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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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Satisflexed - March 30 - 8:28 am

  Weve had our flex for over 6 months and we love it! initially my wife was little hesitant because but shes now a big proponent of the car. I cant tell you how many of her friends have said "I live your Flex". Personally I love smaller cars but I often take the wife car instead of my own car. The car if incredibly comfortable and the wife and my 4 kids are anxiously looking forward to our first long road trip. You know something is up when youre looking forward to along drive w/ 4 kids :-)

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  Good but with flaws - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By BettyH - March 29 - 9:08 pm

  Good car. Repairs are cheap (rarely needed) performance great. I love everything. Horrible Headrest, I hate them.

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  Loved the car first, Now on the Fense - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mercuryfordlover715 - March 29 - 6:33 pm

  When my parents bought this Ford Explorer, I was in love with it. Plenty of get up and go from the 5.0 liter V8. Awesome comfort for me and 4 of my friends. But about 3 weeks after I purchased the car, I began to have problems. Needed a new EGR Valve,$300. Front End Alignment, $80. Sway Bar $200. And lastly, a Wheel Bearing, $150. After that though it seems to run like a top. But I do experience some rough idling from time to time. Even though I have experienced these problems, my other family members have been very lucky with their Fords. Uncle, 1997 Ford Expedition 187,000 miles before he traded it in, No Problems. Sister 1996 Ford Explorer V6, 167,000, traded in, No Problems.

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  Hate It - 2008 Ford Focus
  By wichita kansas - March 29 - 6:21 pm

  What is it about the tires? Very angry on the third set of tires, not the most comfortable car actually awful! Never, never would I buy another one!

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  95 Aspire - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By THIELLS FD 227 - March 29 - 1:00 pm

  This car is small yet powerful. The only thing is that the car has virtually no pick up (acceleration). With a very little bit of work, the car is incredible. I got my aspire with 25,000 miles on it and put about $300 worth of work under the hood and the car is amazing. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another aspire at any time.

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  Value Priced, Get What You Pay For - 2002 Ford Escort
  By ehauser - March 29 - 11:19 am

  Bought brand new in 2001. Great value, decent gas mileage, but you get what you pay for. Several issues with this car. First off, there is a terrible vibration at idle, which from what I have found is a problem that cannot be fixed. Due to this, there are cracks in the dash and even the bumper, which will need replacing soon now. At around 50,000 miles the blower went out, around 80,000 the cruise control went. Have also been getting an intermittent service engine soon light. Have changed oil and rotated tires every 5000 miles. The car only has 3 cup holders, two of which are placed in front of your A/C controls and one that is not usable if you are using the DC outlet.

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  Great little Wagon, Very Dependable - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dantomfin - March 28 - 6:59 pm

  Had it new since 05. Zippy, handles well, decent gas mileage (around 20 in the city, better than 30 on the highway). Have had NO breakdowns or any mechanical issues - an EXTREMELY dependable car. Good points -Front seats are very comfortable. Lots of pep. Brakes smoothly and the brake replacement intervals are quite long. Heat and A/C work great. Good cargo space in the back, especially for a small wagon. Decent in the snow. Stock sound system is okay. Bad points - not much room in the back seat. Cloth seats stain easily. Some body creaks that drive me nuts. Build quality could be better. Tail and brake light sockets distorted from light bulb heat.

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  Transmission problems - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By harold - March 28 - 5:42 pm

  I have always owned Fords until now. Freestar dumby lights kept coming on all ford dealers told me it is a dumby light, keep driving, turn car off and then go again. transmission is gone, it does nothing but shake and not want to go. it has 99,000 miles on it and ford says not there problem. we dont have $2500.or $3000.00 to fix it. I had the dvd player for kids but now nothing

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  Great Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Josh - March 28 - 1:56 pm

  Great truck to drive. I drive around 5000 miles a month, so I want something that got good gas mileage and was comfortable to drive. I am so glad that I bought this truck. Most of my driving is on the interstate at 73 mph and I have been averaging between 22- 23 mpg. Last week I loaded it down with 10 large valves and drove 350 miles, I averaged 21 mpg. Cant believe how much leg room for the people in the back seat

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  4.6 with 6 speed for best mileage - 2010 Ford F-150
  By prius_driver - March 28 - 1:10 pm

  Just bought this truck to replace my 1998 F250, this one is a big step up with a smooth ride and much better gas mileage. Rated 14/20 city/hwy, but the fine print shows drivers will get 17 to 24 on the highway. Took a 100 mile round trip on Thursday and got 23.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Pretty good for a truck, and much better than my 1998 F250 that had the 4 spd auto. with 5.4 liter engine, that one got about 17 mpg on the highway for me.