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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  Excellent SUV for the bucks - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By 3 time Bronco man - July 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought this at 10,000 miles. Now have 135,000 and still running strong. Pulls my 21 ft boat easily. Excellent mileage if you are not a lead foot. Best was 23 MPG but avg is about 19. Owned a Bronco II, then an Eddie Bauer Explorer. Very happy with this XLT as well. Problem is the newer ones do nothing for me plus a drop in gas mileage. Unfortunately cannot pull the boat forever with that many miles. Beside brakes only needed front wheel bearings. Spent so much time driving that I need a comfortable ride which this gives. This will be very hard to eventually give up.

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  Love it/hate it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By april - July 23 - 4:26 pm

  I love this SUV but i HATE the way that i must fill the gas tank up every 3-4 days due to the small gas tank and the AWD 6 cylinder. It seems that every time I drive it, I must stop at the gas station. I also find blind spots in changing lanes and backing up but hope in time I will get used to it! I am also disappointed in the placement of the speakers in this vehicle. Sound is not that great.

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  Not a Bad full size SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Marc04EXP - July 23 - 3:43 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Expedition on June 27, 2007. The evening I drove it home, I heard a noise coming from the rear. I own a mobile automotive repair business so I was checking the truck out. To make a long story short, the rear needed to be completely rebuilt. The problem was it was bought from a Chevy dealer so after 3 dealers, it ended up at a Lincoln/Mercury dealer and this process took 8 days. Otherwise, it drives great and I love the vehicle.

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  nice family truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By daarka - July 23 - 3:10 pm

  I replaced my 1977 F150 with this new F150. Other than the name, there is no comparison. This is a luxury SUT in all ways. I cant think of another option I would add. On the road it gets 18 mpg (in Colorado mountains - that is saying a lot). In town I get 12-14 mpg. I have used it to haul supplies to work site, but it is mostly a commuter and grocery getter. It is comfortable and easy to drive. I like the high driving position to see ahead and all around me. It is a bit long to parallel park. I will keep this truck for a while (maybe as long as my 1977 - 28 years!).

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  My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By bburnett - July 23 - 1:30 pm

  Couldnt be happer with my Fusion. Only con I have found is less than expected rearward vision, which is a deficit because of body shape and design.

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  Love it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By nis350ztt - July 23 - 10:53 am

  Ive owned mine for a year, and I love it. Only complaints are fairly minor. The build quality isnt great. Youre most likely going to have problems with it, whether minor or not depends though.

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  No regrets - 2007 Ford F-150
  By F150 Woman - July 23 - 9:23 am

  Ive been pleased with my F150. It rides great. Its comfortable. Gas mileage is reasonable for a truck this size. No complaints.

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  Good family car with great potential - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Great Scot - July 23 - 8:32 am

  Winter AWD is compromised by the poor OEM tires from Continental, poor to very poor traction in snow, ice, slush, heavy rain. Few tires available in 215x65x17 size and few aftermarket wheels for winter tires. The car is excellent for family use and variety of configurations for many uses. Fuel economy is poor in general use (18-20 mpg) highway constant at 65 mph is a little better at 22-23 mpg. Better tires might help economy.

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  F 150 XLT - 2005 Ford F-150
  By o maser - July 23 - 5:20 am

  Bouncy rear end, and clatter on front drivers side; dealer cant find clatter and claims soft and bouncy rear end is normal and can do nothing about it. I had a more stable ride and control on my 1997 Ford F 150 XLT. Can I trade back?

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  Great multi-purpose family vehicle - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Farrider - July 22 - 7:04 pm

  One beautifully styled truck both inside and out. I enjoy the comfort and amenities this truck has to offer. Best truck I have driven/owned, including, Toyota and Nissan. Drives and rides like a luxury car. Has met or exceeded my expectations.