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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  So far so good - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By dj1096 - July 24 - 7:55 am

  I bought my Taurus used in 03 with 24K on it. Since I have put another 54k and have had very few problems. The most recent was a water hose that busted. Other then that I havent had to put much money into it for major repairs (knock on wood). I have all the comforts I wanted (leather, moonroof, spoiler and tinted windows) without having to pay a premium. I average about 21 mpg. The only problm is I lost my a/c a couple years ago and didnt want to pay the $300+ to have it fixed. Otherwise Im hoping I can drive this for another 5yrs.

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  Still love it - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Cobrasix - July 23 - 2:26 pm

  I am one of those that will truly mourn the day I have to get rid of my Explorer (though my wife will not). I love the styling. I still love driving it. Perfect size in my opinion. When we drive into Boston, we prefer to take it due to relatively small size, curb hoping ability, age, and slow speed manueverability. I used to do a lot of off road and beach driving with it. Sure, its had its issues. Only 1 transmission rebuild in 320k miles. Original AC compressor is shot, fan motor is intermittent, 2 power windows dead. All in all, better then I would expect a car with 18 years and 320k miles would do. I have newer and nicer cars, but this is still my favorite to drive everyday.

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  Near the top in minis - 2006 Ford Escape
  By hughie - July 23 - 1:03 am

  I have hammered and hammered my Escape, driven 5,500 miles RT from Southern Cal, no problem. I average about 21 mpg. I nearly red line the little dude on a daily basis. Of course I use synthetic oil and rotate the tires every 5k. This has to be one of the best autos Ive owned, Euro and domestic. My tires have thousands of miles left (Goodyear). Im at 46k miles in just under 2 years.

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  Pony cars rule! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By redtang - July 22 - 9:22 pm

  Had my convertible now since May. My 2 year old loves going for a top down ride! The wife even likes it. I love the car but it is nowhere near perfect and is about to get some serious competition.

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  Hello fellow Fordeneirs - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Daniel - July 22 - 9:07 pm

  I bought the truck with 169,820. I put about 4200 mi on it since may 08. Gets about 20 hwy 15 cty, always starts, its very peppy. I put a cherrybomb on it and eventually I will put 265/75/16 on a 2wd. I hoping itll pay off in the winter. All in all great truck to own!

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  Excellent Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By carambo - July 22 - 12:05 pm

  I have had many Fords but this truck has been the best. Very very few repairs except those from wear and tear like oil change. I live in the woods so it gets a beating and holds up. I get about 21 mpg driving while my husband gets about 18 mpg with this truck. I truly love this truck and dont want to trade it in for a more fuel efficient vehicle!

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  Ford Ranger 2008 Supercab 4x2 I4 Auto - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Eric - July 22 - 10:52 am

  I have driven 2186 miles and have averaged 20.48 miles per gallon with the AC on all the time in Florida. Its a fun truck to drive. The interior is well designed but, the back cab area is hard to use. If one side of the rear cab area opened the interior of this truck would be perfect. The truck has average power. I dont feel like other drivers are pushing me from red lights and stop signs. I am an average driver, not very agressive and not very slow. The cloth seats and carpet are nice. The steering wheel is positioned very well for long drives. Overall I am very happy with this truck and I am sure that I will keep this truck for a long time.

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  great small wagon - 2005 Ford Focus
  By richard e fisher - July 22 - 10:36 am

  Great gas mileage; very, very good acceleration; maintains cruse speed.

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  Well equipped, but problematic - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Matt Wolvington - July 21 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my 06 Freestyle new in Florida. Love driving the car, and hauling 5 kids (in carseats) in it. Only issues with car is the rubber door molding keeps falling off, the rear brakes need replacement again (replaced under warranty at 26000 mi) at 52000 miles (Front pads are original), and vehicle goes into "reduced power mode" anytime it gets a bad sensor reading. This means the RPMs wont go over 2500 and 0-60 times are around 30 sec. Last time it happened, I turned off the car and restarted it to fix. The time before that I had to replace the air filter (no, it was not the orig.) Also, occasionally, the engine will surge in reverse making it difficult to not hit something.

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  Mixed bag - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norskie - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Mixed feelings: My wife (its her van) loves it. In all fairness its been reliable and strong running, no problems with engine, tranny or electrical. For all the bulk and weight mileage is no worse than expected, and it is responsive and powerful. Safety rating is wonderful. However, sheet metal seems very weak, dings appear at the lightest touch of someones door or shopping cart. Interior wears FAST, seats are just plain cheap. Sagging and worn looking at 45k, were never comfortable in the first place.