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 Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Many Klatch - October 1 - 3:20 pm

  My 6 cylinder F-150 has been a real workhorse. My last couple of Ford Rangers lasted 150,000 miles before I traded them in and the F-150 seems to be on the same track. I get 22 mpg in mixed city and hiway driving with the manual 5 speed if I keep my foot off the gas. The 6 cylinder has all the power I need to haul lots of weight on those occasions when I need to haul 1,500 pounds. I had to replace a broken overload spring and upgraded to a heavier set to handle the weight. The engine didnt have a problem with a full load. The acid test was that the engine hauled all that weight over the Pennsylvania Turnpike in cruise control with very few problems.

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  Best Bang for you Buck! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Yeah I got a Ford - October 1 - 2:54 pm

  I was and still am a little skeptical about buying a Ford but for the price you cannot beat its features. I got the Blue Suede Package and its really sharp looking. I wish the car had a little more power but nothing an intake and exhaust cannot fix. Overall I love it so far. Its slick and the sports tuned suspension is slick when handling corners.

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  easy to find in any parking lot - 2014 Ford Focus
  By M. Rohde - October 1 - 5:07 am

  great value..reliable ...really good pick-up...love this car!

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  Single Mother - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Katherine Kendrick - September 30 - 10:21 pm

  This SUV ..doesnt receive the accolades it deserves. I love it! I have a dissabled..Adult son..front passenger. .comfortable and adjustable for him. And with simple regular maintenance. .holds up extremely well! My mileage is high but strictly highway. ..wont GET rid of it..for that reasons alone! 4 wheel drive is perfect for "country living "...and reliability

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  Single Mother - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Katherine Kendrick - September 30 - 10:21 pm

  This SUV ..doesnt receive the accolades it deserves. I love it! I have a dissabled..Adult son..front passenger. .comfortable and adjustable for him. And with simple regular maintenance. .holds up extremely well! My mileage is high but strictly highway. ..wont GET rid of it..for that reasons alone! 4 wheel drive is perfect for "country living "...and reliability

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  2006 F-150 Review - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Brian - September 30 - 9:20 pm

  My experience with my F-150 was the worst experiance I have ever had with a vehicle. The build quality was extremely poor. Within the first 6 months all fuel injectors had to be replaced. The stitching on the front seats came apart not once but twice! The headliner came apart. The outside mirror fell off as I was driving. My exp. with the dealership regarding these issues was also poor. It will be the last Ford vehicle I ever have!

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  Great ride, bad on gas - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By American Girl - September 30 - 9:20 pm

  Weve had our X for several months. I do primarily city driving (true city driving stop and go every block for miles on end) and my mpg averages around 12-14. I didnt expect to get the advertised mpg but would like to get at least 17 or 19. Interior fit and finish is so-so. Great for hauling young children and rear-facing car seats fit great in the back seats. This was the main reason we chose a CUV over a traditional car.

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  02 Ford Escape 4 cyl/standard - 2002 Ford Escape
  By smokey2 - September 30 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this vehicle about a year ago as my first car after much thought, and I must say I made the right choice. I chose it for gas mileage and looks, and was able to get a great deal off craigslist. The required maintenence was pricy ($1000 for a new timing belt), but expected. The vehicle is spacious inside, while being able to fit in almost any parking spot and turning around in places other cars cant. The standard transmission is the way to go given the 4 cyls engine power.

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  Ups and Downs - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By FordedR - September 30 - 2:03 pm

  So, I do love my Explorer. Though there are some problems like others have said. The head rest that get in the way, engine takes forever to get up there. I do love the limited. I love the automatic side steps, DVD, navigation, great stereo system.

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  Fun Ride - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Robin - September 30 - 12:04 pm

  This small car has great get up and a very nice drive. It is comfortable on long trips.