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:

• 

  BEST TRUCK EVER! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Chris Bruce - January 31 - 6:41 pm

  I loved my f150 xl 2wd. Its reliable as hell, the ride is as smooth as driving a big car, and it is all around awesome. The only thing I didnt like was gas mileage, I was getting about 13 mpg. I wish it had a little more power to it, but it still had enough torque to pull my friends 93 Dodge ram charger with no problem. I love this truck I had to get rid of it because I needed something with better gas mileage but it felt like my girl friend broke up with me when I did. This truck is awesome and I would recommend that everyone should get it if they could afford the v8.

• 

  Almost 100,000 - Not a single problem - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Greg - January 31 - 4:39 pm

  All I have done is change the oil and replace one headlamp (which is a royal pain). Great gas mileage. Good driving. My first American made car - no complaints.

• 

  Great Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Jammerx - January 31 - 12:47 pm

  I purchased my Ranger new. It is has the 2.5 I4 and 5 speed. It has served my family well and is about to become my daughters vehicle. We have had no problems with this truck. None. I cannot say that about any other vehicle I have ever owned. Would gladly purchase another Ford product. Gets great gas mileage, and is small enough to zip around in. Have towed a small U haul when we moved from Maine to the south... No issues. Its is still our daily driver as we teach our daughter to drive... (clutch is still intact LOL!!) Again GREAT VEHICLE!!!

• 

  Not a 10 anymore! - 2009 Ford Edge
  By On the Edge - January 31 - 11:40 am

  I bought the Edge because I wanted the styling, the dual roof and a Ford. But within the first year, the dual roof broke twice, the car stalled twice until it was determined it needed a new part. It is sluggish up a hill and slipped from being a 10 to a 5 in my recent opinion. All my friends know the problems I have had and have purchased other SUVs. No one I know will buy an Edge. I think I have a lemon and dont find my review reflective of all Edges. But my lemon is getting more sour in its second year. The roof is stuck again.

• 

  Good Everyday Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By FJN - January 31 - 11:01 am

  Purchased car used with 13K miles. Used as daily for eight years. Ran to NYC from Virginia several times each year. Great highway mileage(29mpg). 200HP engine moves. Nimbleness of this car surprises. As daily driver, always reliable. Performed routine maintenance. Comfortable car for four on trips. Gave car to my son two years ago. Still going strong for him. For me, I think this was one of Fords better vehicles.

• 

  231,000 - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Frosty - January 31 - 10:06 am

  I bought my Ford Escape used in 2005 at the time I purchased it, it had 150,000 miles. I have driven it everywhere , everyday , in all different types of conditions it has been fairly maintenance free until this year but at 231,000 miles that is to be expected. Motor is still great uses no oil and has been changed every 3,000 miles. The only things that I have replaced were the alternator, front wheel bearings, and 2 o2 sensors. All and all not bad. I would love to have another one that is this good.

• 

  Not bad - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By trevor - January 30 - 4:37 pm

  Pulled a boat back from a different province with my stepdads 01 sport. Liked it so much I bought the identical van. Other than the typical ford engineering that makes it hard to work on yourself its been a great family van. I pull trailers with it all the time and use it for road trips with the family. It gets great gas mileage,has lots of power and has no problem with the cruise set at 145km/h. I think a tranny cooler helps deal with trans problems.

• 

  shouldve bought a chevy - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By BRYAN - January 30 - 11:15 am

  I bought that truck with 100,000 miles on it. At first it was a good truck to drive. Soon after I bought it, the head gaskets blew. I had them replaced and after that the motor had a ticking problem. A few hundred miles later, somehow or another tranny fluid started getting in the crankcase. The first time I changed the oil after the fix, I was dumbfounded. Ihad a 6qt. Oil drain pan and it overflowed it and way more. How does transmission fluid get into the engine?

• 

  Reliable Car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Don - January 30 - 2:33 am

  It has been a good car. We bought the car in TX and it handled the heat there and the cold in MT. The transmission went out at exactly 100K. The suspension needs replaced now at 125K. The paint came off of the spoiler. The only place it peeled off.

• 

  old mans dream machine - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By dieter - January 30 - 1:03 am

  Im 63 yrs young and Ive had a lot of different cars in my life. My last car got totaled so I went looking for a muscle car. Im tired of 4s and 6s. I loked around for about 2 months. I found my perfect car, a 1998 mustang gt convertible. Ive had it for about 9 months, and had a blast in it. It had 120,000 miles on it, and I havent had a bit of trouble with it. All my old friends ask me about gas mileage, I tell them I could care less. I give them a ride in it with the top down and they want to buy one. Of course they have to glue their tupees on a little better. I have trouble judging distances on parking so this is a great fit for me. I will have no other car than a mustang!!