you know this truck means business. My first option for aftermarket was to run dual exhaust but the single side exhaust growl is amazing. And its tuned to be quiet at higher speeds. This truck has no problem pulling an 8,000 pound boat with a triple axle boat. Still trying to fine tune the trailer brakes controller. The Navigation is brilliant, easy to read, basically having a laptop pc in your truck. The display monitor in the gauge pod is outstanding. Very easy to use. So much tech on this truck it is amazing. Paint is better than my Lexus. Great ride!

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  Great car for the money! - 2011 Ford Focus
  By kelstar88 - January 29 - 11:29 pm

  Bought a 2011 Ford Focus SE Automatic with Sync package. I compared this car to all other cars in the same class. I was on a budget... and initially interested in purchasing an Escape but realized how much money it would save me if I went with the Focus. I love having to hardly ever fill up the gas tank. The road noise is a little load, but with the more aggressive, I was able to drive in the snow with no issue. I would recommend this car to anyone that needed something reliable, and not break the bank!

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  Nice car with a few hiccups - 2011 Ford Edge
  By sussexbill - January 29 - 4:01 pm

  Rear hedrests are a big deterrant to rearview mirror visibility. Had dealer remove rear headrests to improve vision in rearview mirror. Can be replaced as needed. (Not used to driving using only side view mirrors) Car is overengineered regarding display package. Interior phone is annoyance to driver when passenger is using it, but speakers can be turned off and hand set utilized. Cargo package absolutely useless (attaches to rear headrests which are now not in place). Needs window shade approach) Car drives very well and seats can be adjusted vertually anywhere. Good power and smart looking lines. Gas mileage 27.1 MPG on interstate 1,000 mile trip.

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  The Biggest Nightmare I Have Ever Faced - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ken1053 - January 28 - 10:32 pm

  This car was a really nice car to drive around, especially having a workplace full of BMWs and Audis. I liked the comfort of the cloth seats and the interior design. One thing I absolutely hated is the reliability. My car is only 2 years old (I bought it in 10/08) and it is the most unreliable thing I ever faced. The car shifts very roughly into gear and the car lurches itself forward. Im not sure if its something to do with the gas or with the transmission coolant recall... I absolutely hate that car now. It cant keep the value and if you did get into an accident with this car (airbags deployed) you will not like the fact that it is 10x more of a bumpier ride. I regret getting this car..

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  THIS CAR JUST KEEPS GOING! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By gradstudent99 - January 28 - 9:55 pm

  Bought this car back in 2005, have had it almost 6 years and have put close to 50,000 miles on it. This car has been through snow storms, and near floods. Has never left me stranded or broken down on me. Has never had a day where it didnt start. This has been the most low maintenance car Ive ever had. Over the past 6 years I cant say that Ive spend more than $1,200 on my car. Which is like an average of $300 a year including oil changes and tire replacements etc. Love this car, and at 140,000 its tickin like it just left the dealers lot.

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  question - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By dinkydiana - January 28 - 1:15 pm

  I have the opportunity to buy a 94 stang for 1400 with 130000is this a smart idea for me to do? it works great, the person bought a new stang so is why offering this one. one owner. it is red with the racing stripes and a spoiler

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  Absolutely the BEST!!! - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By jaxflgymboi79 - January 27 - 9:59 pm

  I have waited for over a year to buy this car. I had an 08 Fusion that I loved but couldnt stop thinking about the Taurus. I test drove it multiple times and every time it made me want it even more. I have had the car for less than a week and it is more than I could have ever expected in a car. My neighbors and co workers cannot believe it is a Taurus and how nice it is. I have had people in less than a week say how much nicer it is than Mercedez, Lexus, Acura, Infinity, BMW, and others like it. They are amazed at the luxury of this car. It has turned more heads in 4 days than anything Ive ever driven. I hope this car lasts forever b/c i love this car and am a proud ford owner

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  Already Replaced Left Turbo - 2010 Ford Flex
  By kjhgr01 - January 27 - 6:44 pm

  I had to wait 3 months to get my Flex built. Steel Blue with Black Charcoal leather. So far so good. I would never think I would own a Ford. I owned many Honda & Acura and one Volvo. I always despite the Ford products because of safety issues. I never felt more safe in that box! The front brakes are kinda weird when humidity is high or wet. I average about 18 - 19 mpg with the A/C on, and about 20 - 21 mpg when A/C is off. At 22500 miles I had to replace the left turbo (leaked oil), an A/C line and a radiator shroud (technician broke it while trying to reassemble the turbo.) I have been using Mobil 1 full synthetic oil since the 2nd oil change. Fortunately my Ford dealer is nice.

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  Taurus is back. - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By vietvet68 - January 25 - 6:59 pm

  My new Taurus is far superior to my 2000 Taurus. That car was fine at the time but the new Taurus has more power and comfort. And its easy to change the oil filter. I change my own oil because I use synthetic and I need to cut the cost. I also only use pure gasoline which contains no ethynol. I expect to get 300,000 miles out of this one.

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  Tapping engine sound in truck cab. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By scottnflorida - January 24 - 1:55 pm

  Bought this truck in May 2010. about 5 months later, I start hearing a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. I figure, no problem. Probably just need to adjust a lifter. I take it into the local Ford dealer and they tell me that Ford has a service bulletin on it. Ford is aware of the noise tapping problem and has determined that this is normal and wont harm the engine or its components. If I heard that tapping when I first looked at the truck, I never would have bought it. After calling Ford, the company refuses to repair or fix the tapping noise. I hope Im able to sell this truck now and convince a buyer that tapping from the engine compartment is "Normal" for Ford trucks.