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 tow vehicle and very comfortable - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By AL D - February 4 - 2:01 pm

  I bought this 2000 Excuriosn to tow a 6500lb travel trailer. It has exceeded my expectations! Very comfortable on long trips, tows smoothly and handles well for such a big truck. I have the V10 which is efficient and very strong. I average 13 mpg towing at 60mph, and 17 highway not towing, with 4-6 passengers. This is a great truck.

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  King of trucks - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Jeff - February 4 - 12:01 pm

  This is my second f-150 and what a blast to drive, it handles amazing! With more power than you need in the 5.4. I have pulled loads over 11000 pound and can still easily pass on the freeway almost like thereÂ’s nothing behind the truck. For work its tough as nails can handle any thing you need to do I put this truck through a lot and it never missed a tick! Extremely reliable.

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  Favorite Vehicle Ive ever driven! - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Pilot - February 4 - 11:40 am

  This truck is awesome! I have owned three vehicles prior and this one is by far my favorite. Wont buy another vehicle till this one is dead. If it ever gets to that point.

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  Im never buying a Ford again - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By crc0069 - February 4 - 11:18 am

  All that I have had is problems with this car and every time time I take it to the dealer, they dont want to work on it. Items that have had problems: Gas gauge which is failing again 1 year later, Transmission does not shift at the 3rd shift point unless you let up on the gas and push it down again, Windshield washer bottle 2 times, trunk switch, strip was replaced, the front-end could be aligned and need a shime about $140, the steering wheel has always had a shimmy (guessing that the rotor are warped). Water pump went and they did not even want to look at it until I ask what I would need to do when it blow up on the way home. Unsafe to drive.

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  GOOD MILEAGE.....GOOD CAR? - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Tom - February 4 - 11:05 am

  Even though I bought this car when it was 8 years old, I never imagined I would have so many problems. I have repaired every single item and component on this car INCLUDING the IGNITION SWITCH! Good car? NOT! Good mileage? Only if you consider 22 mpg good mileage for a small car with a 4cyl engine. Now the heater stopped working! Remember, at Ford, quality goes in before the name goes on! NOT! NEVER BUY A USED FORD, the new ones are bad enough! I have NEVER had anything but problems from Ford, regardless of the model, T-Bird and Lincoln inclussive.

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  Great truck for price - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By superswitchks - February 4 - 12:35 am

  The 2.5L motor provides great gas mileage and a decent amount of power when you need it. If you keep your right foot out of the firewall you can easily achieve 25+ mpg on the highway. However if you plan on using all 120hp plan on getting less than 17 in the city. But the handling of the truck is good for a truck you can sling the rear around if needed, or stick the front for some decent corning out of a truck.

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  Wont Make Same Mistake Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By bill davis - February 3 - 5:56 pm

  While the exterior design is very good and the interior is adequate the overall quality of this van is horrible. Shortly after purchasing it the transmission went out. It is extremely noisy on the road and in town. Idles rough, the service engine light and the ABS light stays on. The "door open" light stays on and the automatic locking system works intermittently. I wanted to but a Toyota or Honda but I let my wife talk me into this Ford because she liked the exterior better than than the Toyota/Honda. She agrees now that tis Ford has really lived up to its name "Found on road dead". Cant make this mistake again since the Windstar is no longer made which is a GOOD thing.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jake - February 3 - 2:38 pm

  Purchased new as around town car, specifically for good gas mileage. Havent gotten it. Averaging about 23 mpg combined, and under 30 on highway only (driver and one passenger only). Interior is cramped for older people, difficult to enter/exit as door sills are quite high. Front seat legroom is very limited (tho seemed OK during the test drive). Front storage/conveniences quite limited: any beverage in cup holders is prone to spill/tip as driver and passenger legs have no where else to go. Wipers are quiet. Radio is good. Steering/handling is good/fun. Sporty handling. Very poor gas mileage. Recommend against this car for anyone 510" or more, or over 200 lbs, or anyone buying for mpg.

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  93 PGT - 1993 Ford Probe
  By 24Valves - February 3 - 1:21 pm

  As with every car you will have things to be fixed, however for a car up in age of 10 years plus, I wouldnÂ’t trade my GT in for anything. Great handling in corners and respectable acceleration coming out. This is my favorite car, IÂ’ve owned 4 so far.

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  Freestyle Rocks! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bar10Jen - February 3 - 6:06 am

  I LOVE my Freestyle and I was a Chevy girl. Its built on a car platform with SUV roominess without the SUV gas guzzling. I think everyone should at least test drive a Freestyle no matter what you are shopping for. I certainly wasnt looking for a vehicle in the wagon category! I put loads of miles on my car and wanted room and comfort with gas mileage to boot and I got it all.