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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  Steady car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By TJMc - August 5 - 9:46 pm

  A reliable affordable family sedan with decent reliability. I bought the car with less than 15,000 on it in 2003. When maintenance was needed the parts costs were low compared to other cars. Styling was blah. I took care of this vehicle with Oil, tranny and antifreeze changes and it took care of me. Only extraordinary repairs I had were a broken rear coil spring. Air conditioning compressor had to be rebuilt at 110,000. Unfortunately the vehicle was rear ended at 122,000 in July 2009 resulting in the ins company totaling it. Otherwise my son would still be driving it. Good value and reliability for the buck.

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  My Birdy - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By 4.6 LX Bird - August 5 - 9:15 pm

  I bought my T-Bird just a few years ago with around 60,000 miles. The car has been great to me ever since the day I bought it. Recently Ive been experiencing transmission problems, But thats not bad after 110,000 miles. I go through tires like crazy but thats just cause Im kinda hard on the car. This is the perfect first car for anyone as it was mine. Recently I added a 2000 watt system with a touch screen monitor. My favorite thing to do is drive on the highway on a summer nice summer night with the windows & sunroof open. Blasting the new system and listening to the V8 with custom exhaust roar. Ill never regret buying this car. In fact Im looking for my second. =]

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  darn good truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By theredflash - August 5 - 7:06 pm

  I got the truck for free from my uncle he bought it in 1995 for 16,000. Had it overhauled at 186,000 miles. I myself have done the balljoints, brakes, regular tune ups and all that stuff. So far the best truck I have ever owned, the straight six is probably the best motor around. I was 16 when I got the truck and was very hard on it! 2 feet of mud, no lift, and still made it through, has pulled out plenty of people stuck in ditches, and mud roads. Won best old beater when I graduated high school. Candy Apple red and wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  excellent - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By bowlingball - August 5 - 12:16 pm

  Great little suv. Fun to drive and has plenty of pick up when needed. No horror stories yet.

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  Never Again - 2006 Ford F-150
  By George - August 5 - 11:22 am

  I purchased my F-150 Crew Cab 4X4 as a lease return with 26,000 miles. It was actually the SECOND F-150 that I purchased from the same dealer within two weeks as the FIRST truck had the 5.4 which blew up after TWO days. The mechanic told me that there is a problem with the 5.4 losing oil pressure to the top end. I had to get flat-bedded in off of the interstate. The second and current truck has been a nightmare. 30 days after purchase the four wheel drive crapped out and numerous 4X4 components required replacement. Within 60 days the instrument cluster digital information center stopped working. On the way to the dealer for the scheduled maintenance, the steering went.

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  Great Runabout Vehicle - 2009 Ford Focus
  By JayInVA - August 5 - 10:42 am

  This is a great little car. It is what it is though, and that is a eco-box with a few luxury and sport options. The loaded SES with 17" wheels and a 5-speed is very fun to drive. I wish the option for a ~200HP engine were available. The suspension in the SES is not as hard as the Honda Civic SI, but handles pretty well for a 4-door. The seats are extraordinarily comfortable. The back seats are fairly roomy too. I would buy the car again. It is a commuter and backup family car for me, so it works out well. Not recommended for more being primary grocery getter for more than 1-child. Perfect for commuting, students, occasional running about the town or as a primary touring vehicle for 2.

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  Why get a hybrid? - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By DogFather - August 5 - 9:03 am

  My wife and I purchased the hybrid to increase our fuel efficiency. After 15 months, the Aux. Mode Door Actuator ceased to work. It wasnt under warranty so we paid over $500 to replace it. This offset all savings of having a hybrid. Now after 14 months, the same thing has happened again so we might as well have bought a standard Escape and saved in the long run. We found no benefit because of this in owning a hybrid by Ford.

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  99 Ranger- A Tank - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By later - August 5 - 7:56 am

  Bought my 99 2wd xlt new and still have it. Have put 186000 on it in 10 years, hauled wood, driven over fields, towed a trailer and driven it to work. Replaced clutch at 56,000 (daughter learned to drive a stick), sway bar broke at 186,000, electical issues at 120,000, about $1000 repair. Replaced the original battery at 175,000, new brakes about 130,000. Tired of the stick shift but this truck goes and goes. This has been a tank and I highly recommend it.

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  Good car for what it is: - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tattude - August 4 - 3:21 pm

  Ive put 32,000 miles on my 2008 Focus and have had zero problems. The Ipod, sat radio, and sync are really cool features for such a low cost sedan. All and all, you cant get a better more fun, cool car for the money.

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  Long-lasting little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By edaras - August 4 - 1:07 pm

  Owned since new, now has 134,000mi. Small knock in engine under warranty, ford replaced at 33000 miles. Have done new clutch & front of trans, brakes (2x), alternator (2x), one front wheel bearing/abs issue, egr valve (2x) & rpm revving issue. Auto door locks just started being sketchy in year 9 of ownership. My center console cracks inward like other reviewers said. Mileage is so-so at 14-18. All that said, from northern Wisconsin to western mountain winters, 4x4 and handling are great. Its a little workhorse under load. Yes, it lugs up some hills (3.0L v6 flex fuel engine). And it lugs small trailers okay. Its done everything Ive asked it to for 9+ years.