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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  more Ford Junk - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Mark Danico - July 10 - 4:58 pm

  Loved the van until the problems started then it has been all down hill from there to the poit to where we are considering turning it in to a plant pot cause it dont move anymore.

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  The best in its class - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Wildfire007 - July 10 - 4:46 pm

  We bought our 2006 Fusion used as a 3rd vehicle. It had 18,000 miles on it at the time of purchase. It has proven so flawless and so much fun to drive that we are using it far more than our other vehicles. The fuel mileage is incredible. In driving that is typically 75% highway and 25% city it never gets less than 29 mpg, and on trips at 65mph it averages between 34 and 38 mpg. The interior is roomy and very comfortable, and the ride and handling are excellent. I highly recommend it. Not a single problem at 36,000 miles now. I did replace the drivers side door handle, but this is a $40 part and only takes about 15 minutes to replace with very few tools.

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  Dont drive in mud - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Vicki Cowie - July 10 - 12:18 pm

  The Ford Escape is not meant for driving in mud. The design of this vehicle causes the mud to build up in the wheel wells and when the mud dries it rubs on the inside of the tire. This caused the inside of the rear tires to wear to the point of a blowout. One Ford dealer said Ford does not recommend driving the Escape of gravel or mud. What good is a 4x4 vehicle if you cant drive in mud. I have only owned this vehicle for 4 months and have 9000 KM. I am so disappointed in FORD.

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  Old sheetmetal, new tech..Love it - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By Lenny - July 10 - 2:14 am

  Only had the truck for 2 weeks, so cant comment on reliability. Had an 05 Colorado CC Z71 2WD(poor mileage, jolting ride) an 08 Frontier V6 ext cab(very poor mileage). Got the XLT for the options and the 2.3/5M for mileage. Am very pleased with the ride(much better than Colorado/not quite as good as Frontier)Fit and finish are as good as previous trucks. Brakes(4 wheel disc) are on par with others. Power and acceleration are down from others, but is acceptable.The mileage is light years ahead of others, about 10 MPG better than both previous city and highway. I only tow light loads(flat boat/utility tlr), eng. easily handles Based on build quality, ride, mileage. I highly recommend

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  Paint chiping from winter driving - 2010 Ford Focus
  By lastfocus4me - July 9 - 10:19 pm

  Purchased last Jan and drove it about 100 miles on salt covered roads after a snowy day. When I got home, I noticed that the paint in front of the rear wheel wells was chipping off. It continued to get worst every time I drove it in the snow. The dealer repainted this area and placed 8 pieces of clear plastic on the doors and fenders to try and prolong it from happening again per the Ford TSB. If you live in a area where they sand or salt the roads in the winter and expect the paint to be durable and long lasting, you should avoid this vehicle.

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  Repeat buyer - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By ArkieDave - July 9 - 2:27 pm

  Learned my lesson with my first Ranger and got the super cab and 4L SOHC engine. Bucket seats are a big plus for comfort. This truck is fun to drive, unfaltering reliability, and reasonably economical for a vehicle with over 200 HP.

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  First SUV - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mikey B - July 8 - 2:16 pm

  Been driving this for 2 weeks now and it has been great! Mine is black with the Sport Appearance Package (black rims, grill, spoiler, handles, headlights) with charcoal interior. Black on Black on Black. SYNC, sunroof, V6, auto starter. The pickup is amazing, style is fun and its just an all around great SUV. The seats are comfortable. The whole thing feels solid. Recently took it on a 4 hour drive up north and it was fantastic! The SYNC got me home with no problems! And I really like how you can send driving directions to your car from google maps!! I love this SUV so far!

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  Great Car, Except for? - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Dwight-Moose Jaw. - July 8 - 11:44 am

  I find my 2010 Ford Fucus to be a ver good little car, except fot the Gas Millage. I had a 2006 Chev Optra Wagon, 4 cylinder automatic, & @ about 7->70 miles per hour on the highway got a consistent 38>42 miles per gallon. With my 2010 Ford Focus I only, @ the same speed get @ the most around 34>36 miles per gallon. My mileage in the city is better with the Focus, but still not even close what Ford Motor Company says it should be getting. I was told, & according to what Ford says that I would get 35 miles per gallon in the city & 44>48 on the highway. All in all, it is a real solid little car, & really like it except for the gas millage I am getting.

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  Nice but Vibrates? - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Michael - July 8 - 11:01 am

  I just purchased a Platinum Ford F-150 and like the quality for the money, but am already annoyed after 150 miles with the constant vibration I feel when I drive it. I googled the problem and found that I am not by any means alone. There seems to be a big problem with either the drive shaft, tires, or alignment. I am hopeful I will get this fixed but what I read on message boards doesnt have me very excited. If this was fixed, I would be very pleased with the overall experience after just a week of driving the truck.

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  Almost a Lemon - 2010 Ford Focus
  By LastFord - July 7 - 6:22 pm

  Purchased a new 2010 Ford focus SEL sedan. Liked the exterior styling. Interior design pretty cool except for impractical cup holder location. Drove the car 13K miles when the "Wrench" light came on and lost power control to accelerator. This happened 3 times with Ford not able to do anything because "Engine" had not come on and no DTC codes where there to read. Set out on vacation only to have it happen again, this time Eng light did come on. Took to dealer. They said they knew all along it was the Throttle Position Sensor but could not do anything until code verified this. Also found out that the parts have been on back order for several weeks. Ford still has not issued a service bulletin?