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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  Heap Of Junk - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Chilly - January 8 - 9:17 am

  This Model Ford is a piece of Junk. Every issue that everyone has with this car we have had. Bought it used, we have had to replace the radiator twice now. The lurching problem with the transmission fixed twice(36k) and now the breaks at low speed breaking make an awful noise, oh and thats right after ford installed new brakes. All service done at a local ford dealership and they seem clueless as how to fix there own car! We were honda faithfuls but thought we would try a FORD (buy American... right). Stand in line call me an idiot later. Car now has 76k another radiator to buy. I think Ill take this hunk out back and put it out of its misery! STEER CLEAR OF THIS JUNK!

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  ford quality - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Ron - January 8 - 8:46 am

  this is my second expedition. I drove the last one, a 2006 Eddie Bauer model, 107,000 miles with no problems. It was a great vehicle. However, the new Ford Expedition is luxury in a 4 wheel drive platform. Other than fuel mileage of 15 mpg+/-, there is nothing about this vehicle that I have found to be less then ideal.

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  Good job, Ford! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By JeanC - January 8 - 1:07 am

  This is a very nice car, inside and out. Excellent exterior styling, very close to perfect interior. Trim on the console sides shouldnt be plastic. Ride quality is superb... firm but not harsh. Plenty of power, and very smooth through the gears. After 1000 miles, highway fuel economy is well below estimates (not typical for me).

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  Luxury Truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Golfingg - January 7 - 10:56 pm

  I purchased this truck after a driver ran a red light and damaged my 2009 Chevy Avalanche LTZ which was 4 months old. This truck is more comfortable, has a lot more room and the interior has a better design, materials and finish. The ride is great and the performance seems superior. The navigation system display is great, the Sonyaudio system with factory subwoofer sounds awesome. Bluetooth is much more functional than in the previous truck. The exhaust system has just enough volume to recognize it has power but not to be an annoyance. The Tuxedo Black exterior with metal flakes makes a very nice presentation in sunlight. Gas mileage is expected for a truck with this power and size.

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  Road legal ATV ??? - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By SaskSaint - January 7 - 10:40 am

  Bought new as my second Ranger. Loved my first one. I am a short fella 5.7" and this truck fits me great, with one exception. The drivers seat can be uncomfortable on long trips due to high front edge causing leg cramps. Running on cruise, when possible, greatly improves comfort. The engine is a jewel with great personality. Nice little truck off road, works well in tight places. Pulls my boat and wood trailer like nothing. I hear a lot of whining about fuel consumption and I am not too unhappy with mine. I have done as high as 26 mpg but average 22/24 on highway at 100k, or less. I would like a longer box option, say 7 foot , for hauling ATV as this little box is rammed full with a bike on.

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  So far, Im pleased - 2008 Ford Escape
  By mariposa7684 - January 7 - 8:37 am

  I bought my 2008 xlt used with 11k miles. After almost a year of ownership, Im happy with the overall performance. Nice and roomy with good visibility. Handling is smooth. Could perform better in snow--dont think the OEM continentals are so great. Had several warranty issues (leaking transmission fluid, defective CD player, stained seats) and they were all taken care of efficiently by the local ford dealership.

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  Started great and then fell off a cliff - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cdock - January 6 - 10:22 pm

  Year One:Didnt drive it too much I lived like 3 miles from my job. only put about 3000 on car in first year. Year Two: cd changer stops working right makes weird noise and scratches cds. Take car in they swap out cd player and mail me a cd that was someone a 7th cd inside the changer when it was fixed. About 4 months later rear wheel bearings need replacement and front sway bar cracked they weld it. Years 3-7: cd player replaced 4 times sway bar welded 3 more times 60K miles coolant leak fixed 80K coolant leak fixed 81K power steering goes and oil starts leaking power steering fixed. 83K ignition locks and passenger window falls down on its own while driving repairs for year 7-8 =3,600

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  95 Aspire with 245K miles! - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Jermnc77 - January 6 - 9:44 pm

  I purchased my Aspire from a cousin. I had long bugged him to sell it to me, and finally he relented! The motor has been replaced at 193K. I found a motor with 22K on it. I have practically rebuilt the car. But its been a work of love. I like the styling. The gas mileage is great! (averages 32mpg). It is a 5 spd with AC. I have achieved 41 MPG with the Aspire by not running the AC and keeping speed to 55mph. The mechanics of this car are simple and its easy to work on when necessary. With that said, it has been an extremely reliable car! I dont know what I would have done w/out it during the "gas rush" of Katrina! I wish Ford would bring this back! Just the way it is!

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  2006 Ford Freestyle SE in NC - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jermnc77 - January 6 - 9:22 pm

  I purchased the Freestyle new in 2006. I love the Freestyle! I love the styling cues of an SUV mixed with a stationwagon. I would have loved to seen a "wood" panel addition. This car is an excellent traveler! We drove it from NC to OK and enjoyed every mile. I cant believe Im actually thinking of keeping this car and paying it off! That has NEVER happened to me! My average mpg is 23 miles per gallon. I have never achieved the advertised "500 miles per tank". Still it gets better gas mileage than any other SUVs or vans this size! I got the CVT trans model. I wish I had gotten a regular trans instead. The CVT has a towing capacity of 2k, while the reg trans had a 3k

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  best car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By m011 - January 6 - 9:20 pm

  I love my 2000 ford focus, with over 100000km on it ive only had few problems. i love it. for a small car its big.