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:

• 

  Bought This As My Sons First Car - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Slo - March 23 - 3:42 pm

  Got this used for $800. Needed another $1200 to get it into good mechanical condition. Interior is still very nice the body is rusty in the usual Michigan places. 205+K miles on the straight six w/auto trans ... still runs PERFECTLY. Amazing powertrain.

• 

  Better than the first one - 2010 Ford Escape
  By krbabble - March 23 - 12:01 pm

  What an upgrade from my 2003 Escape. Rides better. Better build quality. Better mileage. Love the SYNC system. So glad I did not back away from this car because of magazine reports.

• 

  Been a great truck so far - 1996 Ford F-150
  By mizzou - March 22 - 11:01 pm

  I bought this truck with 106 000 miles on it. It has 147,000 now, its never left me stranded and has always run well. The only parts I replaced was a belt tensioner, radius arm bushings {only one was bad, but replaced both anyway} and ball joints just recently. I love the way it handles looks and drives. The fuel mpg could be better but I figure I make up for that with the reliability of the truck.

• 

  Low Gas Mileage in City - only 11 MPG! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By DelawareMan - March 22 - 9:05 pm

  I now have 1100 miles on my new 2010 Ford Flex AWD Limited with EcoBoost. I have taken it for service already for low fuel mileage and dealer claims a break-in period for the low gas mileage but I dont buy it! It should not be getting 11 MPG (well under the 16-22 MPG rating). I find this unacceptable which is a shame as the rest of the car is fabulous but I feel that I was taken given the MPG is well under advertised rating!

• 

  Non-working doors - 2008 Ford Focus
  By CP - March 22 - 8:57 pm

  I do love my economic little Focus and how it handles great in the snow, HOWEVER, I am livid that my car is only two years old and the car door latches are rusting and making it hard to open the doors. My passenger side door will now no longer open from the outside. Is anyone else having problems with this? I called my dealership and they said they didnt think it was covered under warranty but I feel that Ford should be willing to fix doors rusting shut on one of their two year old cars when one of their customers is still paying on the car for three more years, I feel like I have a clunker again!

• 

  Better then a Audi!!! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Whalen - March 22 - 7:22 pm

  This car is absolutely stunning. The interior is very logically laid out and intuitive. Handling and Performance is superb. Even though I can afford practically anything I got the Taurus because of the exterior styling. Would have gotten the A8 but it is WAY too ugly. I often get comments of how sharp looking the car is. I cant blame them. The navigation system is better then in my 85,000 dollar Escalade. The craftsmanship is stunning. I would not prefer anything else in the world. The trunk is absolutely massive, and the console can practically fit a scooter. The car is ridiculously roomy. Another reason I got this instead of the A8. I would rate this car higher if I possibly could. Get this car.

• 

  Great First Car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By N/A - March 22 - 4:55 pm

  I bought this car as my first car and I am very excited. Was going to go with the Hyundai Elantra but went with the Focus b/c its American. Love the mpg, the sync, the speed, and how smooth it is. When I test drove the car I thought the seat was back all the way and so I assumed I couldnt fit b/c my knees were in the dash. but when I drove for a second time I tried moving the seat again and it worked better. The trunk is big and I love the stereo system with the sub. Overall I think this car is great for every day commuting to and from school and work and I am planning on keeping the car for while. I would def. suggest it to someone else. I would have to agree that the seat belt is low.

• 

  My Silver 2010 Escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mary - March 22 - 12:39 pm

  I love this truck! I traded in a 2004 Mustang for the truck after several treacherous winters. I wanted a more reliable, safer in the snow vehicle. I have always eyed the Escape while at the Ford dealer. And one test drive, I was sold. The tax free government program was a great purchase incentive.

• 

  Transmission cooler should be recalled - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Shelby Mustang - March 22 - 3:01 am

  I have a 2008 Ford Escape and enjoy driving it till one day when the transmission cooler decided to leak out all my fluid and leave me stranded. Really Ford let get it together and recall all of these 2008 Ford Escapes. How many upset customers does it take for Ford to save its American name.

• 

  The blue ghost - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By raymondlatulippe@yah - March 21 - 11:12 pm

  My name is rayray I got my ranger in 2002 love at first site xlt supercab 3.0 v6 5 speed automatic bright island blue it is only a4x2 never got stuck. I live in mass how about 6 to 8 inches of snow no problem. I put 20s chromes and a chip but it is very rough on the trany I also put bilstien shocks and fuel injection this truck is a looker i have 66,500 miles on it. Iwant to do a lot more to her. The best way is to buy one stock and do the add-ons yourself. You will glad you did great truck my girl says I spend more time with the ghost than her haha she is right. So go buy a Ford ranger you will be glad you did. Rayray!