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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  repairs to look for - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By jim - April 23 - 12:25 am

  At 40,000 rear brakes needed replacement front lasted till 60,000. Now at 89,000 i smelt burning oil while driving rear differential seal gone, 2 day job as well as 1 minor engine oil leak . It is a good car.

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  Its a Ford... - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Colin - April 22 - 11:00 pm

  Well this was my second Ranger and this one was a total piece of junk. Replaced an alternator, ball joints, A/C compressor kicks off and on every 20 seconds. Door Ajar light comes on at least every other time i drive it.Freeze plugs have rusted out, leaks oil, 15mpg for a V6?!?!? Really? The stock radio is bad.

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  Dont buy it - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Chris is PA - April 22 - 9:39 pm

  Bought this brand new. They dont even give me enough space to go through all the problems. It was an electrical nightmare - the radio wouldnt shut off and killed the battery. Went though four batteries. got a new computer, new radio. Both power window motors replaced. On my third set of roters, calipers, brakes. Changed ABS sensors, a half shaft, a egr sensor and now my transmission is acting up. These are the things I can remember.there are more. I have 90000 miles, but problems started about six months in to me owning it. This has to be the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Looking at trading it in on a Honda Odessey before the transmission ends up going!!

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  Great car except for the rear legroom - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By pomp - April 22 - 8:42 pm

  My criteria was a large sedan with a big trunk and AWD made in the USA. Previous car a 2007 Caddy Deville. I want minimum road feel. I was worried about the low sidewall tires(45). They are OK. Still potholes punch through but overall the ride is very quite, as good as the caddy. Trunk space is voluminous but the opening is small and the floor has a well which your golf clubs strattle.The drive train is smooth. never hear engine revs. LTD comes with paddle shifters which are completely useless. Never use them. maybe the SHO crowd thinks there cool. Rear seat legroom is ridiculous for this size car. Front seats have to be half way fwd to give min. legroom for the rear.

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  Love our Ford! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Anthony - April 22 - 8:19 pm

  Vehicle has been GREAT...its my wifes car but I love driving it as well. I dont know what Escape Edmonds was driving, but the brakes on this Escape are AWESOME. We love the SYNC package as well as the satellite radio. Fit and finish are second to none. High revving 4 cylinder gets great mileage and has good power. Ford has been doing one hell of a job. Highly recommended. We test drove a Chevy Equinox (Government Motors, I know, please forgive me)and it was a typical GM...poor fit/finish, lots of cheap plastic, etc...even with GMs rebates, we said no way.

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  My Best Ford Ever - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Quite Impressed - April 22 - 4:57 pm

  I just picked this vehicle up over the weekend and have only put less than 200 miles on it. The impression so far is more than I have gotten from any Ford Ive had in years, and I have at least 8. Everything about this vehicle was meticulously put together. The interior is so huge I almost feel lost in it. The build quality is on par with the Audis, and is the best Ive seen in a Ford. The ride is so balanced and the suspension takes the rough Detroit roads with ease. I am looking forward to taking it on a long test drive. Ford is on the right track.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By McCannibal - April 22 - 11:34 am

  This is my first truck to own and I love it. It rides great, drives great, and feels great. I used to own a 4 door mercedes and this truck has WAY more room in the back seat than the mercedes had. this truck hauls like a champ although your mileage will decline (as expected) There are only 3 problems I have with it. 1. The driver side door rattles a little when over rough roads or bumps. 2. The ash tray rattles a little over rough roads or bumps. 3. Ever since they started adding ethanol to the gas my fuel economy has dropped significantly (From 20 MPG to about 16) Overall, I really love this truck and will continue buying ford trucks.

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  2006 F-150 disappointing - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Ken - April 22 - 10:27 am

  I have been Dedicated to Ford for 30 yrs however this truck is having to many issues. 3rd tailight leaking and you have to buy the complete light for $70.00 instead of just the seal and as per my parts mgr.the design of the seal has not changed and it is a recurrent problem for customers. I weigh 160 lbs and the drivers seat squeaks terribly. The drivers side seat motor has went out. The front Ford Oval emblem has been replaced twice due to water getting inside. The speaker in the drivers door works part of the time as there is an apparent wiring problem.

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  Trustworthy old gal - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By geisinger - April 22 - 9:49 am

  I bought this great car 12 years ago with 80k miles on it (it was a salesmans car) and now have 160k. It still runs great and has given me no trouble. We used it in our move from Maryland to Florida five years ago and made 6 thousand mile (each way) trips fully loaded and pulling a heavy trailer. We got 28 mpg then and still do. Other than routine maintenance, the only repair was a cacked coolant recovery bottle.

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  Best suv for the money - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By bigdaddy - April 21 - 10:38 pm

  We bought this truck due to our large family,has made several trips between New Mexico and Illinois without a whisper of trouble.The truck is beautiful and stylish, it has the 5.4 liter engine with the big trans for towing,have done nothing but maintenance on it. We had the left rear tire blowout on the highway at 75 mph, slowed down with no issues in handling whatsoever.This is a great truck!