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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  surprise, surprise - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By joskat - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Ford could have called this a different SUV and passed. I traded in my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee which had served me well but i thought it was too small and wanted a little bit bigger. I looked at 4runner and pathfinder and i couldnt decide which one to choose...until i test drove the explorer. Believe me i was never a ford admirer. In fact i never even thought of buying one. But this new explorer changed all that. Ford came up with an SUV thats safe, efficient and fun to drive. Please do some research and find out why this EXplorer shouldnt be overlooked.

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  So far so good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DBOWEN - October 14 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at another minivan when I suggested to my wife an SUV. She liked the idea of a 3rd fold-down seat for storage and 4WD. We looked at the expedition but it was too big and settled on the Explorer. This car is fun to drive. ALthough less room than a minivan, it handles great and the kids love to ride in it. I looked at other SUVs and they just werent safe enough. Explorer is alot of car for the money. Wife loves to drive it now too.

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  No problems! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By califbucfan32 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Has been a great car for my family!

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  Flexlovable - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Harold Landis - October 14 - 3:30 am

  This car is great.Unique style,plenty of comfort, great on gas for a vehicle this size. We just returned on a trip to Florida. Gas mileage ranged from 25 to 26 mpg at turnpike speeds. Better than advertised. We also own a Jaguar XJ8 and this vehicle is more comfortable on a trip than the Jag. We are planning a cross country trip in the fall and will be driving the Flex. I was a previous Jeep Grabd Cherokee owner and the Flex wins hands down in every catergory.

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  Thumbs up and down - 2012 Ford Focus
  By andie333 - October 14 - 2:08 am

  I was looking for a car with excellent mpg for a long commute to work, and I bought the Focus hatch with manual trans. That was 6000 miles ago.So far, Ive got mixed feelings about it. First, the good stuff: Car has the smoothest manual tran ever. Seats are comfortable, and cabin seems basic with a relatively intuitive dash and controls. Its slow to get up to speed, but holds consistently. maneuvering is tight and pretty nimble. My biggest disappointment so far has been with the cars mileage. only about 29. Weird cabin whir w windows open.

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  Awesome truck - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By grimja - October 13 - 11:41 pm

  Weve had our Expidition for four or five years now and it has 158,000 miles on it due to the long trips we take it on. Even though the family doesnt go many places together anymore I still like to drive it, even though the gas mileage is impractical. I just love how comfortable it is. It doesnt get up to speed very fast, but thats not what it was built for. The thing has only let me down once and it was due to a vacuum leak and that was two years ago. Now all I am worrying about is the rear end, which leaks fluid. Other than that it is great for its age, doesnt eat oil and even though the kids gave it a beating, you cant tell it at all.

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  Been very good to me - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By TaurusMan - October 13 - 8:50 pm

  I owned this wagon for 6 yrs and towed with it and took it on many trips. Besides regular maintenance the car performed admirably. Im very impressed. When I sold it it had over 158K mi on it and still running strong with all systems working well. Its good in the snow too. I recommend the car for anyone looking for a fun to drive reliable car.

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  FordMan - 2006 Ford Focus
  By southbender - October 13 - 7:18 pm

  Have had since 2/06. Had issues with the tailgate immediately, and the backseats needed adjusting, they wouldnt relatch first time folded down. Drivers door needed to be reset also right after purchase. Hatchback door key mechanism fell out, my spouse noticed and picked up a small key cover. Have driven from Northern IN, to Boise, Phoenix, and Nashville. Cruises at 70mph no problems. Great gas mileage. Good pick up and go in traffic. Tight steering. Great car for the money.

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  Very Unhappy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Angie - October 13 - 7:31 am

  I purchased this vehicle and the next day the check engine light came on. Dealer said was gas cap. The light was reset and then came right back on.I suggest getting a 5.4.Im lucky if I get 14 mpg! When accelerating, it feels as if Im pulling something. When at certain speeds, ex. 40,50,60 and 70 mph will jerk back and forth. Now only after having the Explorer for 3 weeks, will not start and is sitting in a parking lot.

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  Cheaper than 1995 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Back to Cars - October 12 - 9:36 pm

  I was leasing a Dodge Dakota (14mpg). Made the decision to not get another pickup pretty easy. Had been watching the Ford Fusion for sometime. Reliability ratings are excellent, most reviews are above average, its somewhat an American vehicle, I think. When Ford announced the rebates of $3000 on Sept. 10, it made the decision very easy. A brand new Ford Fusion SE with sunroof and sync for around $16000 is simply amazing. I paid $18000 for a new Mazda MX-6 in 1994 with less features than today, obviously. I have the 5-speed, I4. I have always loved 5-speed cars, and this one is no exception. Very forgiving clutch, and the power is not bad. Very fun to drive. 26mpg ave. 60-hwy/40-city