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:

• 

  Best bang for your buck - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Julio - June 28 - 10:35 pm

  I bought V6 5 speed red Mustang in 2005 and has 47k miles already. No mechanical/electrical issues. Cons: no real pick up in first gear, tires of low quality (poor track in winter/rain conditions), stereo of low quality (keeps the cds inside), some cabin noise, reverse shift difficult to engage, plastic interior of low quality, cupholders useless in current location, dings and bells for seat belts and other conditions extremely noisy and loud. Pros: almost everything else: design, speed, comfort (for 2 passengers of course), trunk space, fuel economy, reliability, etc.

• 

  Perfect Big SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Barry Alexander - June 28 - 1:57 pm

  This is the first Ford I have ever owned and, in fact, the first domestic car since I was a kid. We tested every large SUV from the QX 56, to the Denali and Sequoia. The Expedition was the best priced and best balanced of the entire bunch. The independent rear suspension does make a difference in handling in comparison to the GM Yukon/Tahoe variants. The interior is well thought out and, while there are some rough edges, no where near the interior disaster of the new Toyota Sequoia. If you have a large family and need to tow, this vehicle serves its mission well.

• 

  nice ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By leader - June 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought this new with all the options for a good price. actually paid less than buying a nissan with 4cyl. car is solid. drive very well. i expected a cheap cat and got a gem. for has come a long way in quality. so far no problems and hope i have none.

• 

  Pretty decent car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By er23 - June 27 - 5:29 pm

  Ive had my Probe SE for two and half years now, and I have loved the car. I have, although, had many problems with repairs. I have spent more money on repairs than I have to buy the car. The exterior has very nice styling other than the SE rims. The interior is very nice and comfortable, and the visibility is perfect. I would say the biggest plus to this car is the handling. It honestly handles like a dream. It is overall a solid car despite the constant repairs.

• 

  Solid work truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By W - June 27 - 1:20 am

  My 2wd excab, LB has been in my driveway for almost a year. I go to the dump and back, 4miles RT, and occasionally to Home Depot. Perfect for my needs, wanted 4x4, but no sense in the extra parts to brake for what i use it for. Spent $900 and worth every penny. Just rolled over 100k on it. My only problem with it is the way I drive it, it will probably last forever so I have no excuse to get a newer truck. Replaced a rusted brake equilizer, had a new clutch, slave, and power steering pump before I got it. Slow as molasses on a cold day, but smooth as silk on the highway. As a bottom-of- the-line work truck it rates a 10. No idea on gas mileage. I use about a tank of gas every two months.

• 

  Functional and Sporty - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jay - June 26 - 8:36 pm

  Although the look is nice, the best way to sum up the Focus SES is function and performance. The value you get upgrading from SE to SES is well worth the incremental price increase. On the performance side of things, the SES Focus is very sporty. The steering and suspension are tight and responsive, with rock solid cornering for a car in its class. Its a sports car "feel" in an economy package.

• 

  Looks Are Deceiving - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nailsdiana - June 26 - 4:50 pm

  My husband and I purchased our Sport Trac in Mar.2000. When we first got it we loved it. Everyone turned their heads to look at it. This vehicle is very noisy, you can always hear air noises and whistling. The dealership has tried to fix that and cant. We have been to the dealership with numerous little things going wrong:the alarm system,the keypad on the door,the overdrive switch,and the oilsending unit.This truck rides rough.

• 

  Super truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By JRaney - June 26 - 12:21 pm

  I purchased my truck used in 01 and have owned it for 6 years and all I have done is maintenance and changed the tranny fluid 2x. My truck always starts and runs great. My father in law has an 05 Silverado with a 5.3L and we always use my truck for heavy loads because they crush his suspension and all I have is the 4.6L. All I wish was better fuel mileage but the truck is almost bulletproof and the 4x4 system is great. All it needs is a locking rear differential.

• 

  Surprisingly Fun Car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pbtorres - June 26 - 7:23 am

  I bought my car 2 weeks ago. I travel 15 miles to work, streets and freeway and get about 39 mph. I just took a trip from Orange, CA to Tempe, AZ (365 miles). I got 39 mph going there in the evening and 37 mph on the way home during the day with the A/C on. Im hoping like others that the mileage gets better. We plan on towing it behind the motorhome. Ill let you know how that works out.

• 

  2006 Ford Taurus - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By BigsteelerMd - June 26 - 4:32 am

  Im a big guy 6 feet 5 inches tall and I have ample room. After 2 years of ownership only minor problem with passenger side window. I have owned several V-8 Camaros thru the years so I know a little about power. This car responds well on the highway and I enjoy the ride. I get compliments all the time on my Taurus when its cleaned and detailed it looks as good as any car on the road and I have the pictures to prove it.