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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  ZX5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Butler - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I Just love this car. Its my second Focus. Im a repeat buyer because my first one (a ZX3) was very good to me during the 70,000 Km I drove it!

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  Nice - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dave - February 1 - 4:20 am

  I have driven the Escape in downtown Chicago and on the wide open interstate. 30mpg in Chicago and 29.5 at highway+ speeds. Runs very smooth with the CVT transmission. Nice to know I can fill it full of gear and get that good of mileage.

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  Trusty Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Mattalicious - February 1 - 2:18 am

  I have never had any major issue with this pick-up and it has met or exceeded my needs all the time. Drove it from east Texas to Colorado and back and never had an issue (except me driving in the snow!). Would have preferred a V6 for more horsepower, but for my basic uses and the gas prices lately I am happy with my 4 cylinder engine. Road noise isnt the best but with a good CD playing, the sound system can drown it out pretty well. I will always prefer to drive around in my Ranger than any other vehicle (including full-size trucks and any car) just for comfort. Easy to drive because it isnt too big, but it is able to do light-duty hauling and other work.

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  Beautiful & highly capable SUV! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Adam Kessler - January 31 - 3:12 pm

  I really love the Flex in so many ways. Its above all else comfortable and very attractive in my honest opinion. Mileage is much better than most full size SUVS. After can you tell me the last time you could get 26mpg in a 7 passenger vehicle. This one has... unfortunately like most things I own my Flex been sabotaged by our rogue government and others. Ive owned it for about a yr and put just over 20k mile on it. I do however miss the ground clearance and bed of my pickup for motorcycles and other extra large items. What else, it can tow a decent trailer as well and has a large trans cooler that goes all the way across the front end. For an extra large vehicle it actually handles confidently. Would I buy it again yes as long as I had a truck too.

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  1992 Ford is been a good work house - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By John - January 31 - 7:54 am

  I am the a owner of a 1992 Ford Explorer and have found that the fuel effeciy of the vehicle is very well. I on average get 18-20 around town and have got 26 mpg on the highway but this was using cruise. The truck performance around the farm as been great. It has not gotten stock.The body looks brand new and the truck has nver left me somewere. The truck has 122,000 miles and still get better mph then my new Ford

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brad - January 30 - 9:19 pm

  Bought my Explorer with 20K miles on it. This is/was my second Explorer. All vehicles were 4X4. My first Explorer had in excess of 117K miles on it. Both Explorers had the 6cly in it. I towed a travler trailer through the mountains of New England and had plenty of power. I also towed a 22 ft boat. I have not towed with my second explorer. Ive driven it from Canada to Fl. forging rivers, hunting, fishing, snow, rain, family vacations, Boy Scouts and have few issues with its performace. 161,000 miles on my current Explorer and it may be time to replace it due to transmission trouble. With that many miles who could complain? Only two questions? Another Explorer or an F150?

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  Love my Stang! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By TCZ - January 30 - 11:12 am

  I have the 5 speed and I am driving it in the current Chicago winter and it not a problem. The traction control works well. The car is an absolute blast to drive and I get 23-25 MPG in mixed driving. Great job Ford.

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  What a great vehicle! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Great Vehicle - January 30 - 9:45 am

  I have owned many automobiles over the years and this one is by far the most reliable. It now has about 170,000 miles on it and has never needed anything outside of the typical routine maintenance schedule. The 4.0L is not the greatest on gas (although I have seen as high as 19-20 MPG on long trips) it shows no signs of tiring anytime soon. Still has the original exhaust sytem! Amazing. While the vehicle has just started to rust a bit, I cannot let go yet to buy a new vehicle. It is nearly worthless on the books as a trade. I will probably drive this until the body falls off! Sure home my next purchase treats me as well. Great job Ford!

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  Drive it, youll like it! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By hal jolly - January 29 - 10:51 pm

  I got it to save fuel. It gets 24 to 29.5. Most of the time I get over 26.5. Runs out good,rides good and handles great. Only holds 4 quarts of oil. Saves money going and coming.

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  Awesome F150 - 1994 Ford F-150
  By JD#1 - January 29 - 7:31 pm

  I primarily use this 94 truck to drive to work. I work at a cattle ranch and sometimes I have to pull trailers with it. For a 6-banger it is excellent. I never have seen a V8 Chevy accomplish that. I really like it and hope I never have to sell it. Ford, the best never rest!