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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  Beautiful but gutless - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Medic583 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt pass up the deal on the platinum. The Dodge sport had the ride and motor that Ford could only dream of, the Chevy had. Old design on everything and the Ford. Truly has every creature comfort known. Everyone tells me this is the most luxurious vehicle they have ever been in and I have to agree. Needs a real motor though, we use our f150s as trucks and actually pull things. The anemic little 5.4 has to hit 4000 rpm constantly to even keep the speed limit when towing (and cant keep up). Dont try passing, dont expect anything more than an overgrown 6 cylinder Motor brings down the whole reason for buying a truck (no, we dont need a f250).

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  92 Taurus good car to own - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By juanbus12 - September 9 - 12:09 am

  My 92 gl has been running good until it hit 155,000 miles the transmission went on it. I had it changed and no problems with it at 165,000 it drives like new.

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  Saved My Life, Twice - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Shay - September 8 - 11:45 pm

  This car has saved my life two times. The first time, I was in a hit and run accident with a semi-truck the same year I purchased the car. The second time was two weeks ago, and the man who ran into me totaled my car. Luckily, my unborn child and I walked away unharmed (mild chemical burn on hand from airbag). In the beginning the car was fantastic but towards the end (103,000 mi) the CD player failed, I had to get my fuel pump replaced (recall), and the electrical system kept failing. I started pouring lots of $$$ into it. I think of this as a blessing that my car is totaled now. It was a good first car, but now I am moving on to something better.

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  Long Lasting Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By FocusOnWheels - September 8 - 2:51 pm

  I got the Focus in 2000. Other then it not having as bomb a sound system as the commercial made out it ran well and was a perfect tight handling city car. Great gas mileage. It wasnt until the care was 6 years old that it needed attention. (right after the warranty ended haha) I replaced the spark plugs, break pads and starter solenoid in the decade Ive owned her. Not bad eh? I will say that at nearing 11 years old with 190,000. miles. on it. Shes nearing retirement. But this was my first new car. It was a good experience, those to trash it on here might of got a lemon and had no sense to return theirs but overall, Ford Focus is a good line. For its time, 00 Focus was futuristic and fun.

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  1990 Ford Probe LX - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Ron - September 8 - 11:26 am

  I put 264,000 miles on car, It still ran great and got 25 mpg before the salt took its toll on the body. I spent less than a $800 in 19 years on mechanical repairs. under the hood the only problem was the radiator, it cracked at 70,000 miles. If you have a hard time with finding some parts, cross ref. it with mazda mx6. It was very reliable and easy to repair (the few time it was needed. (you must keep front tires balanced, saves on front wheel bearings)

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  My First Ford Wont Be My Last - 2011 Ford Flex
  By MED - September 8 - 11:10 am

  Im in my early 40s and Ive owned cars, trucks, and SUVs of a variety of different makes. This is my favorite vehicle of all that I have owned. I needed a vehicle that would seat 7 and this does so in comfort. My 6 4" oldest son can sit in the 3rd row. The ride is smooth and the car handles well to be so long. Im old enough to remember when SUVs were new, but my kids begged me not buy another SUV. The look of the Flex is much more modern to them. And as far as looks go, we get lots of them when were riding in this car. People love to come over and look at it in parking lots. The people at Crown Ford in Nashville were great to work with.

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  My 2010 Ford Edge is a Lemon - 2010 Ford Edge
  By William O. - September 8 - 2:07 am

  Since I bought it, the tire sensors, Nav system, sunroof, USB, door, power seat, transmission and brakes have all failed. I have 5500 miles on. I have lost it for service 32 days and 3 mornings. Ford has been a nightmare to deal with. Stories, lies, refusal to fix/replace systems etc. I finally had a meeting with cust serv, which was a choreographed show and waste of time. They cant fix everything and wont take it back.

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  Drive Train - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jim.Lewis - September 7 - 11:46 pm

  Does anyone have a squeak when taking off from a full stop. Our 2010 does and would like to know what it is, if it is a fault I would like it looked at before warranty is over. Really like the vehicle other than that.

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  Ford is the best - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - September 7 - 10:26 pm

  With all those reviews about this truck being crap, I had to write my review, I am the original owner of this truck and has had no problems at all, I put 116,000 miles on it and it runs awesome, the transmission shifts great the engine runs just like the day I got it. Also the 4x4 system works great too. This thing held up to hitting a 300 lb deer and came out with just a few things that needed to be replaced (headlight, grill) nothing major, this thing is like a tank it just wont stop I love this truck and am going to continue to drive it to the day it dies!

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cwalsh - September 7 - 4:01 pm

  I have only had this for about a year but have really enjoyed it. We have put new tires and battery but thats it. I have all records from previous owner and as far as I can tell nothing major has ever been done to it. We have done regular oil changes and maintenance. Very impressed with it. Im actually trying to sell it but only to get a van for traveling. Otherwise Id keep it.