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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  99 F150 4x4 Lariat - 2001 Ford F-150
  By meyeste - April 3 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my 99 F150 5.4l used with 48k. I have had it in the shop 2x - bad coil and a bad idler sensor. It now has 130 k miles and I am still pleased. What I like most is that it is comfortable to drive, and drives well. I also like the drive mode selector on the dash, it goes from 4x2 to 4x4 immediately its saved me in mid-fish tail a couple of times. Also whether 4x4 low or 4x4 high, when engaged in the front axle is locked in both wheels are turning all the time, Ive seen enough to know GM uses an open front axle by default in 4x4 high good for driving on wet roads, bad for poor traction situations. Ill get another one when this one needs replacing.

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  Great vehicle!! - 2012 Ford Edge
  By emasride - April 2 - 9:49 pm

  Initially, I saw this 2012 Blue Edge Sport AWD in the showroom and had to have it. I have had 3 Escapes, BMW X5 and a GrandvCherokee.. The first time I test drove the Edge I immediately fell in love, twice..Handles incredibly well..amazingly comfortable and looks great. its been 5 months since I had bought my Edge Sport and still in love..The fit and finish is flawless..plenty of room in all aspects..and the features? wow...way too many to list..I always seem to find something wrong in most things..a bad habit..but honestly? Ford nailed it on the head.....over and over with this one!

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  Impressed so far - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By mrb1072620 - April 2 - 1:05 pm

  I traded down to save on gas and overall maintenance costs. So far I am extremely happy with the Fiesta SE automatic. It handles great and has a little pep to it once it gets going. The gas mileage is fantastic, I am averaging 32.5 mpg with 100% city driving. I cant wait to see how it does on the highway in the future. The SE with alloys and sync make it a great little car. The front seat is borderline too small but I didnt expect to have extra space either in a compact car. Ford recommends the first scheduled oil change maintenance at 10,000 miles, thats pretty cool too. Overall, I highly recommend the Fiesta for its looks, gas mileage, performance and cost.

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  Not the best looking car, but never gives up! - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By floridagirl82 - April 1 - 12:36 pm

  My dad bought me a 1995 Aspire (Automatic) back in 1999. It was my first car and at first glance, I wasnt too impressed, but after driving it, I quickly fell in love and although its not the fastest little car, it certainly handles well. Drove it on a trip, 12 hours of non stop driving with out any problems and watched it roll over to 100,000 miles that night! It lasted me until 2008, when the transmission finally gave out. I drove to death! Its been sitting in my back yard ever since as I just cant seem to let it go lol. Ac is STILL freezing cold to date! NEVER GAVE OUT! Did have some repairs done during the time that I drove it, but nothing we couldnt do ourselves. HATED GAS :]

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  Love the new Explorer! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By heymark - March 31 - 6:55 am

  Previously drove Tahoes, last was 2008 LT. Tahoe is a great SUV, but wanted something smaller & less top heavy. Test drove the Ford and was impressed. After 6 months of owning, Im still impressed. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, especially on highway. Ive not had the problems with Myford Touch locking or freezing, but have given up on using voice commands. Interior is luxurious with upgraded seats. 2nd row has cramped leg room. Im 6 and briefcase barely fits between rows. Limiteds features are awesome.

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  Better than I expected. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By tonysf - March 30 - 12:28 pm

  We have owned our 2012 Ford Fiesta for 2000 miles and love it. On a trip to Fresno,CA from Bakersfield we received 41 mpg driving 70+ miles per hour. I thought that was great but I knew that I could improve. From Quartside, AZ to Bakersfield I received 48 mpg. I was averaging 65 mph and using coasting techniques in the mountains. I do not have a cruise control so my miles per hour sometimes crept upwards. My last trip from Santa Barbara I got 49 mpg. I know I can get 50 mpg. These are hybrid numbers amazing. P.S. this a 4-door sedan with a 5-speed transmission. Thanks Ford Tony C

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  2012 Best Explorer Ever - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By rockrat - March 30 - 10:02 am

  Bought this Explorer several weeks ago and must say the ride is fantastic. Very quiet, excellent handling, acceleration much better than my last Explorer V8. Four wheel drive works excellent, doesnt need a low 4WD because the first gear of the 6 speed is so low. Goes anywhere. Still learning all the electronics, loving them all so far. Getting on average 20MPG, should increase once the vehicle is broken in. Highly recommend this vehicle to everyone, so comfortable and easy to drive!

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  Very Satisfied and Impressed with my Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By auto_engineer - March 29 - 12:37 am

  I owned my 2003 Focus ZTS for 6 months now. Im shocked but its performance for its affordable price. The steering is tight and feels very sporty and handles the corners very well. Gas mileage I get is at least 32 MPG Highway and 26 City. It has a nice stereo system with good bass It also has CD/MP3 player along with Traffic Reports and the and News Reports. Many Focus for this year has different Radio Units, This particular one is my favorite. Seats are Very soft and very easy to clean. Rides very stable at high speeds. The rear spolier gives it enough down force for better handling as well. Low Profile Tires give it a good look. DOHC engine has some pep.I would recommand this car to anyone

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  Ford Expedition is awesome - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By nybanker - March 28 - 10:29 am

  I just bought a preonwed expedition and I love it I looked around at all the cometition including the QX56 . The QX I would have to say is a POS in comparison to the expedition it felt tinny and the technology is lame in comparison to the Expedition .. The biggest selling feature was the fact that parts like brakes and rotors are like 1 tenth the price of the infinity and there are like 4000 Ford dealers across the county and like 500 infinity ... Plus it feels good to buy american , I cant see in this day and age buying a japanese car they just seem to be cheaply made ...

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  Great Truck, Again - 2011 Ford Ranger
  By cmciver - March 26 - 3:37 am

  2011 will be the last year for Ranger. Thats why I bought my 4.0 V6, 5 speed. This will make the 8th one starting in 1984. Every model I have owned has been better then the last, and they were all good work trucks. I have read the reviews and wonder if the writers have ever had to work, using a truck ,every day for years on end. Why do you think Ford has sold every Ranger that they can make? Simple, they work. If you take reasonable care, they will last for years with out major problems. For the price you will not find a better truck. Ford has over 28 years making this truck, I think they got it right.