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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  Design Flaw - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Gary - July 28 - 5:57 am

  02 Explorer 70K Needs rear springs/struts, replaced front bearings and hubs, needs rear bearings. Has the big old crack down the rear another one of many design flaws. This truck has never towed or hauled a thing

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  2010 Ford Edge, good deal - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Rechael - July 27 - 7:55 pm

  Its a good deal for the 2010 Edge right now - $2500 rebate, government CARS program ($3500 or $4500), and the dealer is eager to sell (rebate of course). Ovreall drive is nice, strong powertrain with the 3.5L V6 and 6A transmission. Superb suspension, road noise is minimum. Power doors, windows, cruise control, airbags (front, side and safety canopy), 4- wheel disk ABS, stability and RSC are standard. Some wind noise, but its a quite vehicle in general.

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  Missed it by that much... - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Mr. Coke - July 27 - 1:47 pm

  As all new car buyers, I was looking for safety, quality, manufacture reputation, and price. My wife and I have found almost all of that in our 2009 Escape XLT. It is a good vehicle, very economical, and meets all of our needs, but I wish that it caused a little more excitement. It is just a plain, simple, vehicle. The exterior styling is fine but the interior reminds me of fish scales, and everything is made from plastic. We chose to upgrade to the leather package, but still feels like you are sitting inside of a childrenÂ’s toy. We like Fords, and will continue to buy their vehicles in the future, but just feel like Ford slightly, missed the mark with this vehicle.

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  Frustrated - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Frustrated in Iowa - July 27 - 1:25 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2005 with only 23,000 miles on it. One-owner who passed away, sold by the children to me. At about 50k miles a number of things began to go wrong with it. Every 5k miles I was repairing something (and very expensive). Finally traded it in at 70,000 miles when the parking gear started to stick. I got alot of use out of it for what I paid for it, however repairing this sucker cost me a pretty penny. It was a beautiful looking car and many people just assumed it was newer. The body style is very nice. It was great on mileage (26mpg for me), but it was terrible in the snow. Timing chain busted.

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  Best deal for a great car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Robotaz - July 27 - 11:12 am

  I have owned many cars and this is my favorite of all time. In the past 3 years Ive owned over $100K in new cars and none of them pleased me like my Focus does. I went from a 2009 Honda Accord Coupe V6 and 2008 Honda Civic Si before that, to this car and could not possibly be happier. It does not rattle at all, unlike junk Hondas, and gets killer gas mileage. It rides like a bigger car than it is, which is awesome on city streets when youre hitting potholes and cracks. I hear no road noise. It is very, very quiet even with the "sport" muffler on the 5 speed coupe. SYNC blows away the Bluetooth in any vehicle Ive owned. I cannot say enough about how good of a car this is. Bye Honda

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  2nd Escape in less than 2 years! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Rickw - July 27 - 8:50 am

  Just bought our second Escape in less than 2 years (used cash for clunkers trade in). I keep looking at other SUVs, but always return to the Escape too much value for the money over the others. Handles deep snow and steep hills with out a problem. Go escape!!!

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2004 Ford F-150
  By roland - July 27 - 7:46 am

  I love this truck, and with some personnal touches, its looking GOOD!! Surpisingly, I get about 17-18 mpg (city), and 19 to 20(hwy). My best was 21 mpg on the hwy, not bad. Only problem I had so far was a bad window motor, at $300 plus labor.. Other then that this truck has been too sweet.

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  Nice - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bigdaddylex - July 26 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased my 500 almost 6 months ago and I love it. Its roomy and drives smooth. Everyone that rides with me say they like it. Its classy but moves when needed. Id buy another one and is different from the others in its class.

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  93 ford ranger splash - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By blackjackzach - July 26 - 5:58 pm

  I have had this truck in our family for about 4 years so far, when we got it it had roughly 100,000 miles give or take and 4 years after words it has 212,856 miles and I am having the transmission rebuilt by myself because my oldest brother roasted 4th gear, input shaft, and the counter gear but he drove it like he stole it. I live in Illinois and it has no rust anywhere on it.it has the 3.0L v-6 a great engine, and the F27A 5-speed tranny.i would recommend this truck for anyone but you just cant find them anymore thats the main problem people have.

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  My show car - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Cricket - July 26 - 4:51 pm

  Love "Mr. Steed". He is a "Bickford Built" one-off commemorative of a 1960 GT350 with $10,000 in upgrades. I have entered him in 6 Mustang Club of America National shows and he has won first place every time.