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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  I am impressed so far my 1st Ford - 2011 Ford F-150
  By 2011screw - February 16 - 12:00 am

  I am coming from a 2007 Nissan Xterra that was falling apart and becoming unreliable. I found a used F150 crew cab 4x4 5.0 10kmiles one owner. So far I love the ride very comfortable and quite. Great power. So far so good. after doing months of months of research Ford is the best looking and most reliable truck out there. I am not fan of any make of truck. I shop for my needs and likes and affordability this fit the bill. Gas mileage so far around town for me has been 15-16mpg and 19-21 highwas. This depends on how drive. you romp on the gas you will get poor mileage. Also its truck I will be towing with it and use what its made for. I will write a review later after a few thousand miles.

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  My First Hotrod - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By bughunt - February 15 - 4:03 pm

  Loaded (all I didnt get was the glass roof, HID headlights, and gaudy louvers and scoops) with a 3.55 rear diff, Ive had this car for just over a year and no complaints. Ive never had a "fast car" let alone muscle car before so, performance wise, its like Im driving a superhero (well mannered, but capable of things that put - and leave - a smile on your face that stays all day). Ive heard a lot of talk on the tranny, but Ive had no problems at 6500mi (2nd car and dont drive a lot). Took a pro-driving class and was amazed. She cornered as if on rails as they say. Rated at 16/25mpg City/Hwy, I see 14/22 in WA which puts additives in the gas.

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  XLT is a great buy - 2012 Ford Escape
  By jaytee - February 15 - 9:44 am

  My company just delivered to me, an Escape in Steel Blue with the 2.5L and 6 speed automatic. I must say that after 3 weeks I really really like this vehicle. Not sure what Edmunds is talking about in their CONS. The rear seat takes like 2 seconds to fold it flat. Plenty of power but it is a 4 cylinder after all. Still better than my V6 Avenger. Automatic shifts smoothly and quietly. Brakes are perfectly fine.

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  great ford quality like always - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By rtstang98 - February 9 - 5:42 pm

  i have had my (2003 ford ranger fx4 off road package 4.0) since 2005 and havent had 1 problem out of it yet ive towed with it had it offroad alot ive put this little truck threw it all and had never let me down once it has 104,000 miles on it now and counting all ive had to do to it is change the oil and transmission fluid regularly and just now put the second set of tires on it and changed the brakes and still runs and drives like new the transmission still shifts smooth its been a great little truck

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  MY BABY MISSY - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By mustangchelz - February 5 - 4:24 pm

  I absolutely LOVE my red 97 mustang! Its more reliable than any car ive had and it gets me everywhere. Im the second owner and had very MINIMAL problems, the biggest thing ive had to get done was the clutch. Ive gotten a new oil pan and fixed a water leak, but after 14 years can you believe thats the only work? I kept up this car from the minute i bought it. I was devastated when i got in an accident in december and totaled the car, but the safety was great and me and my little brother are alive. 210,000 miles the car still ran like a champ, wish i still had it. Thank you Ford!

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  Durable, Dependable, Best Truck on the Road - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By phoenixatlanta - February 3 - 12:31 am

  I purchased a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer Edition in 2006 with 37,000 miles on it. Aside from routine 5,000 mile oil changes using Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil, I have only had two issues. At 125,000 miles, I replaced all eight spark plugs with basic NGK Iridium Spark Plugs, and the engine runs smooth and plenty of power. The alternator was replaced at 165,000 miles due to low output however, was changed as preventative and never caused mechanical breakdown. I am a DOT engineer and occasionally tow a bobcat on a large dual axel trailer and it tows better then my co-workers 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi pickup truck. Would recommend this to those who want a solid, dependable, SUV!

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  Love My Car - 2011 Ford Taurus
  By bonusvalue - February 1 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned another Ford Taurus and though really liked the car the transmission made me think I would never again own a ford, but so far this Taurus SEL make me change my mind about Ford. I drive at least 65 miles daily and I love it more each day

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  Extremely reliable. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By cdhghs - January 31 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my Focus brand new in 2006 for business usage. I drive an average of 10,000+ miles per month, having the oil change every 3,500 mi. This car has been nothing but reliable for me and my business needs. I have always been able to count on it to get me from coast to coast. Minor wear and tear repairs are to be expected, as with any car. The most costly repair Ive had to get was a new fuel pump in the middle of 2010, and of course tires and brakes. Other than that at 315,000+mi its time to trade it in for a new Focus. Thanks Ford!

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  Great value for the money - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By moxiedog - January 31 - 7:29 pm

  Ordered the 2012 S model optioned the way I wanted and waited 10 weeks. Picked it up on 1/12/2012 In most aspects this car is outstanding. The first tank showed 27.3 mpg in mixed city/ hi-way driving. Fun to drive, great handling and braking. Fit and finish are first rate Two very minor Issues: 1. The 6 speed manual shifter is a bit clunky. No speed shifting with this baby. 2. The C pillars are a bit thick creating a slight blind spot.

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  Great Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By jamescrane - January 29 - 8:34 pm

  bought my truck for 75 bucks when i was 16. guy was taking it to junkyard. bought a used altenator for it she lasted me two years. now thats a buy. o did u mentioned when she finally went she had 270000. the guy before me was no saint with her and neither was i xl with a 5.0