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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  Transmision Woes - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By fujiman_nb - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Im on my third, yes third transmission with this vehicle. I had approx. 1200 miles on it when the cap on the transmission cracked and leaked fluid. Ford replaced the whole transmission with a new one. 1000 miles later the same problem again. This time the dealer rebuilt the unit, $1624.00 in parts, and upgraded the cap. I should note that I was not the only one with this problem. Another truck came in the same day as I did with the original problem. They got the same fix and they were back within a week of my second repair for the samething. Gas mileage is poor poor. It is rated for 28 on the highway. I do nothing but highway driving and my average mileage is 20.4

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  First Time Ford Owner and Happy - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Rusty - November 11 - 11:35 pm

  I purchased the car about 7 months ago and have already put 10K miles on it. I have not had one single issue with it. I had the dealer put some low pros on it with 17" rims which make the already well handling car better in handling. Its probably the best handling car Ive owned even better than the Honda I used to have. Ive never owned a Ford before but Im definitely impressed with this car and will buy another Ford. I get a lot of compliments on how the car looks and it has the feel of being mechanically sturdy.

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  These are the last of the Great American - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By A. C. Roberson - November 11 - 8:51 pm

  I bought mine used with only 4k miles and it was 2 years old. The only bad part was having to replace the front drive axle on the long side. I own and operate my bike shop and I noticed that the new axle had a redesigned u- joint. I kept the old one in case I need it since Ford does not replace the u-joint but the whole unit. Other than that, I have had to disassemble the locking hubs everytime they need grease. Plus replace the battery after 7 years. The upside is that this truck does not get any worse gas mileage than a regular pickup. The MPG does not care if I am loaded down and towing or running empty. This is mostly due to the transmission "learning" as it goes.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Ford07EB - November 11 - 8:38 pm

  Picked up the Explorer in March of 07, so far it has been one of the best SUVs that I have owned. Taking it to Vegas twice getting about 22mpg. Feels and handles great. Acceleration from 0- 40 great no problems at all. I opted for the V-6 engine since I only drive on the highway and dont do any heavy towing. DVD Entertainment system was a must for my 2 year old daughter. Overall I am very happy with my Ford.

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  Great 4x4 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By tommy - November 11 - 7:52 pm

  I bought this truck on 1/2002 with 41K miles now 11/07 it has 71K. It has been an awesome 4x4. Repairs have been an alternator replacement, 2 rear axel seals and some O2 sensors plus normal maintenace. Just took a 3k mile road trip and fuel on the 4.6L v-8 w/w automatic trans ranged from 16-20 mpg at nominal 70 mph interstate driving. Ride is very plush compared to my old 89 F250 4x4. Mine also has the off road package w/w limited slip rear axel which is a great option on off road applications. I replaced the OEM battery this year after 9 yrs! The 4.6 liter V8 is more than enough power for my driving

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  Nightmare! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By WSUgrad - November 11 - 6:29 pm

  I knew buying used from a private party could be risky, but it was a one-owner car with highway miles. Since owning, I have replaced 3 sensors (research the EGR pressure sensor issues on these cars- Ford only part & expensive!), the transmission failed at 104,000 miles, the torque converter failed shortly after, radiator sprang a leak, water pump died, the brakes eat through the pads and the rotors warp easily (Ford or after-market), oh and it is pretty thirsty for a six cylinder (one with a measly 150 horsepower, at that!) Overall the worst carI have owned of 4 over my years and the last of the "Big Three" I will buy, new or used! I should have bought a Honda or Toyota!

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  What more can you ask for - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Whartonmb - November 11 - 6:16 pm

  Fun to drive. Economical purchase, and great fuel economy. Have added flowmasters, MAF, and 75mm throttle body. Car hauls, and still gets 22+ miles per gallon. Fun, fun, fun.

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  "Ancient" Interiors - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Gan - November 11 - 1:15 pm

  For a muscle car, Mustang has a very sleek and well-conceived design. What sets it back though is its pathetic interiors! (whoever uses number pads on the screen these days, jeez!!) While one understands that Mustang makers want to retain its old school charm, it sure makes for a pathetic design. The 4.2 screen is not much of a help actually (just about solves the purpose). But having to punch a number pad to change radio stations and for other stuff when technology today has reached beyond space is downright appalling! And there is no additional upgrade package for a V6 model where one can opt for the 8 screen and get rid of that idiotic number pad. Personally, I would be more than ready to spend an extra 1-2K if there was an option for increasing the screen size and getting rid of the countless buttons out there(pathetically designed!!!)

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  My amazing 2005 GT Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By WAYNEO - November 11 - 12:20 pm

  Ive owned four brand new GT Mustangs - 1987, 1990, 1995 and 2000, and plain and simple this vehicle is the best by far. A gem of a car any way you look at it.

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  My pokis - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jerrid Francis - November 11 - 2:16 am

  I have had My Focus for 4 years, Its been great never had any problems with my car. I have put a lot of miles on this car. A lot of counrty roads city roads and hiways. I have put 3 sets of tires on it and a brake light bulb. I live in the snow belt and the car gets around in it good, The only downfall is that you cant get real tires on it only toy tires. I would like to beable to have real snow tires studs caps mud tires what ever thar called, and a little higher off the ground would be great. Its not so great on the sand bar. And another downfall it rides like a lumberjack. If Ford would build a car thats higher of the ground real tires, all wheel drive, 4cyl diesel, that would be great.