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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  Poor door fit and trim fit - 2010 Ford Flex
  By MD - April 27 - 10:23 am

  I purchased a Flex about a month ago. I noticed that the rear driver side door and front passenger door are poorly aligned with the accompanying body lines. According to Ford and the dealer, the other 2010Â’s are like this, so that makes the poor quality acceptable. Also, there is a rear passenger door glass seal that is sagging at the top and of course they say this is normal even though you can see it was designed to not sag. So far they have refused to do anything about the issues. If they say this poor quality is acceptable what else have the lowered the quality bar on? I am very aggravated and disappointed with Ford motor company.

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  Ford Makes the Best Trucks - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Akgirlie - April 26 - 11:46 pm

  I bought this truck after my 00 Chevy Silverado just kept giving me problem after problem! I had an F-150 before, and it didnt take me a year to trade it in for this one. I live in Alaska, and I need my 4x4. I love how reliable it is, even hitting 9 years old. Ive had yet to have an engine or transmission problem on either of the ones Ive owned. (this one has 107k, my old one had over 165k) I love how the bed is heavy enough that I never bother to put weight in the bed and I feel completely in control in blizzards and bad street conditions. Built Ford Tough is absolutley the truth!

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  15500 mile review - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Nick - April 26 - 11:07 pm

  I purchase my Escape in November and have pounded the miles on it since then. The Escape is very surprisingly fun to drive. Merging, passing, and sudden maneuvers are actually FUN in this mini ute. My family fits comfortably with all of our gear in it. NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with this car. I am defiantly loyal to the blue oval again after a few imports. You owe it to yourself to at least consider the Escape if you are in the market for a small ute. There have been some complaints I have read about the seats staining easy, I find that they clean beautifully with just a towel and a little bit of water. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old, so I am always cleaning the seats! No stains yet!

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  Hot 2003 GT - Wolf in Sheeps clothing - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ginoux - April 26 - 10:25 pm

  Oh yea - This car is a riot. I ran with the stock motor for about 6 months then had a custom tuned blown four valve motor installed. It cranks 630 RWHP. Looks like a stock GT. Needless to say I have a lot of fun leaving a lot of people in the dust.By the time they hear that supercharger whine they know they going to be looking at my tailights. How can you not love one of these cars. Rough and crude, pure American muscle.

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  The Focus is a TEN! Total Winner! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ALD - April 26 - 9:55 pm

  I replaced my top of the line, fully loaded Toyota Camry Solara SLE V6--- with a new 2010 Ford focus SEL. This Focus is excellent on every lever, and cost $10,000 less than a Toyota Camry. It drives smooth, and quiet and refined. There is lots of power for any drive from the city to high speed freeways. Mileage in 10 mpg higher than the Toyota it replaced. I would never have believed it unless I seen it with my own eyes! What a hot little car. It supplies power, room, luxury, and gas mileage too. Way to go Ford! You keep making them like this, and the Toyota dealers will never see me again! This is one nice car, and very good looking inside and out! The body shape is perfect!

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  Awesome Truck! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Hayden - April 26 - 8:57 pm

  My dad bought this f150 on july 20th, 1999. It has 64,100 miles on it, and it is going strong! This truck is now mine, I turned 16 in January, and im getting my license on friday. The 5.4l is one of the best engines Ford has built. It hasnt given us that many problems yet. It will be 12 years old in a little less than 3 months, and i plan to drive it until the day i either total it, or it dies on me.

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  Cmon man! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By John - April 26 - 11:56 am

  The transmission is crappy in first gear. Big clunk when coming to a complete stop. Pretty much have to stand on the brakes. No info about automatic door opener in standard manual. Interior is lame, no place comfortable for the knees. Biggest right side blind spot on the planet, and no vision through the rear view mirror when the video screen is down.

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  Excellence - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Musclecar169 - April 25 - 6:33 pm

  I own a 1998 Ford Explorer and it has been a very reliable vehicle. Has a 2 inch lift, Duel Thrush Tube Exhaust, and Cooper STT tires on it, as i go offroding/muddin with it a fair amount. Used as a daily driver. It is a great vehicle and has done everything iv wanted it to do. Iv only had to put new brakes, roters ect. on it, as you would any vehicle.

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  ford expedition off road - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jorge9473 - April 25 - 6:00 pm

  i have 7 years with my suv and im happy because is so powerfull and never stock in the mud,dunes and rocks. last 2 months i already install FOX RACING SHOX 3.0,BF GOODRICH MUD TERRAIN KM2 285/70/17 and EAGLE ALLOYS RIMS series 058 size 17.my truck is color gray,5.4,4x4,300hp,original paint,its like new i only espend 45dlls at week,have only 170000miles. i love ford

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  falling apart - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By MarkH - April 25 - 10:48 am

  I bought my ford taurus new it was my first new car and has been great up untill 2 months ago when everything started to fail, trans slipps, had trouble stopping, airconditioning wont turn on and the blower only works on high, it was a great car and with in 1 week it developed all these problems and more. I love the car but why cant they fix these simple issues