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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  My second Explorer - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By cooper919 - March 22 - 10:13 pm

  I was undecided- Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer. I had great luck with my first Explorer, but it has been six years since I drove an SUV. The styling, V6 engine (better economy than the V8 of the Jeep), and the technology is what made me choose the Ford. I love the handling and quietness of the ride. The space inside is great and despite the complaints I have read regarding the third row seating, my friends have had no issues.

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  Best Mustang V6 i ever driven! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By bikersam - March 20 - 7:47 pm

  05 Mustang V6 is the best car i ever driven, the 4.0 engine is fast and fuel efficient and reliable, i dont know what people are complainning about, when i buy a car, i dont care about the looks, the small things that go wrong with it, i go for preformance, the Motor and Trans, those are the most importance of a car, if the motor and transmission is in good working condition and so far, i had this Mustang since 2005 and its 2012, i have no problems with the engine and transmission and thats great for a Ford!! The only small problems was the battery went bad in 4 years, thats normal for any car, the dashboard gages went bad on the temp. and fuel gage, no big problem!

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  Bird is the Word - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By cspirit - March 18 - 10:35 pm

  I own the V8 T-Bird, and of all the cars Ive owned through the years, it has proven repeatedly to be the most reliable, stylish and overall best value vehicle money can buy. I bought mine used a little over a year ago with 124000 miles on it, and aside from replacing the brake pads and ball joints (which were wore out from age and the previous owners abuse) this car has been an exceptional ride, silky smooth with plenty of power. Though the V8 only gets moderate gas mileage, the comfort, style and reliability more than make up for it. If youre looking for an older, stylish and reliable ride, I highly recommend the T-bird...

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  Solid performer - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jtice - March 17 - 1:59 pm

  Purchased my 2011 Ford Fusion SE after extensive research in December 2010. I went for the automatic transmission model. Now, Ive got 31,000 miles on the vehicle. I havent had the first problem with it yet. I was just told of a recall on this model due to trouble with the wheels. Vehicle is very responsive in turns, accelerates well, has a spacious trunk and comfortable interior. Ive gotten as high as 36 mpg on long flat stretches of highway, such as through Kansas and northern Indiana. Typical, 33 mpg. I wish there was a bit less plastic panelling and a more stylish interior. Of course, I could have gotten that with the SEL model for a few grand more. Overall, very pleased.

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  not bad - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sixohthree81 - March 16 - 4:52 pm

  bought this with our tax returns for $3500 from a local dealership about 2 weeks ago. went from a 92 saab 9000 to this and I LOVE IT!!! 4wd works great and the power leather seats are so comfortable. have only had 2 issues with it and 1 was the catalytic convertor needed to be welded back on as we hit a pot hole and it broke. (kinda expected it with 166000 miles) and the radio display doesnt work. radio still works just cant see what station you are on. kinda annoying but nothing to really complain about. I would recommend an explorer to all of my friends!

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  We are loving it. - 2011 Ford F-150
  By dawnjanel - March 16 - 9:52 am

  We have owned a newer, used Dodge truck, and a newer, used Chevy truck. They both have spent lots of time in repair shop. Our first truck was an OLD, used Ford. It wasnt pretty but it was reliable and cost us little in repairs. So, when it was time to invest in a brand new truck the choice was simple. We bought our truck 6 months ago. My husband has used it for work and we have traveled 7 hrs away in it. It works very well for both ! Friends who have taken a ride in it ask if it is really a truck because it rides as smooth as some cars.

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  Solid Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By xxx_joeyr_xxx - March 15 - 12:04 pm

  Ive owned my 2000 Mustang GT for 4+ years now. Car now has 155K on her and shes still running strong. The only major failures Ive had was the Intake Manifold coolant line busting & heater core leaking(major pain to fix). Ive really driven this car hard, but always maintained it, and she is still going strong. Please stop listing to idiots bash a car because they 1. they neglect it. and 2. they give a bad rap because of normal Maintenance items they have to replace(rotors/pads/air filters/fuel filters/plugs). On a different note, after a few basic mods, these cars will run with the feared LS1 Camaros.

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  Ford truck, but in the shape of a minivan - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By freshbrood - March 11 - 3:10 am

  This things just awesome. I bought a 94 XLT in 2011.. 282k miles on it. Thats right- Runs like a champ. Dependable, comfy, and surprisingly just about all the electrical works, except for passenger side window and lighter. All the lights and electrical otherwise are fine, still going strong.

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  2003 Focus ZX3, Duratech 23 = AWESOME!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By metalwych - March 11 - 12:53 am

  I got my 2003 Focus with the DuraTech 23 engine (2.3 liter) for less than $6000. It had 59000 miles on it. This car is awesome. I needed a car that gets good gas mileage (I also have a Lincoln and a 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, so I needed a car that gets better than 25mpg). This little car has a lot of get up and go. Its quick and gets excellent gas mileage (when I go from San Diego to L.A., I average 46mpg...which is awesome). And its a fun car to drive. Now, it doesnt have the power of my powerhouse V-8s, but for a 4 cylinder, it really moves. The way this car handles is superb. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this car can corner. Awesome fun car to drive!

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  Low maintence reliability-great diverse truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By gnat1 - March 7 - 12:32 am

  Love my F150. I bought it at 18000 miles and now have 73000 miles on it with no troubles. I pull a horse trailer with it and drive it to work, it is my "everything" vehicle. Other then changing my oil, and brakes, I havent had to do any repairs of any kind. Tows excellent with my horse trailer which probably reaches up to 5500 ibs. I have towed up steep grades when we go horse camping up in the mountains. Handles excellently. i would definately recommend this vehicle if you want a reliable, tough, and well designed truck. Only downfall is I dont car for where the "oh Sh@#" handles are in the interior. They are placed to far forward.