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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  Happy, Happy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By finesse1 - November 5 - 2:17 am

  Ive had this car for over a month now (1250 miles) and love how well it handles. I love the manual trans and Im comming from a BMW 328 CI manual! Gas milage is edging up with every fill up. Now avg 29 - 30 mpg only because it is fun to push it around corners and thru traffic. Very comfortable, quiet and user friendly. Sports package is a must! Its still new enough in my area to draw stares, smiles and an occasional nod. So far looks to be a great choise!

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  Cheap and good mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By roper-girl - November 4 - 7:26 pm

  Had car for about 3 months. Great affordable car with good mileage. I get 32 town and 35 highway driving 60 MPH. Lots of road noise, having transmission concerns. Visually appealing design inside and out. Much better quality and ride than other comparable vehicles in its class. Would recommend if you are looking for a really affordable new car that gets decent mileage.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Green - November 4 - 3:46 pm

  After owning this truck for just over two years, I am loyal to Ford. I really like the performance and handling of the truck. It is a sharp looking vehicle, as well. I would buy again, except I plan on upgrading to an F-150 or better.

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  some problems - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By wayne - November 4 - 5:00 am

  nice car to ride in and drive, but have had problem. rt rear brake hung up wearing out entire brake assembly at 28000 mi. now, today found out rt front bearing/axle assembly wore out. cost over 500 $. these things should not wear out this soon under normal driving. now have 38800 miles and glad i purchased extended warranty.

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  Work truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dale - November 3 - 8:08 pm

  This is a good overall truck, with the exception of the bed. The tailgate will not handle very much weight at all. 100 12 1x4s bent the heck out my tailgate, cant even shut it now. Ford refused to do anything for me. It is obvious to me these trucks are geared more towards SUV status than work trucks anymore.

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  2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Glenn Flesher - November 2 - 4:06 pm

  Perfect vehicle for retired couple. Really fun to drive. Easy to park, lots of pep. Just wish the gas tank was larger.

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  Could be better - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Harper - November 2 - 2:02 pm

  Nice truck for small tasks. Rides decent on the road and has enough power to romp on it when you need it. The interior lacks any kind of impressive style as well as getting anything in or out of the super cab is a pain since the seat only comes up so far and there is no suicide door. Also stereo could use a little work.

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  My Eddie has taken care of me - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By tywms - November 2 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this 6 cylinder SUV in 99 with 43k miles and currently has 135k miles on it. Hadnt had ANY major problems with it until now -- transmission needs a rebuild as I write this. But primarily have just done routine basic maintenance and it has served well. It still runs well -- no engine noise, leaks, etc. but the 2nd gear is shot. Still looks good and am hoping that after repair this vehicle will continue to serve me well for as many years as I can get out of it. Good value for the money.

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  First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By hondo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This Ford explorer sport is my first SUV and first 4wd vehicle. The sport puts the driver in a commanding driving position.The handling is nimble and turning radius is very tight for a vehicle of this size. Build quality seems excellent and I havent found any real flaws or defects so far. The 2dr sport was a perfect choice for me and my wife. Our son is grown and we havent yet had a rear seat passengers. The 4dr explorer is simply way more truck than we need or want. Its very smooth on the highway. Quiet and stable, very comfortable and effortless to drive. Mileage runs about 15 in city and 19 highway.

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  So Far its OK - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dave in Michigan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a Ford Ranger Off Road with this car. What a difference in ride! This car rides like a luxury car in comparison. Very smooth so far. Had one problem with air bag light which dealer repaired.