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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  Explorer in the UK - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - August 24 - 6:05 am

  I have had my Explorer for over 3 years with no major issues. Failed its last MOT on rotten rear hangers, a ball joint and a hole in the exhaust. Not bad for a vehicle that now spends half its life on the beach and in the sea!! Reasonably comfortable but extremely practical. There is no other vehicle (maybe the Toyota Landcruiser) that can match its size for such little money. 20-22 mpg is easily achievable which is just as good as most 4x4 diesels. Pulls like David Beckham at an all girls school. Very solid and very reliable.

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  Awesome - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By uncle fester - August 24 - 12:38 am

  Had the car 2 days now. Very nice.. fund to drive. Acceleration is great... sounds great too.

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  Poor city MPG 14 or less - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Bob69 - August 23 - 10:30 pm

  I am unhappy with the MPG in city driving. I struggle to get 14 MPG. Hwy driving at 70 MPH is great, over 25 MPG. My wife feels the passenger side seat does not slide back far enough to allow good leg room and it is hard for her to buckle the seat belt because the insert for the buckle is down to low. Other than that we enjoy the car.

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  Beyond Expectations - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Rangerpilot - August 23 - 6:13 pm

  I bought a 2009 Ranger XLT supercab automatic w/ the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder w/AC power windows, & CD. After reading all the average to poor reviews on the ranger, I only intended this vehicle as a low cost commuter and multi-purpose vehicle. It is actually quite good. Excellent price at less than $15K, acceptable acceleration, terrific fuel economy for a truck at 24 mpg average for 60/40 highway/city, and good build quality which Ford is now known for. I am very impressed. I drive a Mercedes Benz C350 as my other car.

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  Great daily driver... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 6spdGTO - August 23 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my Explorer for a year and a half now, with no major problems. I bought it to take my GTO off the road. It needed some work at the time of purchase: Front wheel bearings, a starter, thermostat, IAC motor, brakes and BF Goodrich All- Terrain tires. Recently, the transmission began acting up, but it is most likely an issue with a shift solenoid and separator plate gasket which is common in these models. Should be an easy fix. Due to its short wheelbase, it also offroads great and is fun to drive in the snow or snotty mud. Over all, a great truck. After I drive the wheels off of this one, I will certainly buy another.

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  Really Enjoy This Car, Especially The Mileage - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mark Holdgrafer - August 22 - 7:00 pm

  Really wanted the Mustang, but with a teenage son in the family there was no way to fit him in the back seat, so a family sedan was needed. Never thought I would buy a hybrid, but am very glad that I did. Almost didnt even test drive it though. I test drove a standard Fusion because I liked the styling, but it was so dreadfully underpowered that I just wrote it off. At another dealership I decided to give the hybrid a try and Im glad I did. The electrics give it a nice punch with some added torque that makes up for the missing horsepower even with the combined engine/electric rating of only 188hp. That is one of the advantages of electric motors, the full torque of the motor is available almost instantly across the full range of RPM. What I really enjoy about her though is that she gives me on average about 40mpg. Once you get used to driving a hybrid its pretty easy to keep your mileage close to or even above the rated values. I often get around 50mpg on my commute (as reported by the on-board computer at the end of each trip). The one thing that I dont like about her is the MyFord Sync entertainment system. Its been widely reported that it is simply not a user friendly interface and they are correct. Its got some maddening deficiencies. For instance, pressing the media button repeatedly should cycle through the available media inputs on the stereo but you have to use either the voice interface to tell it to switch from line input to USB input, or go several layers deep into the media menu to do so. There are other user interface mistakes like this as well.

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  One year in, and still enjoying it. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JR - August 22 - 11:58 am

  I had a 1995 Explorer when I was in high school and it had been awhile since Id had an SUV so when we had the great gas crisis of 2008 I thought I could get into another one cheaply. Since I was buying used, I didnt care what the resale value was and this Explorer was a deal I couldnt pass up. Its been trouble free and very handy.

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  Love my 1998 Taurus Wagon - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Barby - August 22 - 11:27 am

  We have owned either a Taurus or a Sable. We are on our 5th one now. We buy them used with about 100,000 miles on them and then we drive them til about 150,000. This particular 98 Taurus Wagon we have now has 175,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Have not had any major problems with any of these cars. We get about 25-27mpg which is great. We just recently got a 2003 Taurus sedan and it does not get as good gas mileage. Its about 22-24mpg. Guess Ford changed something. We have been thinking about replacing this wagon but actually are thinking on keeping it to see just how far it will go. The body is still in excellent condition, paint not fading at all.

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  Hidden secret - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Michael Drake - August 22 - 8:43 am

  How quiet of ride for front wheel drive, roomy insides, the underside with a full belly cover under the engine, and a vent going to the alternator in the back of engine to keep it cool.150,000 mile tune up, no timing belt. The head lights at night are very good design for road coverage.

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  Sport fun, sore right elbow - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By JOHN GEORGE - August 22 - 6:29 am

  Love the car in every respect. One change should be made, that is the middle console does not give elbow enough shifting room without hitting.