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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  My Ford Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By copper - April 12 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased the Ford Flex to replace my 1999 Ford F250 SD 7.4 L diesel. My F250 was getting old and starting to give my some problems so decided it was time to get a new vehicle. I looked around at several makes like the Honda Pilot, & Jeep Commander I also attended the Chicago auto show to compare vehicles all in one place. After long hours of looking and many questions asked of show staff I narrowed it down to 4 vehicles. The Jeep was the first to be eliminated to to it being over priced. The second to go was the Chevy Equinox the financing of 6.9% was way too high. After speaking to the well informed sales person at Ford I purchased the 2010 Flex I like the vehicle and it just right.

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  No More Fords - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - April 12 - 2:38 pm

  Here is the issue..bought new 2006 Ford Explorer thought Id buy American big big mistake numerous mechanical problems latest is the transmission. (Numerous problems with Radiator has leak-could be another $1,000.) Dealer advises could be low of $1,700- $3,000. to repair/replace. Many Internet sites from buyers suggest this is a manufacturing defect some suggest the updated operating software could have helped both for the trans and the radiator. SUV has only 29,000 miles on it check the internet 100s of problems with the transmission. Ford consumer services really doesnt care. I will never buy a Ford product again. I am shopping foreign SUVs now.

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  F150 best truck on the market - 2005 Ford F-150
  By James - April 12 - 2:14 pm

  The F150 Lariat supercab has been very reliable with no cost of repairs to date (which is good because Ive been rough with it at times). It rides smooth for a truck while still being able to haul everything a normal person would ever want. Although it may not have the acceleration of competing models, it is definitely built to withstand the abuse of a what I expect a truck to take.

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  Do not buy a 2003 Ford exploder - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bigjimmy - April 12 - 12:28 pm

  Since I purchased this car used for $11K Ive spent another $12k in repairs the transmission needed to be rebuilt the engine a moth later both rear bearings went out causing the knuckles to get damaged Ive replaced the A/C compressor THREE TIMES in 3 years the fuel pump went out the wiring is bad the stereo has CDs in its changer that will never come out again the check engine light goes on every two weeks or so the tailgate has a crack where the (Fix Or Repair Daily) emblem is and it gets lousy mileage costing me about $100.00 a week in gas alone just to drive to work. I HATE this car but thanks to all the money Ive spent fixing it, I cant afford to buy something else.

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  BOOM! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By 4x4 2010 - April 12 - 9:34 am

  Best truck Ive ever owned. I am 6,3 and the four door is so roomy I can sit in the back and relax and have plenty of room, I love the heated seats and the SYNC system transmission shifts often but that means better gas mileage, I can tow my 9,000 lb trailer like its nothing, , the 5.4 is really powerful but Im looking forward to the new 6 litre v8! This is a beautiful truck inside and out and handles seamless ly I average about 20 mpg!

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  Stories the same one. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ? - April 12 - 3:01 am

  I just bought a Taurus & am in a dispute to get my money back. the guy lied on the disclosure sheet but more important, I getting all the problems Im hearing over & over in these reviews! Tranny, jerky shifting, thumping on taking off or shifting. Thing is, I like the car, really. Even though, as Ive read here, the electric windows and locks leave something to be desired. I found the previous owner, who told me it has always knocked and shifted jerky, but you get used to it, and its been a great car, so I should have Arden fix the motor mount and ignore the rest and itll be a good car for me. Im 60, alone, no man to help me if I have car trouble. But I really like driving this car!

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  Follow up of initial review - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By John - April 11 - 11:55 pm

  I wrote the review titled by "John" 3rd Ford Ranger. At this point having owned the truck for about 6 months I can give a little better review. The brakes, they have squealed since day one. Fuel economy on this truck is absolutly terrible. The fit and finish of the truck leave a lot to be desired if one cares a lot about such things. For instance my bed is flush on one side when compared to the cab, but protrudes about 3/4" on the other side of the cab. The tailgate is flush with the bed rail on one side, but sits about 1/4" lower then the rail on the other side. Minor things, but obvious if youre looking, but it still gets the job done and is a dependable truck

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  Towing that Trailer - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Trailer Towing - April 11 - 9:56 pm

  We are serious campers. We tow a 30 foot, 8000 pound 5th. wheel camper behind our F150, with the 5.4 engine. I does a great job and we still get 10 m.p.g. out of it. We have taken short trip and long trips and usually go camping at leadt ten times a year. Never had any problems with anything in 3 years. I highly recommend this truck to people needing a reliable, good riding truck to tow a camper.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jagriner71 - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  The salesman said, "you either love the exterior or you hate it." Well, I happen to love it. I decided I liked it from a TV commercial and then fell in love at the car lot. The inside of the car is what sets it WAY beyond anything else. We test drove all the other brands, but kept coming back to the Flex for the navigation, panoramic roof, and Sync. I am so spoiled now that I cant stand to ride in another car. Kids love the car also. It is almost like a real life sized toy.

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  3rd XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - April 11 - 8:31 pm

  Have had three Explorers since the first in 91, No unusual trouble with any of them. The latest, a 2002 has been with us the longest 103,000 + miles. Just replaced the rear struts, the only other real expense was tires at 75,000 miles. Bought all 3 new and was pleased with every one. Quality is job one - well done!