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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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rufus - July 1 - 9:21 am

  This isnt my daily driver, but it has been basically reliable so far. The plastic underneath the rear hatch glass cracked inexplicably a few months ago, but that has been the only significant problem. Good highway ride, good in the snow, plenty of room for hauling stuff around. Rear A/C with controls up front is a very nice feature even if you dont have people in the back, because it gets the cabin frosty cold in a hurry even on hot days (American cars always seem to have better, stronger AC than Japanese for some reason). On the highway, mileage isnt horrible for such a big heavy vehicle, but it stinks in town. I expect Ill be getting several more years out of it.

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  Absolutely Amazing! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By ctreff - July 1 - 8:46 am

  Just picked up a Kona Blue GT this week, and I am absolutely amazed. The car handles like a dream and has power to spare. Only have a couple hundred miles on it so far, but so far so good! I looked at this, the Camero and the Challenger...IMO the Mustang is much more refined than any of them. It may lack in the power department, but it still have plenty of gitty-up in her. The gas millage is actually very good for a V8, I am getting about 21 mixed highway and city, so no complaints there.

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  The SUVs SUV - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By CB - June 30 - 10:13 pm

  King of the Road. Great SUV if you are going to be in the car alot. Fuel economy is not great, but also not bad when compared to closet rivals like Tahoe or Expedition. Only downside I see after owning for all these years is it is not the best car to maneuver around in stop and go traffic. Great on the highways and trips over an hour. If they made a newer one I would buy it. Would like to see a little better fuel efficiency maybe 15 mpg. Solid safety - I would hate to be in a car that impacts an Excursion.

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  Great buy for the money - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - June 30 - 10:05 pm

  I have had this car for about a year now. Great pickup with the v6 and good power. Would suggest to anyone who wants an import. It just is not worth the extra money when this car is so much less and preforms just as well if not better. As for the interior not being stiched leather, get over it. its a ford, not a lincoln. No problems whatsoever. Car tells me when to get my oil changed, low tire pressure, low gas, etc. It has a very smart on board computer.

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  2009 V6 SE - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Snoman - June 30 - 9:42 pm

  Bought as a daily driver to work and back. After 4000 miles it has become a great car to own. This car replaced my 1998 Taurus. With a V6 I average 29-30 miles to the gallon, if using 10% ethanol blended gas then 26-27. 0% for 72 and invoice pricing made it a great deal.

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  very satisfired - 2006 Ford Escape
  By rwc - June 30 - 9:14 pm

  Wife has a rav4 and this suv is very comparable, v6 has plenty of power and gets decent gas mileage. I would purchase this vehicle again in a heart beat.

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  More extras than we have ever had - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Dave - June 30 - 8:34 pm

  Just bought it. Never had so many extras as we have always been conservative, just the necesseties. Lightinng package is great and the sun visor has a universal garage door opener which we had never seen before. Sync is great, car runs smooth and quiet and we got a long stare from a passing car as we left the dealership.

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  More reliable than my Lexus - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By John - June 30 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased used 75000 miles ago

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  Problems with Two Fords so far - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By dawn - June 30 - 7:37 pm

  Our fam of 5, often drives from Denver to Spokane. We got the windstar after the trans on our explorer went out in the middle of WY, 100s of miles near nothing in the middle of the night. This week on the van we replaced the R&P, for DIYs this is inexpensive but difficult 100.00. And the power steering pump, a little difficult but inexpensive 60.00. The ABS light goes on and off for no reason. Dome lights dont always turn off, and door ajar stays on. Cruise control went out after it surged to 95, like the throddle got stuck. Shifts really hard. Lots of room for the kids, not much room for baggage in the back. You have to drop the engine to change plugs, wires

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  Powerful, Reliable, and Great Looking - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Fordtrucks#1 - June 30 - 4:32 pm

  Ive put 10,0000 miles on my F-150 FX4 in the 7 months since I got it. I wanted a reliable truck to take to college, & I am sure this truck will get me through college and then some, which I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. The 5.4l V8 has great power along with good gas mileage for a truck(I avg. 15-17 mpg.) Its very sharp, and I have got lots of compliments on its looks at my high school. I am at 87k miles and no problems whatsoever. The interior and exterior are the sharpest of any truck I,ve seen, and the ride is very smooth to. I am very pleased with my truck, and my next truck will definately be a Ford.