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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  never again - 2008 Ford Escape
  By sad owner - February 9 - 10:48 am

  Very disappointed in this vehicle. Price was a big consideration in the purchase decision. Repairs have canceled out any original savings. Transmission cooler leak, lower steering unit failure are two of major items not covered under warranty or power train warranty. Problems were not correctly diagnosed until 3/36 warranty had expired. Unlike GM, Ford customer care department doesnt care, and dealership service departments leave much to be desired. No more US made vehicles.

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  2010 SHO After 5 Months - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By RBM - February 9 - 9:53 am

  Handling and performance is off the charts. Storage is more than ample. Appearance is a 10+ and wherever we take it we get stares and positive comments. It is a show stopper in candy apple red metallic and when we show off, we easily leave everyone else in the dust. This is akin to a stallion that just wants to run. The electronics are logical and easy to use and even though I am a Crown Vic user, this car has changed my mind about the Taurus. This is the third Ford (500, Taurus, Taurus) new car my wife has purchased and it is by far the best overall automobile we have acquired. I would rate it far abouve a ten if given the opportunity. The "Arrest me red," color is my only concern.

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  Just Plain FUN!! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By TrueBlueFord - February 8 - 9:44 pm

  I bought this little truck to do some light hauling and running about. It is the 2.3 engine with a 5 speed and although it wont set the world on fire powerwise, it will cruise with traffic on the interstate at 75mph with no sweat and in town is just fine. It runs perfect and handles great, especially the way it turns (real tight) and has absolutely NO squeaks, rattles or noises. Rust free and the paint is still shiney. Cranks right up and is eager to go. The A/C will freeze your jaw off and the defroster works fast! Great brakes and suspension. I totally love to drive it and actually take it out more than my new Explorer with the 4.0. The 8 plugs is because the engine is a semi-hemi design.

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  Lovin my truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Lovin my truck - February 8 - 9:31 pm

  Just bought this truck. Tires are factory size. This truck is great. Ive had lots of Fords but this one Im in love with, and sos my wife (thats a challenge)If I keep my foot out of it Im getting 21-22 mpg @ 60-65 about 18 @ 70-75. I like how high it rides with the stock tires and suspension on it. I also like all the bells and whistles. I didnt buy it to out run the local kids but as far as the handling, performance, and milage, Im impressed.

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  great and fun truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By mtaylorjr - February 8 - 9:13 pm

  This is my second ranger I have owned. I love this truck, its fun to drive and is fun to play with in the mud

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  2004 Ford Escape XLS 4 cyl - 2004 Ford Escape
  By davidintx - February 8 - 8:44 pm

  This is a good all around vehicle with just a few warts.

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  Never thought I would buy a Ford - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Likes foreign cars - February 8 - 6:25 pm

  Living in OC, Im brand concious. All I need to say that I replaced a Mercedes GL450 with this car and I can tell you that this is better than the GL450. Ford has done an amazing job with the styling, feature, technology, and ride. The Ecoboost engine is great, with one turbo working the low speed and the other at high speed it gives you power on demand merging onto the freeway as well as lane change at high speed. The Sync technology is the best in the industry. The leather quality is comparable if not better than what I had in Lexus and Mercedes. Lastly, in a very image concerned world of OC, were getting noticed in this vehicle, which says a lot about where Ford is going.

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  sho what happened - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By johnstoys - February 8 - 5:45 pm

  These are a lot worse then the 95 model that I had. Not only are they slower, if you do not have the cams welded, your motor will be shot. The trans is just about the same sloppy shift as a regular model Taurus. You think they would of built a tougher trans being the sho has 235 horses. Sharp looking car and it does handle Nice. Gas mileage is fair, but if you have power, who cares about gas. Its sad, but the 95 s. H. O automatic would of put this v-8 sho to shame, the manual version would of smoked this v8 sho in the first 2 gears.

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  tired of the vibrations - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Pratap - February 8 - 1:06 pm

  I own a 2002 ford convertible mustang which I bought in 2007 april but since then Ive never enjoyed my ride. This car is full of vibrations. I took to many good local dealers but they couldnt fix it and finally wanted to go to the Tulsa Ford showroom but these people, even though they do not have any work, doesnt bother to look at my car. This is the experience I had with a FORD vehicle.

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  Love It - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Mel - February 8 - 11:58 am

  I researched quite a bit before i purchased this car. I got the limited because i didnt like the plastic on the other ones. I think the SUV had one owner previously. I live in Germany now and my SUV is small enough to fit in most compact spaces but it still has a lot of interior room. And my SUV goes through the snow and mud of these county roads like no other. I have had a few issues the 6 Disc CD changer gave out a week after i got it. It is a little noisy driving but yo get that with most SUVs. And it almost hesitates when i am driving around 45. The mechanics tell me that some vehicles just do it. Slightly annoying. However, i have been having issues with my sun roof hestitating to open.