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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  Its a blast - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Henry Smith - May 5 - 5:18 pm

  This is the best vehicle ever. I live in the pacific northwest and go off- roading a lot, and this truck unbeatable. Why dont they have a diesel option though? Crew Cab too!

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  Wxcellent Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Haydee - May 5 - 4:35 pm

  The wisest decision in buying cars is getting Ford Fusion excellent design comparable to Cadillac in the aspect of exterior design and the interior I am very happy having the sync program this is the best car ever for me 6 cd changer heated side mirror and that is excellent also, further it rides good smooth driving in the road good gas mileage maintain city drive to 30 mph and on the expressway from 31 to 34 mph dont know about other people but this magnificent fusion of mine is a gas saver, very roomy cargo space in the trunk and roomy in the back as well I am very proud of my Ford Fusion I always get compliment with my vehicle

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  Good car for a Ford - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Jimbo - May 5 - 4:25 pm

  Got it back in 2006, great car! Been in two accidents with it and worst i had was replacing a bumper and all the plastic stuff on the front end. Its a pretty tough car. Im thinking of finding a sho version of the 3.0 L though and transmission could use some improvement. the interior is cheap, door panels falling off so they are screwed to door frame with sheet metal screws.

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  2008 Ford Escape Overall good - 2008 Ford Escape
  By stephani555 - May 5 - 3:10 pm

  How come this is the only web site that shows the recall information for the 2008 ford Transmission Fluid cooler in your vehicle may develop a crack and leak transmission fluid. If not repaired, this leak may result in rough/harsh shifting and potential damage to the transmission." "FMC has authorized your dealer to perform the repairs under this program on your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). The Program will be in effect until August 31, 2010 regardless of mileage.

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  Ford Edge - 2009 Ford Edge
  By FordEdge - May 5 - 2:29 pm

  Use the vehicle daily for hauling our 2 children, and for work (lots of windshield time). Have had no problems what-so-ever with this vehicle.

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  solid and steady - 1996 Ford F-150
  By raindogsteve - May 5 - 9:30 am

  Got this truck with numerous minor problems but with an excellent engine compartment. Started first time at dealership. Fixed power windows, AC, and gave it a tune up (first one in 14 years!). The 302 V8 is bulletproof and truck sounds like a beast! A great, time tested truck!

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  PZEV only lasted 98,826 miles! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mirox - May 5 - 12:28 am

  Quite funny to get a car that is designed to be maintenance FREE for 15 years or 150,000 when in reality it does not make it to 100,000 ! The 2.3 L engine with Timing Chain supposed to be an improvement over the 2.0 L with timing belt! Except when the plastic slippers wear out it jumps timing and bends all valves - hence a JUNK! Now at to that clutch that lasted only 36,000 miles, Audio system that had to be replaced 5 times, Steering wheel that just locks and can not be unlocked again without replacing the key switch, RIGHT engine mounts that break, and host of other things like worn out Front Struts at 78,000. This vehicle has problems that YUGO never had! Simply a BAD CAR

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  love it but nervous - 2008 Ford Focus
  By stacey - May 4 - 10:12 pm

  I bought the car with 34,000 miles on it. It looks amazing but lately Ive been noticing it drives funny. Like its stuck halfway between n and d. But its not. Kinda chugs sometimes when accelerating and after reading some other bad reviews Im a bit nervous. I had the problem with the door not opening from the outside. It was covered under warranty thankfully. And Im praying my tires dont go as fast as some others Ive read about. I just bought 4 new tires. Very expensive. But overall aside from my nervousness of what lies ahead for it. I am very happy with it at the time. Id recommend the 2008 Focus.

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  Quality Finally Is Job One - 2010 Ford Focus
  By David Hess - May 4 - 9:07 pm

  The last time I owned a Ford was 15 years ago. The quality was so bad, I swore that I would never buy another one. Have things ever changed! I have driven this car for 3500 miles and have not had even the slightest problem. It is well built and comfortable. Acceleration is fine with the 5 speed. I have averaged 31 mpg in mostly city driving. My best tank (mostly highway driving) was 38 mpg. This car exudes quality!

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  Highly dissapointed with 3.0 L power - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By aquaman828 - May 4 - 8:45 pm

  I purchased this truck in Feb 09 and have had it for just over a year now. I got a great deal, so i bought it. The reliability of this truck is good, i havent had any problems with it just routine maintenance. This suspension is now decent after putting on KYB gas shocks. The 3.0 L engine is dangerously lacking power. The fuel economy is atrocious. It is a 6 cyl engine with V8 fuel economy and 4 cyl acceleration. I know nothing is wrong with my engine, just a terribly outdated design. Maybe good in the 90s but not now. The f150 has more power and gets better gas mileage. I see 14 mpg city, 17 hwy. Everyone who say it is good should test drive another truck, and wise up. 4.0l is also weak!