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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  Explorer Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David Temple - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  I recently purchased a new Sport Trac. This vehicle met the needs I wanted. I didnt need or want a full size pickup. But I wanted a bed to haul items that wouldnt fit inside a normal SUV. I wanted light duty towing capability and with 5300 lbs it easily meets that need. I have found that is has a quiet and smooth ride on the road. The seats are very comfortable. The interior is user friendly and the console easy to see. It isnt loaded with a lot of fancy electronic gadgets unless you want to add them on, which I didnt want. I have found it has smooth acceleration. It doesnt snap your head back but I wasnt looking for a sports car. Really good low end power and the brakes stop on a dime.

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  Were pleased in Clifton, Virginia! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dave and Ann - November 7 - 1:23 am

  Our 2005 Lariat is a well built luxury full size pick up without the Lincoln LT price. We note excellent workmanship with no rattles, loose trim, or mechanical problems after 4,000 miles. We receive lots of positive comments from friends, neighbors, and strangers. The 2005 has improved safety and structural integrity over our two previous F-150s a 1997 and a 2001. The 2005 has more power for towing than our previous 2001 5.4. The 2005 has excellent driveability and is very comfortable on long trips. You are only reminded that you are driving a full size truck when you stop to fill the gas tank (14-19mpg range), but with the need to occasionally pull a horse trailer there is no better option!

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  Poor MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - November 6 - 4:17 am

  As a former Prius driver, I was excited to try out the Ford C-max because it provided me with a bit more room for my kids in the back seat. In the Prius I was averaging 42-44MPG depending on the season. So when I saw 47MPG I figured I would at least get the same if not a little more MPGS. I am very aware how to drive a hybrid to get the most out of it as possible so when I can not get the C-Max to get over 34 MPGs it makes me very disappointed. There should be more real life testing and accountability for the company that is going to market a product knowing full well that the product is going to fail because consumers are going to have to drive up hills and in the winter.

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  Great summer car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mandy - November 5 - 4:01 pm

  I purchased my Mustang about 2 years ago in Florida and then moved back north. This car has been wonderfully reliable taking me to and from Florida. My only complaint regarding long trips is that the drivers seat is horribly uncomfortable and I really get poor gas mileage. Until recently I havent had any problems with the car. Lately the convertible top back near the window has been leaking and now I am dealing with wet floors. I think it is mostly due to the Florida sun drying out the top for 5 years since it was never garage kept. I get tons of compliments though!

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  Freestyle Favs and Frustrations - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By khkocher - November 5 - 7:36 am

  I like my vehicle because it has enough room for a group, the mechanisms are easy to use, and I do like the extra cup holders. We did not like the upholsetry. It is so hard to clean. If you spill water, it leaves a wet ring. That has been my biggest frustration.

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  Ford Expediton Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 95convt - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle with tons of space and an outstanding interior design. The largest and most comfortable rear seat I of all the SUV I tested. The fold down rear seats provide a large level cargo area and still give you 5 passenger seating.

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  I love our new truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CODY - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints with it i love my truck. After 3months my backup sensors went out and i had to add something for the rattling..i just 2 days ago put a fabtech 6 lift...it doesnt even look like the same truck. im now waiting to buy the 2005 F-250 and give my wife this truck

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  Shame on me - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Lorne - November 2 - 10:29 pm

  Just purchased my 2nd F150. Told myself I wasnt going to buy another Ford truck again.I was tricked by the interior and exterior design and style of the truck, far superior to any of the others. My problem is with the way the truck shifts. The 4 speed auto feels lazy and sluggish when shifting. Also, the rear end clunks when the tranny downshifts when accelerating from a lower speed.(same as my 1999 F150). With the O/D off it doesnt make the noise?? I also can feel the windshield wiper vibrations through the brake and gas pedals. Very annoying. There is minor idle vibration as well. I would not have purchased this truck if I had noticed these issues during my lengthy 10 minute test drive.

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  Rear Window - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Leonard Peters - November 1 - 11:56 pm

  Limited viewing of rear window. The safety light in the middle is too high and distracts for visibility.

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  Initial Review - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By old_guard - November 1 - 2:44 pm

  Just have the vehicle for 3 days and had put in about 280mi. So far it is a good vehicle with initial overall mpg @35.5mpg. I believe that new vehicles have to be driven at least 1K mi. to really get the average mpg. Ill post another review when I get into the 1K range. For now its very a good vehicle.