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:

• 

  Surprised me! - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Waltman - June 18 - 11:16 am

  When I wentMustang shopping I was leaning toward a six cyl. But after driving the Eco boost I was SOLD on the 4 cyl.! I am in my early 70s and at first thought I was too old and should buy a more old-fartish kind of car but after driving this hot little pony I made up my mind I was going to feed the kid in me! My wife? She loves it!!!

• 

  The worst new car Ive ever had - 2009 Ford Escape
  By PeaRat450 - June 18 - 6:50 am

  I wanted to buy American. Unfortunately I think I picked the wrong manufacturer for a small SUV. The build quality is horrible. The shut lines on the doors are way to big and inconsistent. I can fit my finger in the one at the top of the back hatch. The rear folding seat design is horrible. The interior is cheap and plastic abundant. The rear window sounds like it is going to fall out. The rear suspension booms over anything but the smallest bumps. The doors dont shut fully unless you slam them. I could go on and on. I cant deny the fact that it gets good gas mileage for an SUV. "Drive Quality" clearly does not apply to the Escape. Maybe Ill let the bank repo it since their is no resale

• 

  A great little station wagon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By JJ - June 17 - 10:21 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new in 1995 and we have kept up with the the oil changes every 3000 miles. Had only minor electrical problem in the beginning, but over all little maintenance was required. In 15 years only changed batteries, 2 set of tires and routine maintenance. Gas mileage is great in the city averages 24 on the open road averages 30.

• 

  Best truck I have ever owned - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Tony - June 17 - 9:19 pm

  This truck is the best truck I have owned. It is comfortable, rugged, can hold a lot, and has conveniences that make it a pleasure for drivers of any age. No more skinned knees or sprained ankles getting into and out of the bed, and the side steps make reaching into the front of the bed a snap. I really like the cargo management system to control movement of smaller loads. The seats are a notch above others in this class, much more comfortable than the 2008 Tundra I just sold. Visibility is great, even the radio sounds good. Having owned and driven well over 20 trucks over the years, my comment that it is the best I have owned actually means something. Avg hwy miles 21.3 and city 14.2.

• 

  Built Ford Tough! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By DJ - June 17 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this truck in Feb. of 2009 with just over 30,000 miles on it. In the 4 months I have had it i have put 5,000 on it. I love the 4.0 v6 and the 5spd manual transmission it has great up and go. Gas mileage is great for a truck I average 16 in the city and an amazing 20-23mpg. I love the FX4 package and the stepside bed.

• 

  A good choice with one exception.... - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Gary G. - June 17 - 4:51 pm

  With only 400 miles on it so far, Im very impressed with my new Focus in all respects except one (the tires...see below). Its roomy despite being small, performs well (very peppy), is comfortable and quiet (except for the tire noise), gets excellent gas mileage (30 mpg city vs the 24 mpg EPA estimate) and has lots of standard bells & whistles. I opted for a fully loaded (with automatic) model, and for the small incremental difference in cost (only $2,000 or so) you get a whole lot more. There are some great incentives ($3,000 in rebates) on this car right now too, which makes it even more appealing.

• 

  A BAD SEED - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By SOPHILLYJOE - June 17 - 3:45 pm

  This car has been a problem from day one. The battery can go dead in as little as 36 hours of setting. It rides like a buck board. Transmission (stick 5 speed) makes all kinds of noises. And the selling dealer said that nothing is wron with the car.

• 

  Price / safety - 2009 Ford Flex
  By John - June 17 - 3:18 pm

  We needed a car for 3 kids and two adults. I did a lot of reading into crash tests -- not just the stars ratings, but the detailed crash test reports. 1. This is about the safest vehicle on the market. Dont overlook that its heavy -- crash tests are about running into a car your size. Running into a heavier car is like a higher speed collision (to the lighter car). 2. Some complaints around the web are about MPG. Theres no alternative noticeably better in this weight class/size. Most are worse. 3. Another con often mentioned is price. Flexes are quite reasonable right now. Ours was 22% below MSRP (after 3K rebate), and just under 6% below invoice, with virtually no haggling.

• 

  Torch Red Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By tm420 - June 17 - 10:54 am

  Purchased the car over a year ago and I love every minute that I get to drive it. The car has 38000 miles, but I have only put on about 2000 since I bought it. I love the shaker hood scoop, and it still turns a lot of heads for a mustang. Dont really see too many of these where I live. Performance is outstanding (Low 5 sec. to 60 mph). Bought the car with a few modifications and it just flies. Heard these engines were very reliable, and havent had any problems yet. Engines were rated at 305 hp, but I think its more like 320. Looking forward to keeping this one for a long time.

• 

  Beauty and a BEAST - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Del - June 17 - 10:13 am

  We purchased a pair (2) 2005 Ford Excursion Limiteds with the 6.0L turbo diesel. We traded in a pair (2) of Volvos. With three (3) growing kids and lots of gear, the Volvos just could not carry the loads without going to roof racks. The diesel Excursion is a treat. So much power, so much room, so much safety. selected againt Chevy/ GMC, Caddy because we love Ford diesels since they run much stronger and longer. Plus, those are all smaller interiors. I wish Ford would revisit making the Excursion. We bought two (2) of the 2005 model with the Limited package. We will replace the engines if they ever need it, with the new updated Powerstroke found in the 2009 Super Duty pick-ups.