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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  Over 60 thousand miles now.... - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - July 20 - 3:13 pm

  Still driving my little red beauty. Shes happy and well. 34.9 mpg average running 75 mph on i40 and trips . On my third set of tires got Michelin this time. Second windshield. Oil change every 5000 miles. Doors still tight. No frontal alignment has been done. Tires wear evenly. It just hasnt cost me much to drive it! Love it. Love it. Love it!

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  Happy salesman - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Salesman - July 20 - 11:27 am

  I purchased a Ford Taurus SEL with everything but leather in June. I already have five thousand miles on the car and I still cant find any problems or complaints. People stop me on the street to comment on the styling and color (Candy Red) I love the car and I am getting 27.2 mpg on the highway and 22 off. Average of 24.8 overall. Car has great power, love the steering wheel controls and the dash design. Interior lighting is nice. I put a lot of miles on and my only recommendation to Ford would be the drivers seat could be a little more comfortable, but it isnt bad. Car rides like a dream, and for the money there is nothing else like it.

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  Buyers Beware - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Pamela - July 20 - 10:42 am

  Growing up with many Fords, even going back to the Model - Ts, I have to say this is the worst car to purchase and has ruined my relationship with Ford and its products. The car was ordered to gain all features desired the dealership had to order it twice to get it right! As of buying it Jan of 2005 I have had: two dead batteries, all sensors replaced twice for doors and trunk, when filling gas tank the pump clicks out and/or then the tank will over fill and spill about a gallon of gas, windows stuck in the down position when closing the doors, fuel emission issues, same tail light burning out, paint separation from body in spots, constant rattling noise, CONT BELOW

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  A Toyota Tacoma Convert - No Question! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By rpinks - July 20 - 10:10 am

  Okay, folks - 15 months ago, I wrote a great review about my 09 Tacoma Double Cab. Im now "retracting" it. I should have gone with my first instinct and purchased the F-150. Night and Day. The F-150s seats are 100% more comfortable and the ride quality is that of a car. I issued a "9" on fuel mileage, as I dont have the numbers yet, but hey-this is a truck after all. And Im of the belief if you dont stomp on the accelerator, youll be fine! Have the XLT chrome pkg, drivers pkg, towing and SYNC which Ill never again do without. Also got the tailgate step great for my 59" stature, and my grandkids to pile in. Ford should pay me for this but Im happy to help yall decide

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  My Tonka Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By bgardn3 - July 20 - 8:25 am

  I love this truck. Ordered it new with everything I wanted. After 10 years I still get compliments when I gas up or park somewhere. Only repair was an intake manifold gasket twice. Should have been once but the dealer did not replace the bolts at the time and since then it is a recommended part of this repair. I did do the brakes once but this is required on all vehicles. I will keep it for a good long time. It is fun to drive in snow as it sits so high. Wife complains "its hard to get up into" and that adds to the appeal. They are really bullet proof.

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  Should I have the water pump replaced? - 1996 Ford Probe
  By jahmn - July 19 - 10:25 pm

  This car has been fantastic. Now I have my 1st original part to replace per maintenance - the timing belt at now 60,000 miles. The mechanic suggested doing the water pump also, but there is no indication of wear or imminent failure. A logical suggestion, but are water pumps a problem with this car? I drove it down to the local classic car/hot-rod parade and got waved into it. There were people asking how it could be a Ford (never seen one). They could not believe Ford made such a good looking car. I am the original owner and ordered 5-speed manual, hot-rod red, 16" wide/chrome wheels. It still gets lots of looks. Nothing corners as well as this car - freaks people out.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By SUVLover - July 19 - 10:03 pm

  Overall, a very good SUV. Great power/performance, very good towing capacity/capability, lots of interior room, 3rd row seating that actually can fit 2 smaller adults, nice styling. 4WD cuts in flawlessly when needed. Seats are comfortable but not as much as others Ive driven. Bad blind spot in the passenger rear corner but can be compensated for by adjusting the side view mirror. Transmission sometimes has harsh engagement before it warms up when accelerating from a stop. Brakes get some getting used to since it takes more pressure than most vehicles Ive driven over the past 40 years.

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  Escape from 97 Taurus to 08 Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By SgtKung - July 19 - 9:06 pm

  Wont bother talking about the 97 Taurus...those who have owned one KNOW what sort of car it is, and why I got rid of it. Originally didnt even consider the Fusion - honestly, I didnt think it was in my price range. Once I realized it was, I did the research and discovered it was a very reliable car. We paid $12K for an 08 Fusion SE, 25K miles, balance of the warranty, etc. VERY pleased so far. Not the fastest car out there, but for an I-4 it is actually quite powerful. Interior/exterior styling and comfort are VERY nice and comfortable plenty of trunk room for the size, etc. I *HIGHLY* recommend it - assuming it stays reliable, well drive it until the wheels fall off. :)

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  2008 Ford Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By poejenk - July 19 - 8:42 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year, and I love it. It has about 26,000 miles on it now. Ive driven it mostly short distances, but have also driven long distances as well and it performs great. I even drove it during Snowmaggedon 2009 on the East Coast and the handling was excellent. Ive never had any problems with anything the previous reviewers have mentioned. In fact, mechanics have complemented me on how good everything on the car looks! Absolutely no mechanical problems or issues with tire wear or alignment.

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  Love this truck - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By richard glynn - July 19 - 7:32 pm

  Bought truck with 18,000 miles runs great put 9000 miles on it myself enough room for my three kids and the dog. SYNC is great hands free driving.