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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  follow up - 2009 Ford Flex
  By chuck - November 25 - 8:22 am

  Follow up to my former review. Problems fixed now brakes are grinding. Dealer says that this is has been a problem, Guess I should have leased instead of buying.

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Lori Mendoza - November 25 - 7:29 am

  I agree with the other reviews pertaining to the head rest. Is does make your head lean forward a bit. But, if you recline the seat back a bit it seems to help. I have had a problem with the brakes squeeking while I am backing up from the garage to the barn. So only while backing up a long distance also. It also seems to double shift when I stop at a stop light and at times it feels as if it wants to excellurate while my foot is on the brake. It is in the shop as I write this but they will call Ford and Ford will say there is nothing wrong as they always do. FYI I also had to take it on for a Computer upgrade from Ford. Didnt know I had to do that but on occasion you have to so i was told.

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  Yep, Its THE Truck! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Car Guy - November 24 - 6:15 pm

  This was my first full size truck, I hadnt thought about a truck, but I upgraded my travel trailer last year and it was all my Explorer wanted to handle. Now with 15,000 miles on the truck I have been very impressed with all aspects of the vehicle. Controls, interior layout, seat comfort, mileage...I could go on - Mileage for mixed driving always around 18 and hwy over 21, even with the 5.4 liter. I was amazed with a stretch last summer pulling a 6,200# trailer and still about 14mpg. I was also surprised that this truck actually has the lowest total cost of ownership vs the other full sized on the market. If you are looking for a truck, drive this - youll probably own one too!

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  Happy Owner - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Ron Williams - November 24 - 12:19 pm

  I bought my 2000 Explorer Limited just before the intro of the 2001. I average 18.4 in town and 20 highway and have 135,000 miles on it. I went thru the tire recall and a couple other minor recalls, but have throughly enjoyed this SUV. Its been garage kept and looks nearly as good today as the day a bought it. I really take care of my SUV as it is my second most expensive investment after my house. Im not happy that the value has dropped so badly, but thats American for you. Ill drive this thing until either it or I dies. If I had my time to do over, I probably would have gotten the AWD.

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  Just saying - 2005 Ford F-150
  By kgaston - November 24 - 10:05 am

  "engeneers need to improve the drive train". This is clearly the best drivetrain I have ever seen in a truck. The Allison is nowhere near as good as this seeing as if you do not change the fluids in the Allison religiously, it will fail quickly. The stereo package is one of the best Ive seen in a truck and I enjoy the responsive throttle and brakes. The ride is much more superior than any Chevy or Dodge Ive driven.

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  ZX2 fun - 2002 Ford Escort
  By bulli - November 24 - 9:39 am

  I love this car alot. i bought it for cheap with low miles. i did have some problems such as misfiring when cold but after a tune up, pcv valve replacment, fuel system cleaner, new fuel filter. the car runs great. shifts great with pennzoil synchromesh in the trans. Its just a great car al together for the money. Better then any old rusted civic that is for sure.

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  Built Ford Tough - 1997 Ford F-150
  By nascar_nfl - November 24 - 8:33 am

  I purchased this truck new in 1997 and it has held up great ever since. I now have almost 190,000 on this truck and it runs perfect. I have installed lots of aftermarket parts to the truck and have always taken care of it. I live in the Mountains of Southern West Virginia so this truck sees alot of road salt during the winter but still has no rust. I take this thing off roading alot to and it NEVER gets stuck and Ihave been in some deep mud and water. The interior has plenty of romm and I am 63". It is also stylish and has good sound from the speakers. Built Ford Tough!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Gatorpit - November 24 - 7:03 am

  Our Escape makes a Hoot noise when accelerating from a stop. The Noise is loud and annoying. Not all Escapes make this noise. Ford acknowleges the noise but it is not a safety issue so they are going to fix it. I am disappointed with there attitude and after my 5th new Ford it is going to be my last. It is unfortunate that manufactures are allowed to get away with this. Make sure you thoroughly test and inspect your vehicle before taking a delivery or you will get stuck with it like I did.

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  A recalll that needs to happen - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bub Cooper - November 24 - 6:33 am

  I have only owned this 4x4 a short time but very dissatisfied. When putting in 4x4 I hear a growling and clunking. After reading many reviews they still have problems with auto hubs, relays and 4x4 motor on transfer case. The truck is very uncomfotable to drive but has alot of power with the V6 engine. This truvk is a 94 and you would think Ford would have fixed the problems with the 4x4 by now. By the way it burns a court of oil every two fill ups but doesnt leak a drop. Im selling this piece of sh.t

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By sas260 - November 24 - 4:26 am

  This vehicle is by far the best vehicle value on the market today. The styling, performance, comfort and quality are all spot on. The technology will blow you away! The sync system finally brings a system to market that you can use when it is intended to be used, while you are driving. The voice recognition is accurate 90 percent of the time. Everyone that hear I bought a Ford Taurus is stunned at first, but then goes into shock when they see it and drive it. For me, I get all the luxury and quality of higher end imports, at a great price and I can proudly say I bought an American car once again.