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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  Awesome Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By tmoney - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  Well Ford has done it again. I am so impressed with my new Harley Davidson F-150. Drives great, rides great. Overall I am a huge fan of the Ford product for the first time in my life.

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  Reliable and has taken some abuse - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By MBR - August 16 - 5:51 pm

  Bought this vehicle used in 2002. Now has 100,000 miles and have not had any seriously major problems. Have had to replace ball joints but Ive run some heavy treaded Mud Tires for the past 2 years. It goes good in the mud and has ample ground clearance. Even though this is a great daily driver it is rugged enough to take you to some serious back woods adventures. Dont be afraid to get this vehicle off road.

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  Ford spark plug problems - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jim - August 16 - 3:20 pm

  Really have liked the truck bought new and its many features. Truck is a supercab and its very comfortable. However its latest feature - spark plugs that blow completely out of the engine- have really changed my mind about Fords build quality or lack thereof. Not only is it absurd that a spark plug can blow out of the engine but equally absurd how much it costs to repair. Ford recommends replacing the defective aluminum head with a new defective aluminum head rather than owning up the problem and recalling the many vehicles with their modular engine. Just search blown out spark plug and witness the amount of complaints with both trucks and cars with this engine.

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  FX4... BEST 4X4... - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Great - August 16 - 2:43 am

  I was in the market for a new truck for some time. I test drove GMC 1500-AND 2500. I was not impressed. Then I looked into the FX4 crew fully loaded and I have to say it is a blast to drive. With the 20 inch rims the truck sits up high and the interior is great. Solid workmanship and the ride is solid.

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  Great truck to drive and own - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Cheezesteak33 - August 15 - 11:42 pm

  I bought my Ranger from a buddy of mine last may(06)and it had a little over 41000 on her. He bought it 6 months earlier with only 37,312 miles on her. I just drove her from Philly, PA to Cimarron, NM and averaged around 28 miles on the highway. It has the 4.0L V6 and a limited slip rear. The truck definitely gets up and goes when needed. My check engine light came on around 60K but it appears thats common. The door ajar only happens whenn its warm out, so that means the door solinoid in the jam sticks when its hot out. I am very happy with the truck because I can depend on it without any issues. When it dies I plan on getting another Ranger, but the X-tra cab and 4WD. Great buy

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  I really like this car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By SRM - August 15 - 11:23 pm

  This is the perfect family car with practical and fun features! I recommend it to anyone not wanting another minivan or an SUV. It is the best of both with alternative, younger look and feel.

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  One of Fords Better Years for Trucks - 1995 Ford F-150
  By woodleader - August 15 - 7:27 pm

  This has been an excellent vehicle. The only major repair I have made on this truck was a rebuilt transmission at 160,000 miles. Other than that I have replaced an alternator, a radial arm bushing, idler pulley and a few batteries. I drive this truck to work, M-F, around Atlanta. With 287,000 miles on it now, I could see this truck easily making 400,000 miles in a few years. AT 80 mph, the 5.8l still gets 15mpg. I like this truck so much I am starting the process of restoring it.

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  Better choices available - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LG - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought this as a dealers demo with 4,000 miles and the truck performed pretty good mechanically. Needed tires at 32,000 miles. The ride was very noisy with a lot of wind noise and road noise. After 30,000 miles the ride was very rough and the truck was all over the road on bumpy roads. I recently bought my wife a Kia Sportage and that vehicle runs rings around the excape as far as comfort, ride and standard features although the Excape does have a more powerful engine. There are better choices in this price range.

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  Never thought Id come back! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By fbmom - August 15 - 6:47 pm

  Having owned nothing but Nissan, Toyota, and Honda for the past 30 years, I never thought I would own an American built truck, but here I am in this new Lariat and Ive got to say, Ive been pretty impressed. Drove it from Wyoming to Arizona and it cruised beautifully, was quiet, and my bum and back never got tired of riding! Got 19 MPG, which I thought was phenomenal, considering the weight of this truck. So now Im selling my Honda Ridgeline (which, dont get me wrong, is an awesome vehicle), but I live on a serious 4x4 road and I just feel a lot safer now in the Ford than in the Honda. I am duly impressed and lovin it!

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  Lame MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mxgolf - August 15 - 12:43 pm

  I actually love the car but the mileage is not even close to EPA numbers. 33 MPG is not 47 or even close. I drive like a grandma now and it still does not get near what its supposed to. I would gladly get rid of the car due to Ford lying about the mileage. I do live in Oregon which has 4 seasons but the weather should not have anything to do with fuel mileage. If there was a lemon law for fuel mileage I would gladly give this car back. Unfortunately I am stuck with it. I would not recommend buying the car if you are buying it for the hybrid mileage.