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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  Runs Great but stuff breaks - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jayne - February 15 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my car brand new,had to adjust to it rigid ride, its reliable the only things is stuff falls apart, my leather seat is ripped up, constant problems with sunroof, CD player broke, rear windshield wiper doesnt work, only driver can operate the windows, interior roof is falling other than that its totally reliable without problems as far as the motor goes.

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  great ! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By patti - February 15 - 1:32 pm

  I love my ford escape. I upgraded it by adding a billet grill and chrome door handles. People remark on it all the time. I absolutely love the sync and ambient lighting. I would recommend to anyone looking for a smaller suv. Love it, love it !

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  Reliable and fun - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Daniel - February 15 - 1:19 pm

  I purchased my truck when I was 16 for 2000 dollers with 120,000 miles. Since then ive put another 90000 miles on it for a total of 210,000 miles with no major hitchs. The truck is quite peppy out of the hole but lacks top end power. Ive had mine up to 110 on a long downhill stretch. Back end is a little light which makes it fun to slide around but scary when over driving a corner.My ranger is two wheel drive and will get stuck in grass if it is wet. This truck needs a limited slip deferential to counter this problem. Cabin of truck is spacious if you are under 6 foot tall. Over all if you are looking for a nice reliable truck this is it. 13 years, 210,000 miles later, and no rust.

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  Focus Fun - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Skip - February 14 - 8:14 pm

  I purchased my focus ses 3 months ago replacing my 2001 focus. What a difference ford has made over the years. Rides well and has many good perks like heated seats, well used in PA. Handing is quite a bit better than I expected. gas mileage averages at 33 mpgs. That is driving up and down hills. Awesome ride!

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  Meets a lot of my needs except gas miles - 2007 Ford Escape
  By chico - February 14 - 7:33 pm

  I bought a 2007 program car. It was in great shape with very, very low miles. It rides like a small truck, handles like a small truck, and has room like a small truck. Unfortunately, it has the gas mileage of a small truck too. Its a real shocker coming out of a Camry. What I like about it is that it plows through modest amounts of snow with no hesitation. The ride is a little loud but the stereo has a feature that compensates for the ride noise level as you speed up and slow down, pretty cool. I like the features but I wish the ride were quieter and the gas mileage was better.

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  Been a great car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By WYcommuter - February 14 - 7:26 pm

  Bought with 8000 miles in 05. Still have with 115000. Only one issue and that was a new ignition core (cheap repair). Live in WY and commute through blizzards and have never been stuck or stranded with this great little car. I drive it and leave the F150 in the garage when its icy. Did not buy fancy, manual windows, locks, etc. maybe that why no problems.

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  Must have gotten a LEMON!!! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Stacey - February 14 - 5:08 pm

  Every 4 months in the shop for repairs. Ball joints, serpentine belt, Idler pully, Wheel bearings and casing, heater blower, timing belt and pulley system for timing belt all repairs in lest than 2 years. I have 52,00 miles on it so it is very frustrating. All repairs happened before 36,000 miles except for the Idler pulley and serpentine belt that just went bad on 2/10/10. No luck what so ever with this car. Not the best gas mileage in the winter, and sync radio doesnt stay synced like it should. It is so hard to hear that so many people have had no problems and they love their car,I really with I could say the same because without all the repairs the car would be great!

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  Saved My Life - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Mia - February 14 - 4:31 pm

  I was in my first car accident, not just a fender bender, I have a few contusions, 2nd degree burn, and two strains one in my back and the other in my neck. I could have came out a lot worse, the EMS on site told me the air bags and everything worked the way it should have. Im still scared but thank goodness that this was all that I came out with. Its normal to get a burn from the air bag the ambulance said. Im planning on buying another ford focus for my new car. They are fairly reliable.

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  simply great - 2002 Ford F-150
  By gregg45365 - February 14 - 11:46 am

  We bought our truck new in april 2002,currently has 139,000 miles and still is running with the same clutch,and only recently changed the front brakes.Also had to change the drivers side tierod.Themost we have spent in fixing our truck is the clutch slave cylinder inside the bell housing.Weve kept up on the oil changes every 3,000 miles,and tune- ups.This truck handles great,still looks good,and well never part with it.

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  Great Truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Josh - February 14 - 11:28 am

  I bought this truck with around 230,000 miles on it wondering what i was getting myself into. This truck is great. Great in the snow, always starts, great sound system, lots of cargo room, feels like Im sitting on a lazy boy driving around, it is so smooth. The car has also aged gracefully. I had to make a few minor repairs but that is to expected with such an old vehicle. The gas milage is not great but you cant control gas prices. I love the truck overall and it is still going strong after 300,000. Im going to hold on to this truck as long as I can. The front seats have so much room so much better than riding in a 2010 sardin can.