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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  Happiness is a Three Year Lease - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Barbara Hunter - March 25 - 2:03 am

  Number one was to drive the most suitable (for us) American based (although made in Mexico) sedan. Focus was new, different, very "pretty" inside, had all the extras needed for each of us (power seat, all the power needed functions, very good steering, quiet on the highway). The lease was very reasonable (three years, full disclosure of the future and a very low interest rate). The only negative (and this was quite negative for us smaller people) was the hump on the rear back seat holding a stop light which reduced center rear visibility.This should be eliminated.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. - 2009 Ford F-150
  By AmericanCarFan - March 24 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned many vehicles over many years, including many trucks. This new Platinum series F150 is definitely one of the best. Incredibly quiet, comfortable and well built. The new 6 speed automatic with tow/haul works very well. Fuel mileage is on par with what you would expect for a vehicle of this weight and size, but I actually find it to be better than many in this category. This truck is so good, even some of my Chevy truck friends are looking at Ford! The combination of comfort and utility, with 11,100 lbs of towing and high load capacity is unbeatable. Kudos to Ford and Ocala Ford dealer for a superior product!

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  I Like the Style - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - March 24 - 4:01 pm

  Ive only had this car now for five weeks, and Im really getting to enjoy its comfortable ride. Although Im the only one in the household, I chose this vehicle because of its high rating, its likable style, in and out. Its a fun car to drive and cant wait to take it on a trip. MPG for me are 24 mixed city/highway, hoping for 30+ on the highway.

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  Top notch vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Keyser Suze - March 24 - 6:56 am

  Very well built vehicle. Strong engine provides 200HP, extremely responsive gas pedal (I am not sure why another reviewer gave 5 for performance?). Gas mileage is better than my expectation; 24.5 mpg with 3 people, loaded vehicle 70 mph average speed, 50% AC for 383 miles. Handling on snow is spectacular. Moves easily on 3 feet unplowed snow, didnt slip during past winters icy conditions. Nice looking white gauges, rugged look overall. Nice job Ford. :)

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  WODNERFUL VEHICLE - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By DKOVACHJR - March 24 - 5:09 am

  I bought my t-bird about a year ago and love it i have the 3.6 l v-6 and it has plenty of power and good gas mileage. I have had no major problems out of it. The only think that i found was that the oil filter is on the front side of the motor and part of the wiring harness and cross member can make it difficult to change but beside this I would recommend this car to any one.

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  Dont buy a 2002 - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By dondi - March 23 - 11:57 pm

  Purchased this Thunderbird for my wife as a "fun car" and gave it to her for Christmas. Within the first week we experienced COP (Coil on Plug) failures. Dealership repaired it under the used car warranty. The following May, with less than 1200 miles added, we once again had a coil on plug failure. (4 bad coils so far). The dealership once again repaired it. It is now 15 months later and we have two more coils failing. That averages out to 1 per thousand miles. Ford initially placed a 10 year/100k mile warranty on the 2003 only model. They have since added the 2004 and 2005 models. The 2002 model owners are left to pay for their own repairs. The COP units are the same for all years

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  No Problems with my soft top 5.0 Manual - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By HJ1906 - March 23 - 8:06 pm

  This car has been a pleasure to own. I had an Acura before pruchasing my Ford, and I was a bit apprehensive about the reliability I would experience. It has been quite a pleasant surprise. I have owned it since it was 7 miles old and I have not had a problem that I did not cause. This car will haul and after owning it for 10 years, I took it to Germany and got to experience driving that I never thought I would get to, for many years. It held its own with the BMWs, Mercedes, Porches and Ferreris. I even took it out on the Hockenheim Race Ring and it was the best 20 euro I have ever spent. The hardest miles driven began at 110,000 for the 3 years there and have had no problems to this day.

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  2009 Ford Edge Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cy - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Big Daddy - March 23 - 3:57 pm

  After months of car shopping and test driving the competition I handed my leased Escape back and drove home new Front Wheel Drive Edge Limited. Black with charcoal interior, vista roof, sync and chrome 18" wheels. Gotta say right now that the front wheel drive gets the mpg up there on the highway using cruise control. I read the book cover to cover and went out to set all my electronics and preferences. Filled it up, got on the parkway, pressed the reset button for the MPG function and took a 2 hour drive. Set the cruise control to 63mph and kicked back to some music. I got it up to 26 miles per gallon by the time I got back. Rpm,s were steady at 1600 for 63 mph so theres the reason.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Rick - March 23 - 2:34 pm

  I have driven many new cars but this one is one of the best I have ever owned. Lots of room, well equipped and very fun to drive. Cant wait to get the new 2010. No problems trouble free, the dealer is great, service is great, I highly recommend this car and dealership. They are the seventh oldest Ford dealer in the US

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  My baby - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Ron - March 23 - 10:15 am

  I love this truck! I bought it used with 225,000 miles on it! No Joke! It runs perfect. It was a Fleet truck for car-quest. Only repairs I had to due are the normal ones with the mileage, alternator and sway bar links. I also just replaced the radiator because of a small crack in the plastic tank but I live on a poorly grated dirt road. I love the gas mileage. Its a 5-speed 4 cylinder and I cut off the stock muffler then threw on a cherry bomb glass-pack and I average 32 mpg, way higher then the epa estimated rating. I found out the ford 302 V8 will fit, planning on getting one. I love these trucks so much I just bought one for my wife( V6 ext cab automatic). Ford Ranger owner for life now.