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 Car for the Money - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Rick - March 23 - 2:34 pm

  I have driven many new cars but this one is one of the best I have ever owned. Lots of room, well equipped and very fun to drive. Cant wait to get the new 2010. No problems trouble free, the dealer is great, service is great, I highly recommend this car and dealership. They are the seventh oldest Ford dealer in the US

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  2013 ford cmax sel - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By rick_smith - March 23 - 12:42 pm

  I just passed the 3000mi. mark on my 2013 cmax. was getting 38 mpg until the weather got cold. now it is down to 32 mpg. i believe the car is not worth the extra $15,000.00 spent. save your money! If and when the electric portion comes on, its a miricle! usually after you drive 30-50 miles. yes i am extremely disapointed!

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  Bad Investment - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Andrew - March 23 - 10:31 am

  I bought this car used from a dealership. I twisted their arm into giving me a 1K warranty and immediately I brought it in for repair. They said everything checked out fine, so I took it to a local mechanic and they said there were issues with the transmission. By the time I found that out, the 1K miles were up and the dealer only reimbursed me for some repairs done by the local mechanic within the 1K miles. 1.5 years later car still runs (barely) but the heat is gone, electric locks dont work, and I cant unlock my doors with a key in the winter cause of the internal locking mechs are bad. Do your research before purchasing a ford.

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  My baby - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Ron - March 23 - 10:15 am

  I love this truck! I bought it used with 225,000 miles on it! No Joke! It runs perfect. It was a Fleet truck for car-quest. Only repairs I had to due are the normal ones with the mileage, alternator and sway bar links. I also just replaced the radiator because of a small crack in the plastic tank but I live on a poorly grated dirt road. I love the gas mileage. Its a 5-speed 4 cylinder and I cut off the stock muffler then threw on a cherry bomb glass-pack and I average 32 mpg, way higher then the epa estimated rating. I found out the ford 302 V8 will fit, planning on getting one. I love these trucks so much I just bought one for my wife( V6 ext cab automatic). Ford Ranger owner for life now.

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  My experience - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Spike - March 23 - 6:26 am

  I researched all the mid suvs and narrowed it down to the Hoda Crv and Escape. I actually made up my mind on the Crv. I drove quite a few of them and gave Ford another look. The Escape drives a lot smother, the Crv was bumpy, had less leg room, noisey 4 cylinder, and the styling was sort of ugly. My Escape is loaded, the stereo is 320 wts. Leather is very comfortable, steering great, ride quiet, got the 17" wheels, so handling is sports car like, shifts very smooth, so far I love the Escape. I hope its as reliable as the Honda. Every time I pass a Crv I say to myself, glad I didnt buy one. Get the locking lugs for the expensive mags and cargo mat. I got the 4 cyl. for mileage.

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  2009 Focus SES Coupe - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Techy - March 22 - 11:57 pm

  I love this car! The way this car looks in black is stunning. The wheels are dark chrome, the front grill is dark chrome, even the front and back lights have a dark chrome look to them. I may be biased towards that color but it looks much better then any other color offered. The interior is pretty good for a sub-compact. SYNC is very easy to use and to set up. Cloth bucket seats are comfortable. The car turns on a dime and is very nimble, even in reverse with the pedal to the floor. The ice blue dash looks incredible at night with the ambient lighting set to Purple. The standard sound system sounds better then I expected. The trunk is HUGE. You could probably fit grown 3 teenagers inside.

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  THE BEST - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Chris - March 22 - 10:31 pm

  I cant tell you how much I AM IMPRESSED With The ranger line this truck now has 303221 miles on it.I bought it new. and it is still going strong (everyday driver). other than regular maint. it has givin me no headaches. unlike my S10 WHICH WAS A BIG MISTAKE. IT IS NOW HAPPILY RESTING IN THE JUNKYARD.at 90000 miles 2 trannys and 1 engine later.I ALSO BOUGHT A 1994 RANGER 2.2 AUTOMATIC NEW. THIS TRUCK WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 135000. ALSO HAS BEEN FANTASTIC. Still have it as well drive it when I want to IT HAS 356000 miles on it.BOTH VEHICLES are still in fantastic shape no knocks and burn no oil.Getting ready to purchase another.and I WONT PART WITH THEESE 2

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  Run for the Money - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By L Man - March 22 - 7:10 pm

  I have driven pickups all my life and I was not sure how I would like driving the Fusion on a daily basis, but it has been very good and is very comfortable for long trips and office trips. The V6 is the best option for engines and leather seats comfort the ride. This vehicle is a winner.

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  cheap reliable american classic - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Philip Gray - March 22 - 5:21 pm

  Ive had this car about 6 months now and have had no problems at all. It had 97K miles when I bought it but later I realized the odometer doesnt work so I dont really know how many it has on it. My favorite things about it are that it has great looks, it gets good gas mileage, and all the power options on it. Overall this is the best economical american muscle car for the money.

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  EXCELENT - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jjj jjj - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This has gotta be the tightest truck I have ever driven. Its 380 H.P., 5.4L V-8 may seem like too much for this regular cab truck but its a blast to drive around in. I have a buddy that owns a full mile drag trackand with a few mods, Ive hit over 160 MPH.