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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  Love The Truck - BUT - 2010 Ford F-150
  By USAF Retired - August 18 - 8:26 am

  I absolutely loved my truck upon delivery. However, I quickly found out that when I parked slightly nose- down in my driveway or anywhere else, my fuel gauge and computer would set to "empty". It would not reset until after driving over 10 miles, so I took to dealer. Twice. Said since there is not a service bulletin out...nothing they can do! I dont trust the gauge, and Ive posted many queries on F150 forums and no one else reports this problem. Im hoping mine is unique. Ive contacted Ford since my dealer cant (or wont) fix the issue. I hate paying $30,000 for a vehicle with such a malfunction. Other than this, the truck is comfortable and all I wanted it to be.

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  Not bad for an old body! - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Gonzo - August 17 - 8:30 pm

  In the past 5 years I have owned 3 trucks, a Honda Ridgeline, a Nissan Frontier and the new Ford Ranger. The Ridgeline and the Frontiers were both 6 cyl and gas guzzlers. I dont tow, so I wanted better mileage and a 4 cyl was the one I needed. I settled for the Ranger because I can get it pretty much with everything I want on the XLT model. It is a great small/compact truck and I like this. Mileage is very good and the 4 cyl has enough power for my needs. I was getting 14 MPGs on the Ridgeline and 15 MPG on the Frontier. I get way over 24 in the city with the Ranger and so far almost 30 on the highway. Nice truck for the price.

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  Great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dbay - August 17 - 3:51 pm

  This car is actually my wifes car. She bought it nearly new and has done little maintenance and received so much more in return. Just replaced factory brakes at 90,000. No major repairs to date. Handles great in the snow and gets about 34-36 mpg. We love it.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By MaiTai - August 17 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 2010 Focus after my Jetta died, havent missed the Germans since. Ford has managed to pack a whole bunch of gear into a nicely priced package. I was originally wary, seemed way too small to me, and then I sat in and drove it! Sync goes way at the top of my list of favorite features, as well as the heated seats and other luxury amenities. I have the automatic which shifts smoothly and is still fun to drive. quality is great and everything feels solid. I would buy another Focus again in a heartbeat.

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  Love the car, hate the realiability! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By flnycus - August 17 - 10:45 am

  This has been a great car to drive, fun, like the comfort, the seats, easy to get around NYC in. However, it has been in the dealer far too many times. 1. Vibrating/Noise from the rear when breaking, in to dealer 3 times, still not fixed. 2. Electric mirror went out. 3. Transmission fluid leaked. 4. Transmission slipped/broken only 35k miles. 5. Paint peeling off car revealing gray undercoat in 2 places at 35k miles. 6. Trim paint flaked off doors 3 times. Maybe we got a lemon, but i would buy it again if it was reliable, but with kids i depend on the vehicle and i need it with me not at the dealer!

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  11 Years and Still a Good Vehicle - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Vin Tanner - August 17 - 9:43 am

  Bought new. All issues are normal wear and tear: control arms replaced @ 90,000 miles. 2 coils replaced in 10 years. Outside of that: Nothing! Change the oil regularly and drive responsibly and you get a good vehicle. Safety: superb. Mileage decent for big heavy SUV: 19 Hwy Controls simple in old vehicle. Reliability: 5 star. Safety: 5 star Comfort: 4 star. I see these all around town, Ford did well with this SUV. Would buy again, would recommend. 4.6 L/ 4 speed. Thanks

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  The Best SUV You Can Buy - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - August 17 - 1:36 am

  Ive owned Explorers since they were introduced and have owned several. I have used them for business. They are, absolutely, the best, most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. New or previously owned. I still have the first one I bought. It has almost 290k in mileage on it. Other than standard maintanence, oil changes, tires, brakes, scheduled maintenance, etc. I have never had not one single problem with this vehicle. Not one. I just purchased a very low mileage 2008 limited. And its like coming home again. Only better. The one that I have is a 99 and its like the every ready bunny. It just keeps going and I love the new one. These are really fantastic SUVs.

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  Throttle Body Issues at 41,000 miles - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By lrm - August 16 - 8:03 pm

  ALERT ALERT-Do not buy a Ford Freestyle! FORD you need to recall this car to replace the throttle body in all models at FORDs expense. A $900 repair on a car this young and with such low milage is an engineering problem, not a normal repair. To make matters worse, I brought the car in while still under warranty with the same problem. Service charged me $148.00 to run the diagnostic test on the computer and said it needed a tweak. I now know why. FORD didnt want to pay for a new throttle body. After completing my research on this problem, I found dozens of others with same the problem. Shame on you FORD. Fixed Or Repaired Daily.

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  Ford tough little truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By JL - August 16 - 5:56 pm

  I highly recommend this tough little truck! I bought it new and still drive it daily. The only things Ive had to do is regular maintenance and tires and the typical things such as alternator at 85,000 and brakes every 20,000 on the front. Following the Ford maintenance schedule keeps it moving along. The 4.0 provides plenty of power.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - August 16 - 3:21 pm

  Very Glad I bought this car. Handling defies its size and the ride is that of a limos. Trunk is massive and the styling is very sexy in and out.