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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  7 yr review: a reliable car overall - 2003 Ford Focus
  By randy - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Just reaching the 140,000 mile mark, car has been very dependable and easy to maintain, and much MUCH cheaper to maintain than the 99 Civic i had before. My Focus has been used as a commuter car, sees a mix of highway and city miles and all four seasons (cold brutal winters) Had a few minor problems along the way, but it never left me stranded or cost a fortune to fix. I would recommend this car, it would be a great vehicle for a student because its reliable and economical.

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  Great Car but beware of Cap-less Filler - 2010 Ford Flex
  By SteveK - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ford Flex is my company vehicle so it sees tremendous use. I really like it and so does my family for home use. Big and very flexible. One main issue so far is the Fuel Filler. The cap-less design is easily damaged and then you cant get fuel in your vehicle, it keeps shutting the pump off. I live in NJ where you cant pump your own gas so I cant control how they do it. Taking to dealer tomorrow to get it fixed but did some research and saw lots of comments on the web on this (not covered under warranty, etc. and it seems to be way too common). So be wary!

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  Superior to my 07 Highlander - 2010 Ford Edge
  By B N - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 07 Toyota Highlander in May 2010. Just turned 6,000 mi. This EDGE has more power,excellent ride & much better on fuel(26 hwy/21 around town) and good looks. With all the rebates & dealing 23,200 before trade in. Glad to be back buying AMERICAN. Ford has a winner here.

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  Lots to Like - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By PeteCz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a midsized sedan with a sunroof and manual transmission that was bigger than a Jetta or Civic. The Fusion is it. Plenty of room for my 65" frame. Power is adequate yet plenty of fun to drive. Smooth gear changes, but I wish 5th and 6th gear werent so close together. Shifting to 6th at 55 mph or so only drops the RPM about 200. Stereo quality is decent. I miss the dual tailpipes on the 2010 model.

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  Follow up on Exped vs. Lambda Platform - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By mk10108 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  500 mile trips. Hauling kayaks, bikes, and stuff for the twins, the Eddie gets better with age. Pile on the payload and it still rides level. Being 66" its the only vehicle I can move the seats up & still fit. Mileage is amazing - getting 20 mpg (3.31 rear end)highway doing the speed limit. Overall Average 16-18 mpg. DVD keeps the twins entertained, while the NAV gets us where we go. No complaints, no regrets. Looking to purchase a travel trailer and the 9K pound capability expands our choices. If youre thinking cross over platform the Expedition is a better choice.

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  Camry killer - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Ford Tough - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the 2010 Ford Fusion to replace a 2004 Toyota Camry. Test drove new Camry, Prius, Sonata, and Accord. Fusion beat them all hands down!! Car is very solidly built fit and finish is excellent! Ride quality is very smooth and cabin is quiet. Steering feel is much better than vague Toyota steering. Averaging 32 mpg in mostly highway driving Engine is perfect mix of efficiency and power. Very glad we bought this over another Camry! Its very nice to have a car with some character to it again!

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  Its been almost 7 years. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BWJ1978 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  It has been almost 7 years since I wrote a review on this truck in 2003. I had some starting off issues with it but let me tell you this truck has ended up being a trooper. It now has 126,891 miles on it and I love it. It is my baby. Sadly, I am having to sell it for financial reasons and it hurts. These trucks are pretty good in my opinion. The transmission actually worked the problem out itself. I have only replaced normal items that wear. The only issues I asked Ford to fix have already been addressed in the 2009 model. Looking at my old review, man have I changed for the better, and my F150 has been by my side the whole way. I thank the Lord for such a great truck!

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  Make sure you extend your warranty - 2007 Ford F-150
  By wnewman - September 19 - 2:00 am

  After 100,000 warranty ends, the truck falls apart. With 102,000 miles Ive replaced spark plugs $350, transmission $2500, alternator $175 on top of the payment I have over 5000.00 in maintenance this year truck is just falling apart with 113,000 miles, rotors again, spark plugs, throttle body, battery, alternator, transmission, differentials, Ford says they have no clue, that I tow too much, me or my truck has never towed a thing and I think they should have at least looked into the problems with this truck but since warranty is over, they want nothing to do with it, been a Ford man all my life, well, thats about to change, so extend your warranty or youll be outta pocket a lot with this truck

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  Impressed - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Backwoods - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Prior, owned 06 quad dodge with Cummins. I wasnt really into the physical exterior design on the F-150. First choice was the Dodge w/Hemi but the drone of the exhaust at highway speeds was more than I wanted to deal with on long trips. Second, Chevy (gas mileage record) but the interior (black fabric) was more than I could handle (cheesy to say the least, plus lints terribly. Anyways, the F-150 is the quietest and smoothest of the three by far. Coming from a Diesel this 5.4 w/3.55 axle is surprising, Would have gotten the 3.31 axle but couldnt get with anti-lock rear. IMO this 5.4 has sufficient power to pull with the higher axle UNLESS you tow heavy/long distance. Averaging 16mpg.

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  Another Winner - 2010 Ford F-150
  By jcagle - September 19 - 2:00 am

  After growing up in a Ford family and owning a 04 and 06 f-150 and an 06 250 diesel i decided to look at other options with chevy and dodge. I quickly realized that Ford had the best cab, best look, and most power with great mileage. This truck has impressed me with its smooth shifting, easy and comfortable ride, and is a very quiet ride.