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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  Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jim Steinhilber - September 19 - 1:50 am

  This is my 11th car. I am more satisfied with this car than any other I have ever had. Enough said?

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  What does Ford stand for? - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Maybe happy - September 19 - 1:18 am

  This station wagon has been good and bad. I might buy another only if certain things are changed. It has stranded me over 4 times yet it has done well on long trips and it is good on gas and it handles great. The car is paid for yet I seem to put an average of $300 into it every month throughout the year. Power windows all work at each door however the front passanger wont go down from the driver side and the left rear pass window wont go down from the driver control either. Now the driver control will make the right side passanger go up. Rear hatch unlatches while your driving and you never hit the release.

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  Lots of problem but will get over it. - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Phil - September 18 - 11:33 pm

  Bought it in 1999, since then problem after problem. Head gasket, transmission, front end, wonder if there are anymore of the service lights at dashboard which is not turn on... but the van has 300K km now and done a lot of towing (pop up trailer) this van is our family pleasure since we have it.

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  WORST VEHICLE EVER - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By BrockPSU - September 18 - 3:12 pm

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. This Explorer was actually at the dealer for warranty tranny repair for 7 consecutive weeks! It was a problem with Ford and the dealer, and no one ever returned my calls. I tried Customer Care at Ford and their response were "what can we do for you?" And they did nothing! I am dealing with a lawyer now to try and resolve this. The vehicle would surge forward at the end of a stop, enough that you could spill your drink or, if not wearing a seatbelt, do more damage. I was told that this is just a charcteristic of the "first in class" 6 speed transmission.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Michael - September 18 - 2:55 pm

  One the highest quality vehicle I have ever owned. Only major issues after 65,000 miles were a bad solenoid for the locking hubs and a temp gauge that is 6 degrees off. OE tires were borderline, and interior cloth stains quite easily. Interior quality was much better before they sourced this stuff out (yes, I worked at Ford years ago and still hold the competency of the truck group high). This thing has been down a lot of washboard dirt roads and on rough narrow two tracks and is still tight. K&E filter helped gas mileage a bit. Go with the 6.5 bed if you haul any lumber or want to use the bed for overnighters.

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  None available - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Curtis moreland - September 18 - 12:47 pm

  Truck very well kept and run some good

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  Are you kidding me?!! - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Dale Drottar - September 18 - 11:32 am

  Owned the truck five months! Headlight unit had to be replaced, plastic adjuster striped, replaced wiper blades- left streaks, back side of side view mirror came off in car wash, electrical problems: no radio but cd player worked-dash lights were in day time mode at night-alarm went off by itself- power windows go up half way then go back down on their own- . What a disappointment. Truck LOOKS very sharp but the longer I own it the more disappointed I am. Anybody wanna buy it?! Owned many Rams before- no problems. This is a brand new 2016 f150, regular cab,short bed, and I have many compliments on it. For sale. 5500 miles. Go to get trade in value and its pathetic- five grand loss in five months of me owning it.

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  F150 ext cab - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Del Austin - September 17 - 9:12 pm

  Happy with truck. Got 17.2 MPG with second tank of gas. Only dislike is the handling--will fit that with a 3/5" drop kit and sway bars

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  No regrets! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By hocktuey - September 17 - 7:04 pm

  This is my second F-150, first one was an 04 FX4. Both have been great trucks. Its very responsive, does well off road and in sand..the shift on the fly comes in handy. Gas mileage has been around 13.4 city and 18.8 highway. No matter what trim level you get, youll be happy. Definitley go for the 5.4 triton, the 4.6 was sluggish off the line. Overall two thumbs up

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  Ford Fun Car... - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ford Fun CAr... - September 17 - 6:29 pm

  Great city and short range trip car. Tight! Quick, totally adaquate. Can steal a parking place in a heart beat! Handles great. Would definitely recomment or buy again. Plus good visibility.