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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  2009 f150 King Ranch 4WD WNC - 2009 Ford F-150
  By WNC Design Truck Usr - March 20 - 10:48 pm

  I carefully reviewed all of the hoopla surrounding Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Ford F150 2009. I ordered the new 2009 F150 King Ranch, to be custom built at Fords Dearborn factory. I will take delivery in about a month. The test drive was great this is one solid vehicle. Not a dragster like the Tundra, but who cares? The Ford wont twist and rack like any of the other 1/2 ton trucks in its class when going over dirt roads and I can tow more than the others. Also, the box is higher, which means I can fit more stuff into it and the exclusive rear step help me get into the box without crunching my knees on the tailgate. More later after I get it.

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  Time for a Trade-In - 2004 Ford Escape
  By K.Gibson - March 20 - 10:20 pm

  When I first got my Escape I loved it to death but now...I am ready for a trade in after only 2 1/2 years. When I got my car it was all good except for the emisssions/check engine light came on when it rained or it putt- putted every now and then. However, I got into an accident in July when someone T-boned me and and I reached 100000 miles it all wen to crap. After getting just about everything fixed up front ($5000) all three of my catalytic converters needed replaced (they didnt tell me to replace it before when I could have gotten the 80000 mi warrenty) and now my light still comes on and I need something else fixed. I just keep putting more money into it.

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  FABULOUS CAR - 2008 Ford Edge
  By CAROLE - March 20 - 9:52 pm

  The body style was the first thing that caught my eye before I bought a Ford Edge. The overall shape is very pleasing.The height was also a factor for me because I have trouble getting in and out of vehicles that are too low. . The interior suits my needs perfectly. I find everything is close at hand and easy to read. The seats are totally comfortable, theres plenty of head and foot room. Storage and cargo space is great too.The music system (6 CD changer, AM/FM radio and MP3 option are very adequate and easy to use. I have yet to look for an option and find that its missing.The drive-ability is fabulous. Very smooth and easy to park and maneuver.The AWD was a life saver this winter too!

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  Front Driver seat very Uncomfortable - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By S. Vannoy - March 20 - 8:53 pm

  First Be ready to re-place the Throttle body Air intake Bet - 9,000- 13,000 mile mine went out in the middle of traffic at 10,000 mile Ive read that several other owners parts went out also on the 2016 Explorer. Ive had 6 other explorers over the years and my wife has had 3 and the driver seat on the 2016 is the most uncomfortable that we have every had, beside that we love the explorer .

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  Hard Plastic Interior Hard to Love - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Rich Carlson - March 20 - 8:43 pm

  I bought an SEL+ in Creme Brulee, loaded with all the options including the panorama roof and navigation system. I traded in a 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 for the Edge. Compared to the Explorer I like the ride, lower step in height, better mileage, and roomy back seat. On the downside the interior of the Edge is a sea of hard plastic and poorly styled interior elements compare the front interior door panel of the Edge to a Saturn Outlook and you will see what I mean. The interior is way to cheap and cold feeling for a $35,000 car. The navigation system is good, but not great.

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  love it! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By ryan - March 20 - 4:47 pm

  my first new vehice! beautiful. the big 3 sure make their trucks well. excellent fit and finish. great ride, sync, crazy amounts of space. i see complaints about power on these f150s however the truck gets along just fine for me (4.6 3v). if you want a sport truck you may be dissappointed, but youre the average joe that goes from a to b and needs maybe some passing power for the highway will do just fine.

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  4.0L ranger review - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Fat Jackson - March 20 - 1:38 pm

  When I bought my ranger the transmission was going out at 138000 miles. It was the 4.0L model, and shortly after I had the transmission rebuilt, the water pump went out making the engine over heat. The 4.0L engines apparently have aluminum heads which are notorious for not being able to withstand high temperatures, so both the heads cracked after overheating twice. Buy a subaru, I had an 89 Subaru that overheated all the time and the engine just kept on ticking

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  Dangerous underpowered rust bucket - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Nick - March 20 - 7:20 am

  The cars interior is a joke. Cheap, boring plastic. It was outdated even for 20 years ago. The V6 is severely underpowered. Good luck accelerating in 5th gear unless youve got a ton of momentum. Almost anything over an entry level 4 banger is faster. In snow, it is undriveable. In the rain, it is just plain dangerous. Hydroplanes, and cannot get traction. The car feels unsafe. At high speeds, it was bumpy, and felt loosely connected to the road. The car rusted out completely on bottom. Could pick chunks of rust off the frame. I sold it to an unsuspecting buyer, who probably will have to part it out or crush it. In the near future. AC was terrible. Tires go flat

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  Reinstated my faith in American cars. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By hobbie2k - March 20 - 2:09 am

  A true American competitor to the import mid-sizers. And Ford only needed to borrow a Mazda platform to make it happen. The car is roomy, comfortable, has decent material and build quality (though there are a few warts), and is somewhat fun to drive with a manual transmission. It doesnt beg to be driven hard like an Altima, and isnt as refined as the Accord, but still drives good and looks great. SYNC is a brilliant system, but I am having issues using a thumb drive to store music that Ford cant seem to solve. The engine is smooth and revs well, but it feels a little underpowered and is a little bit too noisy at highway speeds. My mileage is 27mpg mixed.

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  Love this car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By msihrer - March 19 - 11:14 pm

  Best car Ive owned. Handles nicely on dry ground, looks sporty and has great music/stereo features.