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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  65K Miles and Still LOVE IT! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By FordDriver - February 6 - 11:44 am

  I have had this truck for almost 4 years and have 65K miles on it. The only issues I have had are the F-150 emblems peeling and the 3rd brake light leaking. Brakes are still good and I havent had any maintenance issues at all. The mileage averages about 14-15 and horrible (about 9) when towing, although this is expected for a gasoline engine. The ride is very comfortable and actually quieter and a bit smoother than my wifes Infiniti. I would buy again if asked!

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  Black Beauty - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By BelAirCarGuy - February 6 - 5:46 am

  Bought this 2006 Limited V-8 with 32,000 miles to replace a 1996 Isuzu Trooper. The Explorer has great styling both inside and out, three rows of seats with power folding third row. Plenty of interior room, with lots of leg room in the second row. Good visibility, with a straight hood, so you can see the front corners of the vehicle. The ride is very smooth with the independent rear suspension, and interior quiet at highway speeds. I did purchase a extended warranty for three years/thirty-six thousand miles. Recently had a run through the snow with slippery road conditions. The automatic 4WD worked great, but also tried the "manual" 4WD option. No problems either. Overall, great!

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  Thrilled Ford Escape owner - 2010 Ford Escape
  By DBSC - February 6 - 1:18 am

  I have a 2010 Escape XLT V6, this SUV is fun to drive. I am in my mid 60s, this auto makes me feel like a teenager every time i get behind the wheel. Throttle response, power and agility are great, i have not enjoyed driving this much in decades. Ford has put comfort, power, performance and economy in a great package.

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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By KCAttorney - February 6 - 12:26 am

  Bought this SUV with V6 in summer of 2007 with 95K miles on it. Sold it in November 2009 with 130K miles to a friends daughter who just turned 16. It still looks great, interior & exterior. Only repairs during that time were 2 rear wheel bearings and the rear AC door actuator. Other people complain about having to repair items like wheel bearings at "only" 90K miles. Come on, be realistic. Once a car gets over 50K miles, its going to need repairs from time to time. This SUV offers a great overall package. Ive had 3 Explorers now and had good luck with all 3. They arent perfect, but Ive had several other SUVs also, and the Explorer is a great truck. Thats why Ive owned 3.

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  Love My Car - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By BD - February 6 - 12:05 am

  My Mustang was special ordered just for me. The car is everything I knew it would be and more. This is the second convertible mustang I have owned. The first was in 1984. Now 26 years later I have another one. Love the my color ambient lighting, love the sync and navigation, love the backup camera. Color choice was white w/a black top and one of the striping packages also in black. Im averaging 19 city and 24+ highway. I was thinking the mpgs would be a little better being that it is only a V6 engine but its still new and not broke in yet. I am so happy with my car. I did a lot of research before I made my decision, and I couldnt have picked a better car. LOVE-LOVE-LOVE IT

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  Bad used car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By ralph0722 - February 5 - 7:47 pm

  I lost my job and i had to let my new car go, so i bought a Taurus GL with 86k though will last me since only has 86k for a 1994 model. Wrong. 30 days later transmission died. spent 1300 to fix it. Lets see now what will go wrong next.

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  Love my Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By llb2010 - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  I bought my 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 a few months ago, and I must admit, I LOVE it! It runs great, gets awesome gas mileage (almost 35 to the gallon highway, about 28 city), and is very cute! Im seventeen and wanted to buy a car (yes- I paid for it myself!) that would last throughout college and I think Ive found the one! It has plenty of legroom for me (6 feet tall). It gets great pickup and I find it very easy to drive- even in the snow and ice. I havent had any problems with the car (knock on wood) and would recommend it to anyone. My parents may be Toyota and Honda owners, but Im a Ford girl for life!

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  Dealership Busted My Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Fix or repair daily - February 5 - 1:04 pm

  I have had a bad experience so far with the vehicle. Radiator problems started 10000 miles after owning! Major complaint is that I took it into the dealership (Hoffman Ford, Harrisburg PA) without leaks from the radiator, then they ran there pressure test, and all of sudden the leak appears out of no where gushing out the bottom. Now I looked over the radiator several times over a few weeks and didnt see a leak, in fact they didnt either when I had to them a few months ago, it was a hose at that time. But the smell persisted so I took it back. Bottom line, they performed another pressure test and now its costing me $1000 to have it fixed. What an insult!

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  Incredible Mileage and Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Matthew - February 5 - 12:27 pm

  Can not say enough good things about this car. Very comfortable (but I did get leather seats) and much better mileage than edmunds lists, not sure where edmunds is getting their numbers from but believe me, I have never had such a fuel efficient vehicle. I get 40mpg on highway and 30mpg in city. Super peppy, wheel control feels like a Volkswagen, ride feels like a honda, electronics are impressive, stereo sounds amazing, much more room inside than one would think. Only complaint would be the trunk, it doesnt close correctly if you just casually close it. But that is sooo minor. I never thought Ford would ever make a vehicle this well, and it has changed my impression of Ford forever!!!

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  Been Worth the $ - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By cmd - February 5 - 12:07 pm

  I bought this truck used with 72K, now Im up to 138K and the 2.3L (5 spd Man) engine is running good. During the cold months, I get 20-22 on the Hwy, but when its warm, Ive gotten 27! The body has held up great and Ive had to replace some things like brake lines, Pwr Steering lines, Upper and lower ball joints, e-brake cable and the surprise was the brackets on the rear springs. But overall, Im paying less than a car payment. My boys want me to keep it for when they start driving it. I put some new Cooper ATR tires on it this year and its done pretty good getting up the hill on my drive way here in the CLE area with 200lb of sand in the back.