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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  Great vehicle - 2008 Ford Focus
  By d.b. - July 19 - 2:16 am

  For the price this is a great vehicle. My family needed a second vehicle that was good on gas because of ever rising fuel prices. This vehicle is good on fuel and runs wonderful. It even has sync for hands free tasks. Also see for yourself how big the trunk is.

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  Good Value - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Dave K - July 18 - 10:26 pm

  A car you can drive for twelve hours and not be tired. 34 MPG running at 70 MPH even with an automatic. Handles well - suspension and steering are tight. Fit and finish are very good.

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  Wanted another delevery truck. - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger XLT - July 18 - 7:33 pm

  First off it is an automactic, I could not find a choice for auto when filling out the Edmonds form. My last truck was also a RangerXLT, it was a 1996. I still have it, having done courier work in it since it was new, it now has 632,457 miles. all oringal, except routine maintance, tires, etc. The normal wear and tear stuff. The drivers seat has lost most of its cush, but not bad considering the hours sitting in it. Im just amazed how good its been, and still is. Now for the 2009, it seems to be built good and tight, and my reason for getting it, was solely for the reliabilty record these trucks have. Our luxury vehicle is a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab. Back to the new 2009, I couldnt have

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  Cant be killed - 1998 Ford Escort
  By jaxson - July 18 - 6:21 pm

  This car is ridiculous. Got this in 11/01 used from some dude who wanted a car with cruise control. Had 56K miles on it, almost 8 years later I have 143K on it. No problems at all with this thing. Runs as smooth as it did the day i took it over. Oil is always clean, probably dont even have to get an oil change every 5k miles. I still have to replace the timing belt. The tie rods had to be occasionally replaced every now and then. But thats it. I wish this thing would die already so I can feel justifed to get a new car already!

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  Rent and drive one before you buy. - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Robk11 - July 18 - 1:48 pm

  Throttle is very sluggish, 5.4 V8 is lacking in power. Body fit is good except for rubber moldings.Moldings are also starting to oxidize from sun exposure. Truck is only three months old. Body is beer can thin, dents very easily . Paint is the same way slightest scrap and you see metal.

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  sellers remorse - 2000 Ford F-150
  By j d - July 18 - 12:24 pm

  Loved this truck. Base model 4x4 with 5.4. handled and rode beautyful till about 180000. replaced ball joints and bearings at about 165000 and 175000. no other major problem, except when gas was 4.00 a gallon. she works hard but drinks hard too. opt for xlt or higher. base comes with 3.35 Rear ratio. Its got the power but not as lively or efficient as 3.73, but shell do bout 110. rotate tires and theyll last. i had a set of michilen ltx ats that lasted 110000 miles! Just sold to down size and immediately regret the decision. Oh yeah 228000 miles, no leaks, original exhaust in tact and quiet ect. it is a ford though so keep it clean or fix the rust

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  174000 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By lchandler - July 18 - 10:51 am

  My car has 174000 and it still runs. This is great I know people that did drive Hunda Toyota Dodge and other makers and their cars did not last as long.

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  Great family SUV....Horrible My Ford Touch system! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tony Capitule - July 18 - 10:31 am

  We love everything about our Explorer Sport with the exception of the My Ford Touch Sync System. We originally gone one in Jan of 2016. Two weeks into having it, the the My Ford Touch system stopped working. We couldnt get the audio feature to turn on, including with pushing the power on/off button on the system. We calling the service dept, they had no idea what I was talking about and basically thought I was stupid because I didnt know how to turn the radio on. We needed to do three master resets of the My Ford Touch Sync System before it started working again. NOTE: when its not working, voice recognition also doesnt work. Two weeks later it happened again. The audio feature generally turns on automatically. If you had the system turned off, you would just hit the power on/off button and the radio, bluetooth, etc would start playing. When its acting up, nothing works and no buttons help except for doing the master reset multiple times. We brought it back to the dealership where we purchased it and they said theyve never seen this happen. Ultimately they gave us a new Explorer replacement. Weve just hit approx 850 miles and now this new Explorer is also experiencing the same exact My Ford Touch Sync System issues....sooooo frustrating. The next time it happens, Im going to bring it back to the dealership while its malfunctioning so that they can see the problem and hopefully find a resolution as I dont want to swap this one out again. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MY FORD TOUCH!!!

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  A complete pleasure to own and drive - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Dennis - July 18 - 9:16 am

  Since 1999 My wife and I have owned 3 Honda Accords, 1 Toyota Camry and I can confidently say the Fusion is the most comfortable, best handling and performing of them all. I would not think twice to make this purchase again. Our other car is due for replacement next year and we will be closely looking at another Fusion as well as the new Taurus.

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  Love this truck. - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Dominic - July 18 - 9:14 am

  Was ready to buy a Toyota Tacoma when my wife said --- you cant buy a foreign truck. I immediately went to the Chevy dealership and then for some reason decided to stop buy a Ford one after that. Although I have always thought Chevy has a more classic and attractive body style, I was blown away by the interior of the Ford. Simply put, an outstanding and elegant design. It was a tough choice but was able to get a better price on the Ford and so went with it. So far, I love the truck. Has a less powerful feel than the Chevy even through I got the 5.4L but it is still more than adequate for my needs. I have to thank my wife for pushing me to American - better product than Toyota.