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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  Fiesta Wins Hands Down - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By snowcrash7 - January 17 - 10:06 am

  I test drove 3 cars last week. A Mazda 2, which had the dash pressed up against my left knee and smelled of burnt oil after doing 70 on the highway. The Honda Fit Sport, which really surprised me on the highway. I had it at 70 and the engine was over reving, like it wanted to be shifted into a higher gear. I was looking for an over drive button but the dealer who was also in the car said it didnt have one. That was a shocker.

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  1st Ford Ever and Love it - 2010 Ford F-150
  By rdd007 - January 16 - 7:12 pm

  I thought my dad might have a stroke when I bought this F150......Ive had many GM trucks and all had good luck, but decided to change. I really love this truck....got all the options moonroof, nav, rear camera, etc. I decided to get the max trailering packae w/ 3.73 gear and havent noticed any difference in mileage from several friends 3.55 gears. Seems to hold gears a little better. The 5.4 has plenty of power, but could use more (will be doing a programmer soon) just doesnt have the pep that my Chevy 6.2 has. It rides great and has tons of room and its perfect for me with family and a job that keeps me on the road. Will give the ecoboost a try when its been proven.

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  truck that wont stop - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By will_walk - January 16 - 12:30 pm

  im 18, father gave me this truck when i was 17 nev failed me milage read apprx. 745,367 mi. love the acceleration of the manual tranny. i can blow most cars off the road.

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  Good Truck! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By miamioolite - January 15 - 4:37 pm

  Good, basic, truck. No real mechanical problems, I had the tow package so the rear end was squirrely without some weight in the back. The gear box felt like it was taken out of a Sherman tank but it was solid and always worked. The ride is...well rough but, its a truck. the seats are great the radio was great and the clearance and 4WD were excellent. I drove it around forest service roads in Montana for a year and never got stuck, not even close. This is a good all around truck. Not a refined driving experience...but hey,its a truck. Gripes? only small ones, the rear window always whistled...and you can see the jagged edges of the sheet metal on the body. Need a SMALL solid truck this is it

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  fun car to have - 1999 Ford Contour
  By gooddriver250 - January 14 - 11:04 pm

  This is a fun car too have it gets you to where you need to go. Few problems but nothing big. I have about 11,000 miles on it and it still drives like I just got it. I don`t cool in it but its a ride and it beats riding the bus every morning for school. Need to replace the muffler system but I been needing an excuse to get a louder muffler. Good car handles great and its the only car I will ever trust in the snow and rain. Thats big, but you got to remember its a FORD!

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  2011 V6 Mustang-Hesitation - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By richardzuccaro - January 14 - 2:20 pm

  Overall my 2011 V6 Mustang with automatic transmission is a really fine car EXCEPT for the 1-2 second hesitation when trying to accelerate suddenly for passing or entering a highway. The dealer claims its probably only a half-second delay but I confirmed again its close to 2 seconds. At age 61 I am not drag racing. This hesitation has been quite dangerous several times( praise the Lord for his protection)before accelerating like my first new muscle car, a 1969 GTO. I was a part-time auto mechanic in 69-70 and will research the possible cause since the Ford dealer has failed me.

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  Whatta Steal w/the Special 2.3L Engine - 2003 Ford Focus
  By wnyfordguy - January 14 - 1:58 pm

  Bought this used on 3/31/09 w/58k miles for my eldest son to commute to college. I got it cheap after previous owner bought it damaged the prior fall - it was in a front-end collision he did most of the repairs himself. Regardless, this car is solid! Its amazingly quick for a 4-banger. Thats because it was sold in NY, so it has the 2.3L Duratec PZEV engine that produces 145 HP, as opposed to the weaker 2.0L engines that came with most 03 MY Foci. Around the town gas mileage is OK-to-Very Good (21-24 MPG), but its great on highway trips (up to 29 MPG). Also, its very comfortable and fun/different to drive - maybe thats what others refer to as this cars "European" feel.

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  NOT Getting My Moneys Worth Anymore - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By wnyfordguy - January 14 - 1:07 pm

  Since my 1st review 1 yr and 8 mos ago, it has cost over $4500 to maintain this SUV. Dont get me wrong - its still very functional & great to drive. Its never left me stranded. But only 15k miles more (67k) of soft driving turned it into a money pit. Best ($$$) Goodyear Fortera TripleTred tires only lasted 29k, lots of brake work, rear bearings (fronts went at 50k), and last & certainly not least, just got a rebuilt tranny. Ive owned 12 Fords since 1984, not one a lemon, but this comes the closest. Dont buy one of the 02-06 models unless you have $$$ to spend on repairs.

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  Transmission Gone - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By ashley7979 - January 13 - 4:00 pm

  After 1,700 miles, my (automatic) transmission went out. I really picked a winner! lol

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  6 Speed Manual - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mnfusion - January 12 - 10:37 pm

  I bought my Fusion 8 monthes ago and have already racked up 26,000 miles. So far I have had no problems to speak of. Gas mileage with the 4cyl. manual has been between 26mpg and 32mpg. Overall very nice vehicle. It runs quiet and smooth down the road and gets up and goes well for a 4 cyl.