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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  Fun and Safe to Drive - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Enjoying the EDGE - August 23 - 5:51 pm

  FORD has created one awesome vehicle with beautiful styling and design. Driven the Edge to the switchbacks and rolling hills of the High Mountains in beautiful Colorado and New Mexico. The Engine and Transmission worked great and has plenty of power, and got us to our designation and back home - joyfully. The headlights lights up the road, and does not blind other drivers (awesome). The front and rear seating have plenty of head and leg room. The instruments and switches are very well lighted at night time are all easily visible and with in arms length and reachable. All Wheel Drive (AWD) system makes the EDGE a safer vehicle to drive. The blind spot mirrors made me a safer driver.

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  New Engine? - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Pete - August 23 - 4:56 pm

  For the first 50,000 miles, this truck ran great! Very roomy and comfortable, easy to drive and plenty of power. However, at around 60,000 miles and just 5 years after I drove it off the lot, it suddenly ran terribly and the check engine light came on. The dealer says I need the engine replaced. The warranty has expired and the dealer wanted $9000 to replace the engine! After a phone call to Ford the price came down to $5000. So far, Ive spent about $800 fixing things that might be the problem but unfortunately Im starting to think the dealer is right. I wouldnt think a vehicle with less than 60,000 would need a new motor. Very disappointed!

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  Karmas what I named her - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By karma - August 23 - 3:26 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Stang. I got the v6 Premium and the upgrades are definitely worth it. Kona blue with white racing stripes is so sharp. Handles corners with ease, sounds great, the comfort is there. My friends fight over who gets to sit in the back. Definitely looking forward to modifying it.

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  Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kern - August 23 - 12:37 pm

  I bought this slightly used with only 14k miles. Nice looking truck inside and out. But after only owning it a year, everything started going wrong. Interior lights shorted out and so did the mirror ext. lights. Coil spring went. Mechanic said it was a design flaw that fords knew about it. Wheel bearings all the way around at 40k miles. Power window problems at 50k. Then at 80, rear diff. and trans went so we got rid of it. It was a money pit. It still rode nice the day we got rid of it but too many repairs. My last Ford explorer purchase.

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  Fords got a winner - 2010 Ford Focus
  By robert gatrell - August 23 - 3:43 am

  Great little car. I drove the Mazda3 and Civic this little car is right there with them if not better. You get a great car for the money. I am very impressed. Acceleration on the interstate is great and the handling is nimble but firm. Hard to imagine Im not in an expensive sports car. SES has a great curbside appeal. Ford was definitely listening to consumers when they built this car. 33 mpg all around mileage is another plus.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By aa - August 22 - 9:20 pm

  Great truck. 5.4 engine is great on gas.Only burns about 10 dollars more then my ford focus, per tank. Rides very smooth. Lots of power. you cant even feel when you go up a hill.

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  Well worth the wait! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By shackm - August 22 - 7:37 pm

  Previous mustang owner (1980) and have had a serious stalking issue with this car since Ford introduced the 05 model. I dont care too much for the look of the 09-11 models, and recently found an 06 and bought it from the original owner. He drove it a lot (70k miles), but took good care of it and she looks sweet. So much fun to drive and decent gas mileage too.

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  American Muscle - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By John - August 22 - 1:47 pm

  I was concerned and apprehensive when I went from a Mercedes C230 Sport to the Mustang GT Convertible. On day two I knew I made the right decision. This car rocks! The car generates amazing torque and speed. The exhaust and engine are perfectly matched it makes a deep throaty growl when I get on the accelerator. The handling is superb. The first time I dropped the transmission into second gear going around a corner and goosed it, Im sure I looked like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland I had such a grin. This car is without a doubt more powerful, responsive and refined than the 5.0 GT I bought new in 1990. I am so happy with this car I want to sleep in it. Thank you Ford!

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  Bad Transmission 2006 F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By at - August 21 - 9:06 pm

  At only 18 thousand miles and 3 months out of warranty, the transmission goes out on my 2006 F150 with a 6 cylinder-- Ford did not help with the $3000 transmission replacement either. The bad part is that it is slipping again-- I bought this new thinking it would last, I guess I should have kept my reliable 1988 GMC.

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  Ford Boy Till The End - 1994 Ford F-150
  By FordBoy1990 - August 21 - 8:53 pm

  i bought this truck from a family friend and i love it! it has a 3in lift sitting on 33 in Kumho tires. I love making heads turn when i drive by. even though Ive only had it a short time, it has been very reliable and yes, FORD TOUGH! only problems Ive had is the brake lines had to be replaced and it makes a squealing noise when i let off the gas to break. of anybody knows what that is please let me know! this is my second f150 but my favorite so far. love my truck!