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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  2015 f150 Platinum 3.5L, disappointed... - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Dave - October 10 - 10:18 pm

  Owned the 2015 f150 Platinum 3.5L Ecoboost for 9 months/14,000 miles, 3/2016 sold 11/2016. Being 65" could never get comfortable compared to the previous 10 f150s and 2 f250s owned. Lane departure stopped working 2 months into ownership, front rotors have gouges, right side of windshield had a waviness blemish between plys, engine developed an oil seep, seat backs are thin, you can feel all of the controls, wires etc. for the massaging seats in the back and they squeak. Cooled seats stink, heat works well. Drivers seat leather starting to fade and all seats are so slick that all contents end up on floor under moderate braking. AND the aluminum body, forget it, it actually looks like it has dents/ripples all over IMO, creases around door handles, poor fit and finish and the hood actually bounces going down the road due to min stiffeners. Using adaptive cruise control on the highway, around corners, can be tricky if there is slower traffic in the lane next to you, the FLIR sees the traffic as being in your lane and clamps on the brakes, not a warm and fuzzy feeling. Ride is horrible over rough roads and the back end is so light it feels dangerous but man is she quiet inside if the sun roof rails arent squeaking (requires several opens and closes to "reset" it. When standing in the bed you can hear it bend, moan and groan, I am only 215 lbs. MY BAD for dropping 49k on the POS! live and learn. Traded it in for a 2013 f150 5.0. LOVE the 2013... LEDs are way cool though, thats about it... I am in aviation and pay extreme attention to detail and baby all of my vehicles. Again, Im a Ford guy for life and thought "stepping up" to the Platinum I would be ecstatic, boy was I wrong.

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  Great Car....Second One - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Amanda - October 10 - 3:27 pm

  If you want or need an SUV, this is the one. Traded a 2002 Ford Expedition for the new 2009. Ford really stepped this one up. The interior on the Limited is a good as you get, performance, handling, comfort and road noise are excellent. Around town or on the road it is great. I wouldnt buy if you are looking for great fuel economy, but what large SUV has it? Great for the family for travel or going out in a nice car. I bought the black on black with all the options.

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  3rd Ford truck! still impressed! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Dan - October 10 - 1:52 pm

  Im on my 3rd Ford truck. 2 Rangers, and now the F-150. Ive owned my last 2 for at least 5-7 years, and NEVER had a single problem. Ive over exceeded weight capacities, towed, hauled, even pulled trees out of the ground! This F-150 is powerful enough, sharp looking, and more comfortable than my Rangers. I can only agree with other reviews that the A/C is weak, and I live in southwest Florida. So far averaging the SAME mileage with this 5.4L as I did with my 3.0 supercab Ranger! It also has enough back seat room for the baby seat. If I have the same luck with this 5.4L, 4 door supercab as I did with my Rangers, then Im sticking with the Fords!

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  Alloy Pony - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ed - October 10 - 12:59 pm

  Got new, Traded in 96 mustang I bought new Very good car, Very reliable

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  Good Vehicle w/ some issues - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Linda - October 10 - 12:48 pm

  Purchased my Escape new and loved it, I have had small problems with it. The tires are cupping on the inside. We rotate them when we take it in for service and Ford always tells us that we need new tires but never tells us what the cause is. Another company told us it was the suspension. I also know that the shocks or struts are having issues. When you go across a dip it has a bottom out feel. The vehicle has several rattles and the seats spot w/o any reason. The black moulding around the outside windows raises up when you raise the window up and down and it wont stay down once up.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ray in Calgary, AB - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle but have a problem with it the dealer just cant fix. It has a loud noise and vibration from the (we think) drivetrain at highway speeds. Ford has a TSB on it but no sure cure. I have seen my dealer 7 times about this problem. Otherwise I like the vehicle design and performance.

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  Great little car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By GilGarp - October 10 - 2:00 am

  The SVT was not a car I had considered but a pushy salesperson was all I needed to get me in the drivers seat. Needless to say I was impressed! I would probably say that performance was the most important thing (after price) when I was looking for a car. And while the SVT has decent acceleration, it really shines in the handling department. Its very solid, has a well-rounded bunch of performance upgrades (brakes, gearbox, suspension, engine, etc.), lots of little visual sporty touches, and surprisingly versatile. The back seats fold flat, which is nice for when I need to take my bike places.

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  I love my Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By usnguy1982 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle a week ago and I am more than happy with my purchase. I am 21 years old and was looking for a Mustang when I came across this truck. I am very impressed with the performance and sport feel I get while driving it. I am definitely glad I chose this over a Mustang!

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  Beware of the Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gosoxgofan - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 37K, Igintion locked at 39K. Wish I would have gotten an extended warranty. BEWARE!!!

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  lx design - 2000 Ford Focus
  By crystajewel - October 10 - 2:00 am

  i have put over 10,000 dollars in this car and it still doesnt run correctly ive had every recall on the car too so buyer beware