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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  Fabulous Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By danielle71 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is very reliable, sporty and fun to drive. Its a great car!

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  Love the Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Marcoroo - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The car is really fun to drive. The styling is simply beautiful. Comfortable seats, but there could be more head room. Im lucky if I get 15 mpg in the city, but then Ive got a lead foot. No one will beat it once the light turns green. Highway milage is a respectable 24 mpg. Interior storage space is dismal. The storage areas are just too small to be really useful. The raddio and AC area is a little busy with many small buttons, but works well. A couple of trim pieces (lower side of drivers seat and base of parking brake) came loose, but the dealer fixed them at no charge.

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  The Best 4X4 ever!! - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By Tsoko24 - May 28 - 9:08 pm

  I have had this Bronco for about 5 years now and it is a beast. The 5.8L 351 V8 will tow anything and has enough power to beat anything. This truck is amazing. Mud, Snow, Rocks, Sand is no match for the four wheel drive system. This Truck contines to amaze me in every way possible. The gas mileage is not very good. 10-12mpg in the city with the big V8. Even for being 17 years old it is one of the best looking cars on the road. I love it.

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  Fun but UGLY - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Jalop - May 28 - 8:12 pm

  i havent owned the vehicle long, but it has been in my family since it was less than a year old. has been very very reliable. survived 4 wrecks. the a/c went out and requires about $350 in repairs to get it fixed. most everything in the a/c went out at the same time. it has to be one of the ugliest cars i have ever owned. horrible interior design.

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  Helluva truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Jim - May 28 - 7:37 pm

  This has easily been the most reliable truck Ive owned. It has the 302 engine and is slightly underpowered for its gas mileage, but it gives 100% of what it has. Ive never done engine work to it other than tune-ups, have only repaired things that wear out on any vehicle, like ball joints, u-joints, fluids, brakes, belts, etc. I dont think there is a higher quality vehicle available. Its been in 2 serious wrecks with only body damage resulting, after repairs you cant even tell!

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  Great American Value! - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Gary - May 28 - 6:41 pm

  I recently purchased this truck almost a month ago for an excellent low price! The 4 cyl exceeded my expectations! The truck has plenty of power, handles great, road noise is lower than I expected and interior and exterior is sharp looking. Gas mileage is great! I wish the speakers sounder better, but hey, its a truck! It also feels great to buy American!

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  Rear Differential Failure - regret it! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By janev115 - May 28 - 4:38 pm

  This car has always run rough - particularly the engine. Transmission had to be replaced when the car was less than a year old. The engine always had a loud whine on the highway and I had intermittent problems with the ABS light coming on and the 4x4 high light flashing. Turns out, this is all related and the entire rear differential needs to be replaced! A google search reveals that I am not alone. However, I am alone when it comes to paying the bill to fix this problem, apparently. Id never buy this car again. Right now at 79,900 miles, but the whine has been going on for years. I just thought it was a loud truck.

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  One Fine Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jeff B Dorough - May 28 - 12:36 pm

  A very nice new and fresh design. Very comfortable. Excellent features like the sync, vista roof and refrigerator. Perfect for taking the grandkids on weekend excursions. Ford - keep up the good work. Build the right car and people will buy it - what a concept! I have already influenced three others to but this vehicle. Do I get a commission? or a key chain? Regards, Jeff B Dorough

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  get a chevy instead - 2005 Ford F-150
  By nick - May 28 - 12:23 pm

  when i bought it seemed to be doing fine, then the transmission went out at 60k right when the waranty expired. gas mileage stinks and its only a 2 wheel drive. went out and bought a chevy instead, they last at least twice as long with allison transmissions.

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  Not too Bad - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Warning I will Race - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Only minor problems with the car such as rear windshield wiper motor and tail light replacement. But it was done quickly and was covered under warranty. I have gone on several long trips and been off roading several times and the explorer does great. Only at high speeds does the explorer rattle a little bit (85-95). All-in- all, this car has been great for everyday driving, trips, camping, off roading, towing and even sleeping in :)