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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  P.O.S. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Meredith - April 8 - 10:08 pm

  At about 35,200 my car started "shuddering" really badly and began acting like it was going to stall while in park or at a stoplight. I took it to the dealership immediately (Covert Ford) as it was still under warranty. Strangely, they could not find anything wrong with it. The problem is still there and gets gradually worse everyday. Today, at 36,400 miles, my check engine light came on, so its going back to the dealership first thing in the morning.

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  Who needs luxory - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Dr. Witt - April 8 - 9:09 pm

  I love all these people that complain about how the ranger is simple and outdated. Technology means nothing when your vehicle is in the shop because the state of the art traction control system has a computer malfunction. This truck is always reliable because of its simplicity which is reflected in the low price. You can easily spend more money for a Toyota Tacoma but at the end of the day the ranger is more reliable and will get you from a to b for less money. They are also very easy to do self repairs on which also saves money. If you want luxury buy a lexus they cost just about the same as one of those loaded cushy f150s

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  Its Ok not the best - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By bigjon85 - April 8 - 6:45 pm

  I got my 2005 and it has been a great car I lover the driver information system its a huge plus wont buy another car without it. Its not the fast car but it does ok and I figured out the Taurus gets 24mpg city 28.6 mpg at 70 mph (highway) at least mine does. Ive been that car out of state and in state road trips its a fantastic car just had a few minor problems with it that could have been avoid its not an FFV and the ethanol clogged up my catalytic converter and it was under EPA warranty (8yr 80k miles) and had the block melt the cover of a spark plug wire great first car comfortable for me (61" 298 lbs) and 5 friends all bout 6.

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  Good ride, unprdictable reliablity - 2007 Ford Focus
  By B-rad020 - April 8 - 6:28 pm

  I bought my ZX3 brand new in May, 07. Loved it. Great on gas and heavy power for its engine size and rating. I could smoke many Cobalts and others in its class. Dont know about a Dodge Neon or Cobalt SS. Everything was awesome until about 7 months into ownership when it developed problems with the fuel system. When youd fill up with gas it wouldnt want to crank. It was at the dealership I know of 8 times for this issue from the beginning of 08 to July 09 and the problem has recently recurred. I used to be a very big Ford fan recommending them to everybody. This ownership experience with this car and this dealership has put an end to that.

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  Ford proves why they are rebounding... - 2010 Ford Focus
  By viper63077 - April 8 - 4:11 pm

  I cant believe how fast this takes off for an entry level car. The interior gauges are user friendly and you dont even hardly have to take your eye off the road. The scree for Sync is in the center and slightly elevated, right about where you would look in the middle of your windshield. The Focus handles the road smoothly and has plenty of power for passing, and even joy-riding on meandering, desolate roads. The ambient lighting is cool but kind of extraneous. I added bigger Cooper CS4 tires to mine, a complete stereo system, a backup camera, chrome rims, a blue tint, and black stripes to mine. Its pimped but Im not done yet.

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  Still going at 300,000! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - April 8 - 3:32 pm

  Yes! 304,000 miles and still going! The gas mileage is at 14.6 right now. Original engine...replaced transmission four years ago at $1300. A little rust at the rear rocker panels. Clear coat is gone. Seats are just now getting uncomfortable. Replaced the radius arm bushings several times. This has been one good vehicle!

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By wolfdjk - April 8 - 11:42 am

  Great CUV. Test drove other crossovers of similar size and nothing drove as well or was as comfortable. The Ecoboost engine is worth the extra money over the base engine. It is very smooth and powerful and the Fuel Economy is very close to the base V6.

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  Best value/most honest pick-up out there - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Kurt - April 8 - 9:43 am

  I purposely looked for and purchased a base XL 4WD regular cab pick-up. Mine came from a N.C. dealer who used E-bay as the primary sales tool. My expectations were rather low because of the heavily discounted price and the low equipment level, but I was happily surprised. For such an old design, the basic utility and honesty of this truck really stands out. Im completely satisfied.

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  Paint, Paint, Paint - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By AJ - April 8 - 9:38 am

  Love the looks of this car...when I can keep paint on it. Comes off it big (postage stamp) pieces. Primer sticks to the back of the paint. Bare metal is exposed and you know what that means rust. Ford will not help. I have repainted both fenders and one door (stripped to bare metal with a razor blade). Now I have another door pealing. Guess I will trade. Inside door handles bubbling as well. 11th Ford probably will take a break after this one.

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  Truck of Trucks for the King of Kings - 2010 Ford F-150
  By RaptorKing12 - April 8 - 9:17 am

  I sell these bad boys at crown ford in Fayetteville North Carolina Ive sold 6 so far including one to myself. These trucks are by far the most fun and good looking I have seen in a while every time I sell one I cant keep my eyes off them. As for off roading I have played with it a little bit some of my customers have actually sent me pictures of them lifting it 5 feet off the ground from driving a ramp...maybe Ill test that out one day. I love the truck and Im proud to be a part of Ford for everything they have done.