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:

• 

  Great performance for hybrid 43/37mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By gooberpea - March 27 - 4:35 am

  Im about 3000 miles in with 2 long road trips. My overall average is 40mpg, with the road trips coming in around 37mpg with my normal suburban commute averaging around 43mpg. The dropoff in mileage is pretty clear--the faster you go over 65, the mileage drops off a cliff (well into the low 30s). On the flipside, the C-Max loves 45-55 mph roads with stoplights. Fortunately, thats my normal commute.

• 

  tough little workhorse - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Tim - March 26 - 12:23 pm

  We use it on the farm, to and from town and for an occasional commuter vehicle. The 2.3L and manual transmission move it quite well. It has enough torque to use in the fields (with real AT tires added) and still gets 27+ MPG on the highway.

• 

  A revision to my review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick - March 25 - 11:19 pm

  Im now a year and a 1/2 into driving this truck, 25K miles, and most of my original review still stands. Its been an incredible truck. However, I had to share that I recently returned on my first two road trips with the family (1K and 1.2K) in distance and was amazed that after simply changing the air filter before I left on the first trip that I got 18.5 mph on the first trip and 19.5 mph on the second. Its paid off that I opted for the 3.55 factory gears and installed a low profile, glass bed cover. Smooth sailing!

• 

  Lousy brakes - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Capt. Bill - March 25 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned a series of Tauruses and decided to go with the 500 since they were phasing out the Taurus. This car is very comfortable and reliable. It is actually quite luxurious and is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned in 40 years. It gets up to 27.5 mpg on a trip and 23-24 around town. I wish it had more power and a stiffer suspension. The brakes work fine but have been noisy and and vibrate ever since I owned the car. Stereo is great. Need a better trunk light and there is no light in the glove box. It will haul a mountain of luggage or put the seat down and haul other oddball items.

• 

  Nice car - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By jaguar8 - March 25 - 11:12 am

  Just bought mine this month and its a nice car, but there could be some improvement. Like the floor mounted shifter gets in the way when Im driving and trying to change the A/C setting or when Im trying to look for on coming traffic and the oversized rear headrest get in the way both 2nd and 3rd row. And there seem to be a little bit of lag in the 6 cylinder engine in range acceleration. Other than that everything else is good and since I keep the 3rd seat folded down I can at least see out of the rear window. Rear quarter windows are a different story.

• 

  Very satisfied customer - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mackie Smith - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the second F150 I have had, The first has 235,000 miles on the clock and is still not using oil and running well. My son is still very happy with it. The current model is 9 months old with 73,000 miles on it and it has been a terrific truck. I would recommend it to anyone whos job requires high mileage like mine. It is comfortable and quiet,Quieter than my car.

• 

  The Best 4dr on the market - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mumaws3 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Very versatile vehicle can use as a family vehicle as well as a jtruck to haul loads.

• 

  Great Bargain - 2005 Ford Focus
  By workerwoman - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Nice car for the money. Has all the features of much more expensive cars. This has been a good ownership experience so far. The dealership is easy to work with. Great on gas. Decent pickup.AC works good and fast. Feel very safe in rain too. Tons of features. Leather seat option.

• 

  awesome truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By grd2083 - March 24 - 3:13 am

  I purchased this truck for my wife and baby on the way. Safety features are incredible and ride comfort is outstanding. I am very particular about my trucks and have combed over this one front to back and I have to say that the overall quality is unsurpassed. This is the best investment I have ever made. If you are hesitating because you want to drive other makes, DONT waste your time. This truck is not the fastest 0-60 but can out pull, or haul any other. Not to mention very stylish,roomy, and quiet.

• 

  2006 GT Premium Roush Stage One - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By cgbexec - March 24 - 3:03 am

  I had no intentions of buying a Mustang. I stopped by the dealership to have work done on my Explorer brakes. While I was there a 2006 Roush Sport caught my eye. I took it for a spin and fell in love with it. I owned a 1990 Mustang GT and this new 06 is a much nicer car by far. I test drove the body style after the 1990 and hated it. It was smaller inside, no head room, but this new 06 is right on the nose with performance, handling, price and styling. While the car has a hint of retro stying, it is also modern in its application. The Roush is only different in a few styling panels and in 18"X10" Rims. The ride and cornering are different from the stock GT as well.