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 So Far - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By xploder06 - April 21 - 8:26 pm

  I have had this vehicle going on almost 3 years and love it! First, the negatives. The first year I owned it I had the 4WD motor and shifter replaced. During the second year, I experienced the common "clunk" when starting from rest or moving slowly then pressing on the gas. Initially, dealer replaced faulty transmission part and re-flashed computer. Computer had to be re-flashed again recently to totally fix the problem. All covered under warranty. Now the positives. The cabin is ultra quiet when driving highway speeds of 65 mph or more. Lots of cargo space, decent performance, and very comfortable seats on long trips. Best mid-sized SUV out there IMO!

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  One Tough Truck - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By SJack - April 21 - 6:19 pm

  My Bronco was bought from an Auction with only 27,000 miles on it but being a Fed. Fish and Wildlife truck it had been horribly abused with a broken front axle as well at one time going for a swim in the Sacramento Delta. I now have 195,000 miles on it, of hard Nevada backcounty dirt road driving and its still going. Repairs have been minimal considering the abuse and has never not started or gotten me at least to a paved road without hesitation. I wish ford had never stopped building them because I know they would sell. For us who make our living in the back county there is no replacement.

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  1st new car purchase at 18 :] - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By megan09 - April 21 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this car brand new this month. Im eighteen & was thoroughly afraid of the whole picking what I want process. The fusion has it all & I will definately be stickin to FORD vehicles for a long while.

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  2 transmissions in 114k miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By t collins - April 21 - 12:49 pm

  Replaced transmission at 83k miles with rebuilt ford trans which went out at 114k miles. That was about 2 weeks ago and service writer says he is waiting to put it on a lift because they are all full. I have put approx. $15,000 into various repairs on this vehicle despite extended coverage nothing is ever under warranty.

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  My 03 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Tom Dombrowski - April 21 - 12:40 pm

  In 14 years of owning my Ranger it only let me down once, thats because the fuel pump died when I got to work. Had to have it towed to the dealer the truck was already 10 years old and built in N.J.

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  been a good truck - 1996 Ford F-150
  By like my ford - April 21 - 10:57 am

  This has been a good, strong, reliable truck. Wish i could have found an extended cab for the same price but i am satisfied with the reg. cab. I have warn lockers and prefer them to auto locks. Body style is one of the best Ford has had. 5.8l is strong but only get about 13mpg, and the valves rattle if i dont burn Premium. Two mechanics have been through it and say theres nothing wrong with it. 161,000 miles and am not afraid to go any where in it.

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  Best truck ever owned - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ben - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Right now my truck has almost 300,000 miles and I cant say enough good things about it. It has held up so well in basically every aspect. Truck definetly does not drive like a high mileage vehicle. I got the truck with a blown up motor and it still drove! Even with a blown motor! Put rebuilt motor in now truck is amazing. Best vehicle Ive ever driven in super deep snow. It will not get stuck, even when I try getting it stuck. I towed with this truck like a dream and its great. Even trailerling with deep snow is easy. Truck has never broke down on me or previous owner. Love it!

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  Great for school parking lots - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Brent - April 20 - 10:06 pm

  I bought my car with with 54k miles on in February 09 and I drive it to school everyday, I love how it just turns easily and can fit into small spaces that big vehicles cant. Great first time car.

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  Suprisingly Good - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Neil - April 20 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my car for about three months and have been pleasantly surprised by this car. It out-handles and has a more comfortable ride than my Infiniti I30T that I had before. The room (interior and trunk) is wonderful. Everyone who rides in the car leaves positively impressed. I am running mid-grade gas and the performance is more than good enough unless your interest is flooring it and being pressed back in your seat. I seem to notice a more positive "carving" feel to turns with it but I am not sure if that is the AWD kicking in or not. Turn stereo treble and bass up nearly all the way to get best sound.

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  Good so far - 2008 Ford Escape
  By A.B. - April 20 - 6:54 pm

  While I have had mine for only a week I can say I am in love with it.The reviews say it is slow 0-60,I say its not "race day",Acceleration suites me just fine.Other reviews state not enough power but those are the ones that bought it with a 4- cylinder..Cmon people,you dont buy this kind of vehicle with a 4-cylinder and expect the same power as a 6- cylinder..it wont happen.The sacrifice is the better mileage for less power.Personally,a 4-cylinder should stay where it belongs...in "sardine cans". Just one wish here,driver seat needs more/softer cushion for better comfort,But its not that bad.For those who want it to ride like a car,then buy a car,not an SUV. ~GO FORD~ A.B.