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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  Best one yet - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By gregg25 - July 30 - 11:39 pm

  I have had 2 prior Explorers and a GMC Envoy SUVs. These were great cars but no where near is nice as this 2013 Explorer. The vehicle is very comfortable, quiet, roomy, yet not that big. It drives and rides like a car and tows like a truck. We can fit our grand childrens car seats in the second and third rows and still have room for the adults. The seats flip and fold very easy. It tows my 3500 lb boat with 6 people effortlessly. My touch-sync is great. Needed a couple of re-boots but now is great. Getting 23 MPG highway and mixed driving 18, much better then prior SUVs. My 63" son in law was comfortable in every seat including the third row with his 5 year old son in a car seat.

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  Love it!! - 2013 Ford Escape
  By delittle - July 29 - 1:20 pm

  Just purchased my Escape 2 weeks ago, and very happy with it. I bought it with 110 miles on it, and currently already have over 600. I am currently getting about 23.4 miles to the gallon, and hope to see it get higher, but already an improvement over what I traded in.

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  just wow for a small truck ford ranger 4x4 sport automatic - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By onthebrook - July 28 - 2:40 pm

  well i went to buy a small chevy S10 pickup truck at the time i was looking i passed a local used care dealer .. on the lot was a 2009 ford ranger 4x4 sport so i desided to buy ... i could not be more happy with the truck she pulls a lot of fire wood i put the truck in over cut overs where some people wont even put there 4x4 atvs ... i put a cap on the truck and i must say i have had the truck packed full of green fire wood ... the truck has been in the rough spots and proven to be a work hourse .... i say go for a for ranger if looking for a small truck with big guts ....

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  Our F-150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By tybri93 - July 27 - 2:22 pm

  This is truly one of the most reliable vehicles we have ever had in our drive way. Currently (2013) our truck has had nothing go wrong with it that was not related to poor ownership. First problem Fuel pump went, maitnence item that should have been replaced. As well as a belt that was not changed when it was suppose to and snapped on the road. Other than that, nothing! We bought the thing with 140,000 on it, now it has 200,000 and still runs strong, and starts everyday. We do not hesitate to take it on long trips (500 miles +++) and neither should you. The 4.6 is working harder then it use to, but thats just due to its age. Nothing a tune up wouldnt fix. No intention of getting rid of it

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  Persuasive Truck - 2012 Ford F-150
  By colby_butler - July 26 - 2:59 pm

  No a truck fan, however this crew cab was full sized inside and out. Bed had lots of room for my load. interior seemed plush and comfortable. In 4h this truck would throw you into the seat. 2h was perfect for everything else. Seemed to get great gas mileage also.

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  6 Month Update - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By cruzefan1 - July 25 - 2:29 pm

  I purchased my 2013 sterling gray 1.6L ecoboost Ford Fusion on January 25th so I wanted to give a 6 month update. So far I have absolutely no regrets with my purchase. Next to the Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata I find this the most stylish mid-sized sedan on the road today. It has a very smooth and quiet ride. The seats are also very comfortable on long roadtrips and theres plenty of leg and head room. The only negative thing I have to say about the car, which is a very small critique, is that it needs a little more power on the highway and the fuel mileage could stand to be a little better, especially in the city driving. Im averaging 26-28 MPG on a tank of gas in combined driving.

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  Fusion SE 1.6 six speed manual tranny - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By freder1 - July 23 - 11:38 pm

  Fantastic car. I built this car and loaded it up. Got 36-37plus mpg on 2000 mile road trip. Drives like a European sport sedan. Handles great, fun to drive, very hi tech. Manual tranny is smooth as silk. Car is gorgeous and turns heads. Great bang for the buck.

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  Very happy w/ my new scape - 2013 Ford Escape
  By es314 - July 22 - 5:24 pm

  I love this suv , good on gas

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  BEST BANK FOR YOUR BUCK!! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By itenjo0318 - July 22 - 1:05 am

  Just purchased a 2013 Fusion. Honestly the best bank for your buck is in the se Luxury and Tech package with a 2.0L ecoboost. It comes equipped with just about everything you want out of the titanium minus the unnecessary features. It performs like a German vehicle for the cost of a domestic car. Ford has come a Long way and they continue to step in the right direction. The quality of the materials are excellent for the price. Its no bmw material quality but more Quality = more $$$ this makes the cut in every department. get the fusion!

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  howling noise 2013 explorer - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By karentoby1 - July 19 - 8:23 pm

  we have our 2013 explorer back after 3 times in the shop and we are very happy now. we were very unhappy when we did not get to enjoy it when it was in the shop i read some silly comments here about not having the space to put child seats in the middle and be able to seat adults in the rear by sliding the middle seats, where afterthought passenger seats can be deployed if necessary! if you want to put a large capacity of adults/children comfortably and convenient access to such seating-then get a minivan for goodness sakes, PEOPLE! GET A CLUE!