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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  2012 XLT Ecoboost - 2012 Ford F-150
  By spanky17 - November 23 - 6:44 am

  Almost have 8000 trouble free miles on it so far. Have used it to pull skid steer, building materials, and snowmobiles. The power this motor has is incredible, much better to drive then most V-8s pulls like a diesel. Interior is very comfortable. Mileage is 16-19 mixed driving. If you drive nice Im sure it would easily get low 20s. Mine has 3:31 gears. Had a 06 hemi and a 05 5.3 chevy before and this pickup puts both of those to complete shame in every department.

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  Terrific Car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By topcat20 - November 22 - 2:32 am

  After being an early fan of the Leaf, this was clearly a better decision. Better acceleration, better 40-60, and a "gas" to drive. Continue to drive past gas stations and smile. The cost of switching from the old truck to the car, makes the car payments for me. The car is super quiet, fast, and a dream to drive. Take one out for a test drive, you will be so glad that you did. No more tuneups, oil, gas, time, and energy wasters. It is a great car, the only other consideration was the Tesla S. Honestly, quite driving your grandfathers cars, and evolve to an electric. After driving one for 6 months, you look at the gas cars as all antiquated and pat thier time. There is no reason...

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  2011 F-150 FX4 SuperCab (3.5L V6 EcoBoost - not V8 as classified above) - 2011 Ford F-150
  By fx4alltheway - November 21 - 6:46 pm

  Ive had this truck for just over a year now. Its already made two cross-country trips and has been driven everywhere from the Colorado mountains to the Arizona desert. I have not had any problems whatsoever with the reliability or performance of the truck. It rides extremely comfortably and handles well in terms of breaking, acceleration, and turning. I have not gotten the advertised fuel milage based on the calculations the Sync system displays. I got 18.0 MPG driving from San Diego to Charleston, and get 17.3 MPG averaged city and highway regularly. Still good for a full sized truck. Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase. If I had to do it again, Id get the same truck.

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  Good to the End - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By sinaskafitch - November 16 - 9:02 am

  I bought my Ford Taurus 2 years ago at around 65,000 miles. I heard bad things about Fords so I was leery to try it, but once I got in the car it was love-at-first-turn. It handled beautifully, safely taking me through 20+ miles in 2 seperablizzards. The car is very roomy, somehow able to seat 6. The only mechanical problems it gave me was a one-time coolant problem and a tiny plastic clip that held up the muffler, but for the miles I put on that thing thats not much work at all. Unfortunately, this January I crashed it. The airbags timed perfectly and my friend and I got out of it okay. I cried though. I loved that car. If I didnt need better mileage Id get it again.

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  Love My Ford Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By edcetera - November 13 - 8:59 pm

  My 2000 Ford Focus is the only vehicle that Ive bought brand new ... on an angry whim when another Ford I owned broke down one too many times. Turns out, it was a great move. Ive had it now for 12 years and it has 335,00 miles on it. Im shooting for 400,000! More importantly, other than routine maintainance, the car has only had mechanical problems 3 times in all those years and miles (a broken fan belt, and two failed alternators). Thats it! There are some minor things that have eventually failed, such as a CD player which, for some weird reason, only allows me to change CDs the first thing in the morning. I still drive it daily for work. I still drive it daily with no fears.

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  Great Car-Great Price - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By dwisor - November 11 - 4:49 pm

  Ive been driving my Mustang for about six months now, and I have yet to be disappointed. The V-6 engine really has a suprising amount of punch and I simply love the way the Sync system works. The mileage has been as promised, and no warranty issues that need to be fixed. I think a review has a better impact if it has some criticism, but I really dont have anything to criticize. I especially like the entire lighting package-bright exterior, customizable interior. If you are thinking about buying a Mustang-drive it at night-its an entirely different experience.

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  Perfect SUV! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By pacquio78 - November 11 - 12:44 am

  As Many Of The People Whove Read My Review On The 99 ML430 I Drive My Cars Until Theyre Dead! And My Excursion 2WD Limited 7.3 Is No Exception! Driven It About 250,000 Miles Now! And The Reliability Is Absolutely Perfect! I Proved Everyone Wrong Who Said Dont Buy An American Car When I Bought My Big Blue! (Its A Dark Blue-Purplish Color) Shes A Little Dented Up Here And There, But Overall Still An Excellent Vehicle! Im Keeping This Until The Wheels Fall Off! Though I Cant Say Thats Gonna Happen!

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  Fuel efficient, attractive, great driving car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sobhall - November 10 - 3:34 am

  Have had my 2012 Ford Focus S w/automatic for 6 months and just under 9000 miles. Great driving car. Relatively quiet and smooth riding for a compact. Terrific handling. Interior is well laid out. Nice seats that are fairly comfortable. Inside and out, the car is a looker. So far, averaging 42.8 mpg. Cant wait to see what kind of mileage I get on the freeway. So far, quite satisfied. Very nice car.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By edwnek3 - November 10 - 12:42 am

  This is my second Explorer. The first being a 96 Mountaineer. The Explorer 4.0 has much better gas milage the the Mountaineer 5.0.

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  I love my Ford Explorer - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By simsational - November 9 - 6:04 pm

  I fell in love with the new Explorers long before I purchased my new vehicle. Not knowing what new vehicle I wanted to purchase I went directly to the Ford Dealer to test drive the Explorer and I knew this was the vehicle for my family. Its been a year since I purchased the Explorer I continue to fall in love with it. I look forward to driving it each day. If I leave on vacation I cant wait to return to my Explorer. All my friends and family members love it as well especially my 4 year old daughter.