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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  front end sounds - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Judy - October 28 - 11:47 am

  I bought my flex in August have heard a noise under the front of the car occasionally since. It sounds like the brakes are going out & the rotors are rubbing.Sometimes feels like it grads a bit when i put the brakes on. I had it looked at once so far they say nothing is wrong. I will keep checking. I traded in a 2006 expedition fully loaded for a simplier model to help on mileage and overall money expenses. I love it I only miss the 4 wheel drive. I do have an issue with the little panels behind the door handle on the interior of the car. they have popped off three times so far. Seems a bit cheezy.I do not like the headrest angle doesnt work well for short people makes my head lean forward.

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  2004 xlt two wheel drive 4.0 v-6 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By BFR - October 28 - 10:42 am

  bought used with 12000 miles on it in 2005. I now have 92000 10/28/09. I had one front wheel bearing go out. changed the hub assembley myself was not to hard but cost was $200.00.New tires at 86000 miles, and never rotated the tires once, and they wore even. Gas milage 15/16 city 21/22 highway.I run mobil 1 oil and change every 6000 miles.My wife drives it 80% of the time , and loves it. I coach baseball and have plenty of room to haul everything.No complaints

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  Best for me - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By waterguy - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The Sport Trac is the perfect pick up for the way I use a pick up. Excellent seating for 4 full sized adult people. Easy to get in and out. Excellent in the snow.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid is a Piece of Junk - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Escape Hybrid - October 28 - 1:16 am

  After all the hype, the 2006 Ford Hybrid is a cheaply built piece of junk. For one, the gas mileage is just not what youd expect from a hybrid. After only 25MPH the engine kicks in. Think about it...even in city driving (which averages 35MPH), your going to engage the engine a LOT. Secondly, when using the air conditioner, the engine is engaged. So, if you live in the south -- you are really out of luck. Lastly, the darn vehicle is a very noisy. Compared to the Explorer, there is virtually no insulation to outside noise. Lastly, it is a rip off. Those I know who own a Ford Escape (non-hybrid) are getting about the same mileage as I with the hybrid -- 27MPH for about $5K more!

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  Good - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By TkSost - October 27 - 10:15 pm

  I think this is a great vehicle if you can afford the gas on it

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  my 2004 Sport Trac Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Scott89racin - October 27 - 7:16 pm

  I have had very few problems with my Sport Trac. Ball joints were replaced at 12k and the transfercase was rebuilt at 29k due to a problem with hanging up in low or not shifting into 4wd at all. Drivers window reg was replaced at 29k and they fixed an evap problem at 35k under warranty.For having such a small engine it still pulls and I have more than once exceeded the 3500 lb towing capacity by 100%(I towed combined 7000 once) The trans cooler is a definete plus for towing. My friends Silverado trans went out going over the divide in Colorado with less miles towing about the same loads as me.(a Jeep) My fluid was cool to the touch while he had smoke comming out of his fill tube!

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  luv my Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By b - October 27 - 6:49 pm

  great car, I4 with manual trans is tons of fun. Fuel economy is great ~34 mpg hwy. Very quick. I was looking at a used 07 A4 for 26000 and found this new 08 Fusion for 14 and change. What a value. Ford is back.

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  the best car that you can buy! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Rodolfo Fuenzalida - October 27 - 3:37 pm

  This car means only pleasure. I am a Mustang lover, this is the first one that I bought and I can tell you that the car is the best of the best. Its retro style and power engine only can give you good moments. Mine is convertible, then drive with the top down is really a dream.

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  Ford Escape Transmisson Cooler - 2008 Ford Escape
  By JNBXU - October 27 - 1:17 pm

  Love the car, ride, interior and exterior.

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  Wow - 2008 Ford Escape
  By john - October 27 - 5:20 am

  The MPG in the city are great. 26 in the city and 32 on the highway! I am glad that I did not wait for a hybrid to come in and bought a 4cyl insted!