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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  Rangers lead the way - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By easyv - July 20 - 11:20 am

  My third Ford Ranger, a 2008 XLT, upholds the proud tradition of its ancestors. Great mileage 28 MPG. Unbelievably affordable. Unmatched reliability single key turn start in sub zero weather, and I dont have the engine block warmer. Safe in a collision. Low maintenance. Great resale value-try to buy a used Ranger, you might as well just spend the extra $1000-2000 and get a new one. If you need an affordable, low-maintenance, reliable commuter vehicle, the Ranger is it

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  Escape XLS 2.0 in TX - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Dave - July 20 - 7:49 am

  Pros: Surprisingly good grip around curves, nice interior design, reliable, cruise control function and nice exterior visual appeal. Cons: The clutch is grippie cold and improves at warmup doors speakers buzz too much road noise, and stiff clutch action.

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  The car decides when it goes into 4WD, WTH??? - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Peggy - July 20 - 5:08 am

  This vehicle is provided to me by my employer. They were robbed! How do I despise thee?? Let me count the ways: 1. You can NOT put the vehicle in 4wd when you think it is necessary. Only the car can make that decision. 2. Radio is a joke. Frequently have to turn it off and back on the be able the switch stations. Programing the radio isnt easy or logical. 3. The backup camera is inset so far it makes it difficult to see and if the sun is out at all the reflections and glare make it useless. 4. Caller ID on screen seldom works. You will get the phone number but not the callers name. I could go on, but whats the point. Ford likes to make vehicles look good but doesnt care if anything actually works.

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  Im selling it! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By bordasel_1708 - July 20 - 1:19 am

  I have had my mustang for a year and 3 months. It had 89,000 miles when I bought it and it now has 99,000. Since Ive had it I had to put new spark plugs, a frame bushing ball joint, belt, a/c clutch, ignition, and also have had it aligned twice. The seats that came in it were ugly. But I put seats from a 99 Mustang in them which look really nice. I have magnaflow dual exhaust on it (which sounds great), and traded in the 15" rims for 17", got a new sonic blue paint job, custom taillights and headlights. Which have made it a good looking car that turns heads. It has been reliable and has never broken down. Overall it is a decent car.

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  Good Truck/Car - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By William - July 20 - 12:00 am

  Actually went into the Ford dealership to look at the new Mustang and drove home a Sport Trac. Handles very good, rides comfortably, good sound system and functions well in 4 wheel drive. The truck bed is just big enough to handle daily needs and with the cover offers a secure "large trunk". So far I have enjoyed this vehicle a lot.

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  Good Purchase - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Michael - July 19 - 5:31 pm

  V6 5 speed. I bought this used in 2001 with 50,000 miles on and have put 135000 on it still running strong. Had to replace the clutch at 130000 miles. Other than that had no mechanical problems. Truck has not been babied at all. Missed oil changes, driven hard, and still always starts and runs.

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  Still going - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GREAT CAR - July 19 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my Ford used in 2000, It has never broken down on me never had a major problem. Has been to California at least 10 times, I live in Albuquerque,NM. Besides minor maintance like oil and breaks this car has definitely paid for itself. It still drives daily, has no leaks and power still there like the day I drove it for the first time. 225,000 and counting

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hayyou - July 19 - 1:26 pm

  my car is a lemon 28 Repairs Latest one was a broken front spring this one was very serious could have caused a death

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  Sold Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By bob - July 19 - 8:51 am

  After almost a year with the Edge we went back to a loaded 2007 Town & Country. Gas mileage is the same and the TC is 2X the size inside. The Edge is a great looking SUV but the interior build materials are simply horrible, 1 large flat hard plastic piece after another. And Ford was so cheap they painted many of the plastic interior pieces. Any time you say touch the glove box with a kids school bag or a shoe it puts a nice scratch on it. Our 18" rims were allready replaced after only 1 winter, they were all pitted out. Gas mileage is OK at 18-19 in town and 22-24 HWY, but the huge TC van gets the same. We simply couldnt live with the cheap KIA interior.

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  Disappointment - 2007 Ford Edge
  By bradylady - July 19 - 7:51 am

  Big disappointment fuel mileage is really bad - never topped 18 mpg even on road trips. We have been big Ford fans for a long time but this is most likely my last one. Locked the car at the post office and could not get the drivers door to unlock - had to go to passenger side and reach across to unlock from inside. Materials in cabin have a really cheap feel. Air conditioner will not keep car cool in Texas heat. Give me back my Expedition. I gave up a lot to get 2 more miles out of a gallon of gas.