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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  NO HATS OFF - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By back - December 25 - 2:00 am

  POOR BUILD QUALITY

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  Ok in the long haul - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jeff - December 19 - 9:41 pm

  Bought LX with 52K on it. Experienced numerous small issues at around 70K such as tie rod ends, oil seals, EEC sensors, paint pealing on door trim and broken cheap interior parts. After 80K never another issue. Serviced regularly including tranny. Just sold with 142k on it and it is still running strong. Mileage was 18- 21. Alwyas cupped front tires no matter what.

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  Recall Time For Ford Again - 2007 Ford F-150
  By joe - December 19 - 6:52 pm

  I have a 2007 ford f150 Stx 4.6L. At idle it shakes so bad I had to put a pillow behind my back. Several times it even stalled. Ford said all these trucks do this. It is a natural characteristic of the truck to run rough. I say it is time to recall and fix the design flaw these trucks have.

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  Great Family hauler/workhorse - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By LeeB - December 18 - 1:54 pm

  Weve owned this truck for 8 years now, bought it used, 2 years old. Two major problems, transmission replaced at 100K miles, replaced injection system on 4 ofthe 8 cylinders (one at a time of course - this is a common problem with this engine). Has otherwise been a good reliable family and stuff hauler. Its become expensive (gas) to use as an everyday commuter, but well keep it as a part-time haul around vehicle.

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  Not the best out there but... - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By fordguy1212 - December 16 - 3:17 pm

  These Rangers are great work horse trucks. Ive had the bed absolutely loaded with asphalt, concrete, stone etc. and the Ranger handles it well. The 4.0L motor seems good enough for the trucks size, not very peppy though and drinks gas like no tomorrow(comparable to a newer silverado 5.3L). My complaint is the front brakes. They constantly squeal, and have a ridiculous amount of brake dust coming from them. Even on replacement with after market parts the problem has not gone away. I find it to be a serious design flaw. Overall its a reliable truck that I use often and it seems to be holding up well.

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  Customer neglect is Job #1 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JCRedding - December 15 - 9:57 am

  We bought the 04 FX4 new. For the first year it was great. Since then it has evolved into total junk. Use is very light duty and no offroad. At 25K brakes and rotors needed replaced. The AC barely works. At 46K the tranny needed rebuilt and Ford did not see a problem with that nor were they interested in my complaint. Window motors and the main switches plus u- joints replaced at the same time. This on top of $650 for the 45K mi service. Now the rear diff clutch pack is going. taking off from a stop while turning causes the truck to shudder until straightened out. With 48K now on the odo it has turned into a rattle trap. I should have payed the difference and gone back to a Toyota!

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  Beware-Front End problems - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ron - December 11 - 8:46 pm

  My new Ranger has been in the shop 13 times in one year - 7 times in the past 2 months-Only has 15,000 km. Problems started first month-serious clunking in the steering in mid-turn & when accelerating from stop.Inner Tie rod ends have been replaced 4 times in 2 monthsc- last ones were Fords new/improved ones, as a result of TS Bulletins and serious problems. Also had intermediate shaft replaced twice and lower steering shaft once. Finally no clunking - only been a week - I am wary. Dealer told me several other owners have the same problem. Ford avoiding a recall? In my mid-40s, owned 28 vehicles all makes...never had such an unreliable piece of metal in the driveway (and I am a Ford fan).

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  Will never own another Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tara - December 10 - 5:11 pm

  Bought this car brand new off the lot with 79 miles on. Now I know why they were trying to get rid of them. First transmission was put in at 24k miles, second transmission put in at 64k miles and its in the shop again with another transmission problem (second time this year). Im out around $6000 with transmission costs and rental cars. This is really not worth it, stay away. Because of this problem (and a few minor ones) I will not ever own another Ford again.

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  Gas Hog - 2007 Ford Edge
  By thanksohio - December 10 - 4:38 pm

  We have had this vehicle for around three weeks now. We brought a 2007 for the incentives and had an "A" plan, that made the price hard to beat. Problem is, we are averaging 14.1 mpg. My wife drives the car to work M-F 15 miles highway driving. We have asked other Edge owners what their average MPG is and the normal response is "20 - 25." Also, window wipers freeze up and make the blades useless. Where they are located is a collection area for rain and snow. Not very well thought out. Would strongly advise looking at other crossovers as this one cost more in gas than a Suburban would!

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  Horribly cheap interior - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rickracer - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Dash, seats and shifter is cheap.