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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  bad transmission and rear - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Joe Nicholson - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The transmission slips and the rear bangs on hills. The dealer cannot duplicate the noise and no one is around to come for a ride with me. This is a big disappointment for the best selling truck. I should have bought a Toyota.

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  sportrak rev. - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mark lascko - November 28 - 10:00 am

  had my sportrak for almost 2yrs.now still looks great, get many compliments. have had no trouble with it. great dependable ford quality!!! would definately buy another one!!!

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  My Review - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Stupidyou - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Well i first test drove it i was going to be a huge hunk of metal. I was wrong. This creature did almost 0-60 in 5.6 sec. Thats fast for something that weighs almost 3 tons. The torque was just right with enough room to haul a medium baot with that pick-up to pass that granny cadalic.

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  Freestyle "Freedom" - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - November 28 - 1:53 am

  The performance is outstanding. I had three previous Windstars, and the Freestyle exceeds them in comfort, economy, ease of handling, and price. The CVT is an outstanding transmission, it is quick off the line, and really performs. Very comfortable seating, and tracking is effortless while on long trips.

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  Transmission Troubles - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Boo Taurus - November 27 - 5:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 when it had 90,000 miles. Within 4 months the transmission went out. Had to have it rebuilt. 30,000 miles later the transmission has failed again. (Yes, I only put 30k miles on it in 9 years.) Im not having it fixed this time. Let the junk man have it. Im buying a Toyota!!!!

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  Great since day one! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By James.Frey - November 27 - 12:30 pm

  Ive owned this car since day one. Bought it in late 1993, and has been great to us. In 1997 we took it to VA from CA and it was great in the snow and rough terrain. Brought it back to CA in 1999, mechanic I took it to messed up the engine at 50k so we had to have it rebuilt. It now has 91k on it and I drive it as a spare car, but it can go for weeks without being driven and it still goes strong, and starts right up! Design is flawless, shows you what a real american car is all about. Interior is perfect, nice, simple, and comfortable. Drive-terrain: I wish it would have had a 4.5L or 5.0L V8, the 4.0L V6 it has is under powered, and the 4spd Pinto transmission is weak.

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  My Notch Back 5.0 - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Carl - November 26 - 11:35 pm

  The Notch Back, Slick Top, Coupe, are the few names this car has been given. This car is the most sought-after by anyone who loves late model Mustangs. Its reputation for being quick, aggressive lane-cuters served the High Way Patrol across the country. Its trunk lid body style makes it lighter by few hundred lbs. It gets attention without asking. You will be asked if you want to sell it. Your reply should be "No, its a keeper" The engine need not any drastic Mods. Upgrade the exhaust youll be glad you did. If you own one dont be wreckless. Ive seen wrecked ones on a flat bed. Over all I love this car. Its going to be a rare car.

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  Dont even miss my BMW 335i Twin Turbo - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Trent - November 26 - 11:21 pm

  Black on Black GT premium coupe, automatic, 19 inch wheels, comfort package with heated seats. I am very impressed with this car and after coming out of a BMW that is saying a lot. I feel proud to be supporting an American Company and especially when they are building cars like this. The engine sound is intoxicating. The overall feel behind the wheel will take you back to your more youthful self. I am 65" and a big guy and I have no problems fitting in the car comfortably. Everyone wants to compare this car to the Camaro but have you sat in one? They should be ashamed to make such an ugly interior plus Ford did not take any bail out money! I now own 2 2010 Fords and love the direction.

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  could not find better car for the price - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Great car - November 26 - 11:12 pm

  Had 24k miles when I purchased, now at 65K only one problem with A/C that was fixed with CPO warranty plus. Overall this is a reliable car and travels well. MPG on highway at 29 running at speed limit. No mechanical problems. I compared with Altima, Camry, and Accord V6 models, saved 40 - 50% in price comparison plus I am warranty covered to 100k miles.

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  Dont like the trans on the 4.6 - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Chef - November 26 - 9:38 pm

  Had an 5.4 2007 fX4 and went to the xlt 4.6 for better gas. Nice truck ,love the look inside out, but i hate the transmission. 1st just feels a little rough and when you are coming to a stop and the truck is down shifting into 1st gear it makes a jerk feel . I did not notice it the first few weeks cause I was taking it easy on the truck for the 1st 2000 miles. Just so I did not feel crazy I went to the dealer ship and drove the 5.4 eng , It feels much better. paid 29k for the truck and wanted to trade it in with only 2,300 and all they would give me is 23k. Should have tested drove the truck over night , mad at ford right now, Still going to trade for 5.4L down the road