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:

• 

  Bitter betty - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jackie - March 14 - 11:59 pm

  I wanted to love this car so much, its beautiful and sexy but quality was lacking. I had experienced so many issues with this car, which out weighed the good experiences. Factory paint bubbles which were dealer fixed, Rattles at 2500 rpm, clunky front end, Manual trans locks out in first gear and reverse (fun at a green light), Fuel pump glitchy, Heater broke, interior gauges flashing random things randomly, phantom window movement. And the king of all the problems a interior water leak which i suspect was the culprit of most of the issues. Oh and 11 mpg )

• 

  Perfect - well almost - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By UncleTurbo - March 14 - 10:06 pm

  After a deer motorcycle accident I bought my Tbird for the top down experience and sold the motorcycles. While not as fast as my previous sport bike, the Tbird does rip. If you let it rev it will pull like a maniac and is plenty fast. It also corners surprising well, nice and flat and very predictable. Perhaps not a track car, but definitely fun in the mountains. Very quiet ride with the top down, smooth ride on the highway. Just very nice car to drive. Not a big trunk but big enough for weekend bags or picnic stuff. The space behind the seats is a handy space for the dog, or a bag, or a cooler. What keeps it from perfect is bad ignition coils. Bought used at 24K miles, 54K now.

• 

  Pulled the Trigger - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Vinny - March 14 - 10:06 pm

  After researching and test drive after test drive of other SUVs. (RAV4, CR-V, Forester, CX7) We came back to the Ford Escape. Wife liked the solid feel and the way the vehicle drove. We decided we have no use for the V6 so we went with the 2.5 4cyl automatic. Power is fine. Quiet and smooth. Recommend.

• 

  Just give it a test drive - 2009 Ford Focus
  By jon - March 14 - 3:21 pm

  Bought my SES 2 doors coupe used form a dealer. Only had it for a week so I cant comment on reliability. I owned a Focus 2000 ZX3 before this one. It really feels like a evolution of my previous car, more refine, etc. Handling is top notch, very quick. Engine is smooth and quiet. Car comes fully equipped. It really feels solid. I dont understand why reviews are not as good for this car. Its worth a test drive, believe me.

• 

  4.6 L V8 - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By N0TW777 - March 14 - 8:05 am

  Ive bought my Mustang GT with a GT appearance package (includes the hood scoop and a pony emblem on the engine) used about 5 months ago and I love it. the appearance package mirrors the 1967 GT perfectly. It is easy to drive with plenty of power. Tight corners are no problem for it. I wouldnt trade it for anything.

• 

  Great Truck so far - 2010 Ford F-150
  By NYJim - March 13 - 8:33 pm

  Bought 2010 XLT with 4.6 3v to replace a 2008 ranger. Previously had 2005 STX 4x4. This is by far superior. Plenty of power, rides like a car, smooth shifting, quiet cabin and decent fuel mileage for a full size. Getting about 17.5 so far but it isnt broke in yet. The 08 ranger only averaged about 16.5 with the 4.0 v6. The improved braking system is very noticeable. Sync is one of the best features available. Ford should make it standard. It is somewhat hard to find on STX and XLTs. Got a great truck at a great price. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a truck.

• 

  AWESOME! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By CustomRanger - March 13 - 8:04 pm

  I bought my 93 ranger in October. Ive made many mods to this truck and the only thing that i found is horrible is the twin i beam front suspension. Other than that its great on gas, looks (with work. mine has a 2.3 engine 5 spd manual.

• 

  Back to Ford - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Phil - March 13 - 4:06 pm

  Replaced 04 Titan with this truck after numerous problems with power train. This truck is of much higher quality in every respect. Comfort is outstanding. Interior fantastic. Very quiet. Engine bay could use a bit of a make over. Inner fender liners please. Ive had to wash my engine after muddy roads. MPG not bad for a truck of this size and capability with regular gas. Very comfortable when towing the horse trailer. Built in trailer brake and skid controls are excellent. Longer wheel base seems more comfortable to me. Overall, a great addition to the history of Ford trucks.

• 

  Best car for the money - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Mark - March 13 - 9:37 am

  We consistently get better gas mileage than the rating. We have put 11,000 miles on it in 8 months. No visits to the shop other than an oil change. We absolutely love this vehicle. It is by far the best value you can find in this class. We have SYNC, sunroof, roll stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Rebates given on the Focus give you a lot more for your money than Toyota or Honda. Focus has the same reliability and longevity as Honda and Toyota, is more fun to drive, and costs far less.

• 

  LOVE IT - 1999 Ford Escort
  By elizabeth - March 12 - 10:12 pm

  This is my first car, got it when I was 16 Im almost 19 now. When my mom gave it to me it had 150,000 miles. Now it has 215,700. Its been totaled twice. Been involved in a few more little wrecks. Ive backed into 4 cars (hasnt messed up either car either time) the timing belt broke on it. Thought the motor was gone, but it wasnt. I tore the front end up and the hole drivers side door up by hitting a fence. It chirps wheels in second gear. I couldnt have asked for a better first car. Gas mileage. Filled it up today for 28$ itll run 300 miles a tank. My kids will probably be driving this car. I have a spare exact same car (but it has a sunroof) with 140,000 on it when the motor blows in this one.