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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  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Adam - March 14 - 7:47 pm

  I love how this car is practical for daily driving, and also very nimble and pretty quick. The handling is fantastic (out slaloms E46 M3s, Corvette Z06, etc), and the 170HP Zetec has enough power to propel it at a moderate pace. The brakes are also OUTSTANDING. It also has tons of room to go on road trips and haul around your things. The side airbags are another nice feature for safety.

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  Slick Ride - 2017 Ford Flex
  By Cee Ford - March 13 - 6:48 pm

  Previous car was a 300 Sedan...which was very low to the ground..like being up for visibility and safety. NEVER owned a Ford before, Flex is the only vehicle that even appealed to me...I must say so far Im pretty happy. Fuel economy not the greatest and the engine seems a bit small for the large body..but havent tried to climb any mountains yet. More technology than I will ever use. Missing that refrigerated console that was discontinued but extremely roomy and the Multi Vista Sun Roof is really desirable.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JD - March 13 - 5:13 pm

  Great SUV so far - 47000 miles and still going, I still have the original tires with more miles to go. No problems since day 1.

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  Life With Ranger Part II - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - March 13 - 10:09 am

  3 months, 6,500 miles and alls well! Thus far my Rangers been as regular and reliable as an atomic clock, and L.A. traffic what is I drive the heck out of my little truck. I still couldnt imagine myself in any other vehicle - Rangers "perfect fit" size, tossable handling, excellent ergonomics and (so far) bullet-proof quality make this truck a clear winner for me! While far from the most modern or refined choice on the market, for anyone looking for a "real" and wholly usable little pick-up that, well equipped, wont break the bank - Ranger certainly warrants a look.

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  F150 owner x6 over 30 years - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dale - March 12 - 3:43 pm

  My wife drives daily and says its a smooth ride but thirsty. MPG at 14- 15 in town, but +20 hiway. Likes to run at about 80 mph..gets better as it climbs. Good detail, a bit springy ride, inside spacious. Handles very well. Dont lose the key ... big $$$ to replace.

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  AFTER 1 WEEK, LUV IT! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By JOHN - March 12 - 12:23 pm

  Got this fully loaded great on gas, peppy, responsive car for under $11,000 with Fords Family Plan and cash back incentives and a $1,250 trade-in vehicle. Never thought I would buy a Ford Focus, but so far so good. Moving to Spain so need a smaller dependable inexpensive car. Still has lots of trunk space and leg room is not too shabby. Nice sound system. Pirelli tires. I would recommend. Great value for the price!

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  brake dust - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By unired00 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I am enjoying my sport trac. The only think that Ive noticed is the amount of brake dust coming from the front rotors. Ive gotten 3 opinions and have been told all 3 times that its normal on SUVs. I havent had any problems with the brakes, it just looks like crud. The interior driver space is limited. Your arm will get stuck trying to adjust the seat.

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  solid truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By FORDBYFOUR - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I got my ranger in December of 2002, its a 2003 fx4. Rangers Ive had (all new): 1987, 1990, 2000, and now the 2003. The only problem Ive had with this truck is the transmission was leaking after about 1200 miles. The dealer replaced a good portion of it, has had no problems since. This is a solid, fun to drive truck. I have yet to do any serious "wheeling" in it, but have been happy with its handling in deep snow. Id recommend this truck.

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  No problems at 22,000 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Joseph E - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded in an Escape for the Explorer. Escape was too small and went through a transmission in 6 months. Build quality of the Explorer was much better and havent had any problems with it. Very smooth ride. Dont recommend long trips if your stuck in the back seat.

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  Not bad for a FORD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By goodnewsauto.com - March 10 - 9:36 am

  I am a dealer and bought this car to get me to North Dakota from Missouri. Drives very nice. Very peppy. I am not a Ford guy, but this is not a bad little SUV. Mine has 95000K on it and seems to still be very tight. I have not had any problems with it so far. It is for sale though - only because I need money!