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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  Run away quickly! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By irishmafia - April 8 - 12:34 am

  Worst car ever FORD fix or repair daily very apt for this piece of junk. What hasnt been fixed? Transmission went at 100k and had it back for months (new not rebuilt trans) trying to find out why it kept slipping -dealer finally found broken part in the housing, all types of emission repairs, starter sounds like its going today, many unique repairs needed, blower motor gone heat/ac electronic temp control went winter without any heat lousy gas mileage drivers seat springs cushioning gone at 140k cruise control stopped working fuses blow regularly electric rear window broken ABS light on since I bought it cant find anything wrong with brakes some genius designed only one door w/key

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  Ooh..aww! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Crystal M - April 7 - 10:11 pm

  We have only had our Flex about a month. So far we love it. We compared vehicles for over 6 months before buying. We love the space & all the luxuries. Everyone always ask to look inside. Too many compliments about this car. I hope the reliability is as great as all the features.

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  Love My Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By flexaholic - April 7 - 5:12 pm

  We ordered a 2010 Flex SEL with leather seats, and a white roof. We had to order the "package" in order to get leather seats. The package came with a few little bells and whistles but we really didnt need those. It took a little less than 3 months to take delivery. I took a long trip in it and immediately put about 1500 miles on it. This car was a smooth ride with plenty of visibility and comfort. I didnt realize it had a tilt wheel until after I returned from the trip. It was a nice feature. The only complaint I have are the front head rests. Im a woman and wear my hair in a clippy in the back, which hits the head rest. I turned it around and it was fine.

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  2010 FX4 SuperCrew - 2010 Ford F-150
  By John F - April 7 - 2:18 pm

  I traded in my 08 Acura TL Type-S for this truck. I miss my TL I dont regret buying this truck. I just bought a house and trips to home depot in the acura wasnt cutting it. I use to own an 04 FX4 and this new one is a huge improvement. The rear cab is bigger then the last model, seats are more comfortable, side airbags...just a list of new features. Go to Fords website and watch the videos on "truth about trucks", youll see why & they show build quality from Toyota, Dodge and Chevy. I like the fact Ford didnt take any bailout money. Even with the 6spd trans vs. the old 4spd I dont see a real improvement in gas mileage. I avg 12/13 mpg w/20" aftermarket tires & 2" level kit.

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  ESCAPE LOVER - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mohegan - April 7 - 11:26 am

  I have had no maintenance problems in 6 years! Toyota put that in your pipe and smoke it!

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  Retirement service - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By indianavince - April 7 - 10:02 am

  I bought this 1995 4.0 5speed Ranger 5 years ago. It was cheap had 228,000 miles and I wasnt expecting much. Well its 2010, I replaced the rear spring shackles as they rusted away. I have over loaded it with gravel and fill dirt many times, pull my boat and change the oil once a year as I use it for around town hauling and mucking about. I pull my sailboat 60 miles at a time. This is the Ever- ready bunny truck. No issues other than those wiper gremlins. Body is NOT rusting. 4.0 V6 showing now signs of age, and the ABS sure works well in the Indiana winters.

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  I love this car! - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By mountainwizard - April 7 - 12:56 am

  Well, this is a wonderful blend of comfort and utility. As I am 6 tall I very much appreciate the easy access and abundant headroom. Front drivers seat has a great lumbar support and the a nice view of the road. The rear with the 2nd set of Captains Chairs has 6.5 behind them making it easy to shop or travel. Front and rear A/C & Heat, Nice stereo. I bought this used with 106K and it is now coming up on 120k. A bit noisy on the road compared to modern cars yet this van with the 4.0 has plenty of power when you need it. Stock tires are good yet it feels much better with a bigger 15/16" wheel and a lower profile tire. A really nice minivan. I expect to be driving it in 10 years.

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  Pleased! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Daniel - April 6 - 9:52 pm

  I have had my Fusion for only a month now and I absolutely love it. From the ride comfort to the design. I needed a car that was good on gas, reliable, and safe for the new born and I found exactly that. The 6 air bags and 5 star crash rating sold me. Other people have rated that they were not happy with the sound... they are crazy. Its loud and clear! If you are thinking about buying a fusion, then think no more. Just take it for a test drive. You wont want to take it back to the lot. You Will Love It!

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  Weekend Fun - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By MarkK - April 6 - 8:16 pm

  I just purchased a used 2007 GT/CS convertible for some summer fun, This car is a blast to drive on a sunny day with the top down. Great acceleration and exhaust note. It also handles better than I expected. The lower profile and 18 inch wheels on the California Special probably helps here. I bought this car strictly for weekend and pleasure driving and so far Im very pleased.

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  Dont Buy - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By XpLoDeR - April 6 - 4:28 pm

  First of all its gas sucker to the max i have the 4.0 liter and its still sucks gas at 200 miles to the tank its at 184k and is drove a little rough but its had minor problems but i can tell the transmission is going i had to replace the alternator, belt, idler pulley, front end needed multiple alignments, rear bumper bends really easy, but i did make mine pretty nice its all off road style with big tires loud exhaust and custom gauges and rims