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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  BEWARE of 5.3 Triton - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Upset Illinois cust. - May 6 - 7:53 pm

  This is a nice LOOKING truck. BUT.. within 20000 miles the 5.3 triton and drive train have major issues. The interior is great. I enjoy driving it and people tell me its really looks nice. BUT,the ticking noise from the valve train and VCT is just poor workmenship,parts and design. After paying $42,000.00 for this vehicle and four years later having to dump $2000 for engine repair is Wrong. Ford knows the fix and wont recall. I give the truck a 8.7 out of 10for its handling and looks. Ford a 3 out of 10 for allowing this to happen. Warranty stinks.

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  Fords Stud - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ant - May 6 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the explorer from my step dad with 128,000 miles on it. I Now have 278,000 miles on it and had to rebuild the trans when it had 187,000 miles on it. Still has the FACTORY engine that has not been rebuilt! No oil leaks, trans leaks, or burning of oil!!! No rust, and I live at the jersey shore. Outstanding truck, a true stud!! Absolutly Ford Tough!! I paid $400.00 for the truck and put over 160,000 miles on it and the only large fix was a $1,300.00 rebuild of the trans. Unreal, MADE IN AMERICA BABY!! Good strong truck, dont be afaid of the high miles on these trucks, they are like fords honda!!!

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  O what a feeling - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Bob46 - May 6 - 4:30 pm

  As a former owner, some25 years ago of a v6 mustangII holly crap. Its been 25 years of boring dependable toyota trucks. 6 be be exact. I finaly had to try one. Took my 20yr old son with me for a test drive. been loving it ever since. needles to say its one car he wont be driving. Its a 2008 left over 4.0 premium with pony package.Im allready having factory cold air induction installed as we speak and will probably go for dual exust. havnt had this much fun in a while. Hope it last a lot longer than my75 did.

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  A smart pick - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Steve - May 6 - 6:39 am

  Just purchased the Ford Flex Ltd FWD and can not be more pleased. Avg MPG is 23 which is 3 miles better than my smaller 2006 Volvo XC70. Fit and finish is wonderful and the interior looks like its from a car costing $10K more. For a large crossover the performance is quite good all things considered. While some do not care for the boxy look I do, as it makes it stand out in a sea of similar looking cars.

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  9 Month and very satisfied. - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wilcox - May 6 - 2:36 am

  QUIET. Currently avg. 41.0 mpg. Lower numbers in winter, higher in spring. Drives fine - will scoot if asked to. Comfortable and good climate controls. Good stereo. Love blind spot system and dash displays. I drive rather non-aggressively. It has everything on it and it all works great. The triple tri-coat white makes the vehicle look outstanding. Classy looking even if it is a plentiful Ford...

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  From Ford Family Forever! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Dory it is - May 6 - 1:21 am

  Rented a fusion on several business trips, always looked forward to getting back to my Audi... Then, my dad died, and my sister and brother went back to Fords. My dad only drove fords, even when he was a young race car driver... between the truck and mustang, I decided to go for a test drive. Saw the white gold fusion and spent a long time driving it. The rentals did not have the same feel as this lovely new car. I ended up leasing, because I know that in a few years I will want another, with updated options. The only real complaint I have.... I cannot lock the fuel cap and my gas has been stolen too many times. Calling Ford today to see if there is a way to lock it! I kept my Audi, and after a few months, I totally weaned myself off it. Truly back to being a ford fan! I have owned several cars, including 3 mustangs... looking back, there is nothing, at this point of my life, than comfort! Thank God for progress!

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  the mach - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By komach - May 5 - 10:03 pm

  Simply an awesome automobile. This is the 6th mustang ive owned (still have an 87 gt conv). I drive this car daily and have put 90k on it in 3 years. The ONLY thing thats ever been replaced is one set of tires!! The car is occasionally raced @ the dragstrip and drives 60 miles a day on the interstate. It is as still tight as the day i bought it, no squeaks, rattles, or anything, and on top of that, its lowered. The car is a silent predator. In stock trim (mine has been tuned and a few goodies here and there) a stock C6 vette cant stand it in an 8th mile race. You have to do a little tweaking and good driving to handle him in the quarter. Whoever did their homework @ Ford on this got a raise!

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  16 years and counting - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By fasteddie - May 5 - 8:03 pm

  We bought this wagon new, have used primarily for hauling kids back & forth to college, vacations, and moving furniture & appliances. Gets great fuel mileage, to 30 mpg on highway, is really roomy, has been very reliable, altho when we purchased it we got the extended 60k mile warranty and were glad we did (fuel pump, radiator, power steering). We will keep it till it falls apart, as this size of wagon no longer domestically produced. Very good in snow, mountains. We also own a 93 sedan we bought in 97, cant complain about that one either.

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  Love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Heather - May 5 - 7:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Escape XLT. I had a 2001, then upgraded to an Explorer, hated it. I have had my 2009 Escape for just over 3 weeks and I am in love with in! Ford has made great improvements! The wind noise while driving down the highway is barely noticeable. This is a solid car that rides great! The gas mileage is out standing! I got 27.5 mpg on the highway and average 25 around town. This car is fun to drive! Ford has gotten it right!

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  not bad for a starter car - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bluesfan5 - May 5 - 4:34 pm

  got my 1994 ford explorer eddie bauer. needed about $1500 worth of repair. After that, cant complain much more. Once you push her past 70 MPH it starts shaking violently and makes a ticking noise. It also gets bad city MPG. The factory speakers are also poor quality. Other than that, it is a fun car to pile in a cruise around in, good 4x4, fun to drive.