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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  Best Kept secret - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dsmguy2009 - May 10 - 9:47 pm

  This car is truely the best kept secret in the car market. Fully loaded the sticker was 21k, with the 3000 rebate and dealer going down I got it for 17k. This car has it all, the SYNC system is awesome, the heated leather seats are amazing. For driving cars that cost twice as much in the past I am really happy with it. It is really at least worth checking out if you are in the market for a small car. You will probably fall in love with it like I did. To be honest I never even noticed them before I had one!

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  Best Car - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Arie_28 - May 10 - 9:08 pm

  this is my first car and its the best. I bought it froma mechanic friend whom the second owner had sold it to him because it neededa new trnasmission. Since i got it i love it. Have neverhd a problem and it runs strong. Haveing it standard is great. I will mssit when i gt my second car. But i highly sujest it to all

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  Love This FX4! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By BR549 - May 10 - 6:24 pm

  Only have about 250 miles on this so far, but love it. I got this to replace my 2005 Taco. The interior layout is almost exactly like my old truck, but with more horsepower, more room, more bells/whistles and more creature comforts. I want to get the engine broken in before I report any actual mileage.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By June - May 10 - 11:18 am

  Love the Escape! Has great handling and is very comfy. Needed a vehicle that didnt drag bottom when I was on rough roads. This fits the bill. Very roomy inside for a small SUV. Gets great gas mileage. Would recommend it to a friend.

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  Excellent Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By David - May 9 - 4:18 pm

  Traded my 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner for this truck. Hard to believe for about the same money Ford delivers so much more and the gas mileage is about the same. Driving it home from the dealer I was getting 24 miles to the gallon in highway driving at 55mph. Around town I am getting around 16. The Tacoma got 17 in town and about 20 on the highway so I am very happy. It is extremely comfortable and with the Red Candy Tint Metallic color, it looks great too.

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  A nice surprise - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Kyle - May 9 - 3:41 pm

  I bought my 08 Fusion pre-owned 6 months ago, due to being in an accident with my old car. I bought a Suede White SE model with the four cylinder, the Sun and Sound package, and the back-up sensors. So far I am very pleased with my purchase. I bought it with 21k on it, and have since put on 15k problem free miles. My only complaint about the car is the trunk line comes very high and makes it difficult to see out the back window (back-up sensors help!!).

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 1998 Ford F-150
  By EileenJG - May 9 - 3:19 am

  Love this truck. Ive got 156,000 miles on it now and intend to keep it for a long, long while. Pulls my 17 travel trailer with ease. Repairs have been just the usual maintenance. When I buy again, itll be another F150.

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  Exactly what I wanted. - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By DS - May 9 - 2:52 am

  I wanted an inexpensive truck with the best mileage and bought it. Rowing gears for the 3 mpg bonus. Bought for commuting and occasional loads, and it is perfect. Fit and finish is very good. Ride a little too soft in the front, not enough valving in the shocks. Styling is dated, but I knew what I was buying. With the 4.10 gears, if this truck had a 6 speed, it could have been a cult classic. The NVH,(noise, vibration, harshness)of the motor could be better, but the 2.3 aluminum block Duratec design is 9 years old and not annoying. Shifting and clutching is nice clutch takeup is light and intuitive, the shifter is precise, but this isnt a sports car.

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  10 year review - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Red - May 9 - 12:46 am

  My truck is a 2.5L manual with a 4.10 rear axle. I bought it new, and now have 39k miles on it. I have changed the oil twice. It sat for a few years, and it fired right up with a jump start. This is a very reliable truck. Acceleration is slow, but because of the gearing, it has no problem climbing hills, even with its 119hp engine. I replaced the cooling system thermostat recently because I needed to have it smoged, but it ran just fine with it stuck open. Clutch, brakes, and tranny are still fine. This is the best vehicle to abuse and neglect.

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  Decent so far - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By GUNGHO - May 8 - 11:20 pm

  Had to sell my 06 mustang gt and got the taurus. They only had a black exterior and black interior limited in my area so I bought it. Mistake indeed. Never owned a black car before and WOW!!! wash it in the morning and its filthy by days end. Anyway the black interior plastic looks horrible in sunlight. The sony stereo isnt very good. radio sounds better then CDs, Ipod and Sat. strange. Drivers seat is uncomfortable no matter how I adjust it. Passenger seat is comfortable. again strange. Rear deck under rear window rattles from stereo bass and over bumpy roads. Dual climate doesnt work. and nasty smell from AC. Engine whines a little under normal load.