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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  UNCERTAIN - 2009 Ford Flex
  By santiago - February 18 - 7:20 pm

  car has been in the shop too often for a new car. My keyless panel has almost came off 3x, finally replaced it but now it extends farther then door. Brakes grind told normal at first then needed something changed on them because there were so many complaints and heater wasnt working properly, had to flush it 3x according to a bulletin that was put out by ford that I believe owners should also receive. Still dont believe car is heating properly. I worry whats next. Tried to buy American but I am being more disappointed every month. This is not a cheap vehicle and there are too many problems...they need to extend warranty. Head rest are horrible.

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  Best Taurus ever - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tom F - February 18 - 4:02 pm

  This is my third Taurus, my first non wagon. The other two were very good in all respects but this one is the best! The style,interior, quality and available features are great. It rides well with little road noise so you have to watch your speed. I have received many compliments on this car.The trunk is huge without dropping the seatbacks.

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  If you could only own one truck - 1997 Ford F-350
  By Mainer - February 18 - 7:06 am

  I bought this new in 97, still own it and probably will never have to buy another truck. I know that I rated the fuel mileage high - but what do you expect from that engine, nothing but torque and power. Has performed great from the deserts to the colorado mountains and the Maine winters!

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  its ok, not great! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By its ok! - February 17 - 1:09 pm

  My 2008 Ford Focus SE has 18,900 ive already replace a heater motor, it keeps stalling at idle but the dealership can never seem to find a problem with that. My newest found problem is now my rear end is squeaking and when i hit the brakes the car shoots to the left, again the dealership finds nothing wrong with it ever! i would own a ford again but not a focus its cheaply made! not worth the 14k your buying it for!

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  Worst Car Ever - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HateFocus1 - February 17 - 5:37 am

  Purchased Brand New 2000 Ford Focus Lx Sedan! Worst car ever was in the shop day after I bought it for faulty spark plugs, had the car for a year a a half, Repairs Done: 2 new engines, 4 radiators, 3 batteries, 2 alternators, 2 transmissions (ps the car is a manual and yes the transmission went out) 1 clutch (leaking) Mater cylender, Electricle wiring for exterior lights, e brake, 3 acs, thermostat, 2 water pumps,

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  Love it! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By macmish - February 16 - 10:51 pm

  I purchased my Escape new in November of 2004. I love the looks - Exterior color is red with tan leather interior. Hot! The performance has been great. I have never had any trouble with it. I recently purchased a 16 tow behind trailer. The Escape tows it like a dream.

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  Hunk of Junk! - 1993 Ford F-150
  By m_pibb - February 16 - 7:36 pm

  This truck has left me stranded multiple times. Sure, its good looking, but thats about it. Its constantly breaking down. Its at 182,000 miles and its like it needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. Maybe back in the day it was a good truck, but it does not age well at all. Oh yeah, Paint fades badly, and the vehicle rusts a lot.

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  First Ford, Trade In toyota - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By joe - February 16 - 7:07 pm

  This car is unreal fast and really fun to drive. It is loaded . I got a great deal with an extra incentive to dump the toyota. Interior design is like a cockpit and when you put the pedal to the metal you really feel locked in with the contour seat. Only wish the name was not taurus as the stigma is hard to kill.

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  Workhorse - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Banjo - February 16 - 10:15 am

  We bought this baby after it had been on the dealers lot for a long time and got a good deal on it. We had to replace the tranny at around 100K but otherwise its been a total workhorse. its got 150K on it and going strong. Its a bit banged up so we dont worry about throwing just about anything in it. A mechanic told us the 3.0 V6 is the best engine option and its been good getting around 20 mpg. We hope to get another couple of years out of it.

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  Ridge Ranger proves to be affordable - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Phil - February 15 - 10:38 pm

  My first truck was an 87 ranger, and Ive now had the 2000 model for 4 years. Put about 60,000 onto the existing 47,000 miles from date of purchase. Like my previous ranger, some things seem to need replacement every 4 years or so. Im about to replace the clutch, although my driving has been a little harder given that I live in the country. Also Universal joints, alternator, heater core, filters of course... actually not too bad. now at about 100000, Im flushing radiator, doing brakes, fuel filter, checking plugs and fuses, replaced battery 3x now its always corroding-maybe Ill make a cover... needs fresh suspension. But overall suprisingly sturdy truck when its taken care of.