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:

• 

  A little disappointed! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Elizabeth Devlin - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 2003 Supercrew 4.6 liter, and the gas economy is horrendous. The tires are horrible as they made my truck shake until I hit speeds of 60+. Have to reach up and far to even change the radio. Not made for shorter, smaller people. Shouldnt have test driven a Lariat...

• 

  Awsome Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Skippy42 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  There not much to say about this truck except one AWSOME TRUCK!!

• 

  Love my Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By brad - July 15 - 11:33 pm

  This truck does everything I ask. Great gas mileage, excellent room inside. I only have 2 problems with it. 4 cyl. needs a little more power and the jack and tire iron rattle, but going to fix that. When I bought the truck never thought I would get compliments on how it looks but it seems every where I go someone tells me how clean or good it looks, its completly stock, I guess its just a good looking truck.

• 

  Best Ford Ive owned! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By lonewolf54 - July 15 - 11:23 pm

  I purchsed this vehicle from a dealer with 20,000 miles on it. Great driving car and got it at a bargain price. I cant believe Im actually getting over 31 MPG hiway on several trips at 65mph with cruise. Sweet! I had leather interior installed and chrome wheels. Not your average fleet. The engine is strong and tranny shifts flawlessly. Very happy with this car! Quiet, strong, smooth. I traded in a 2005 Suzuki Reno 2.0 that got worse gas mileage than this Vulcan 3.0. Go figure!

• 

  NICE TOY - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By JEFF - July 15 - 9:10 pm

  Quick -- hard to keep tires from braking loose -- holds the curves well -- see people looking at the car as I drive down the street -- got 19 miles per gallon on first tank -- cruises smoothly in fifth gear and accelerates well in fifth -- fourth gear runs well all the way down to about thirty mph -- good sounding exhaust -- a little more growling from the exhaust would give the car more appeal. Nice toy.

• 

  Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Lyle - July 15 - 3:51 pm

  Very relaxing vehicle to drive. Payload is more than expected. Has plenty of power and good fuel mileage. A friend of mine drove it half way across the country and she has 3 herniated discs in her back and she did fine.If I was going to buy another pickup ,this is what I would purchase.

• 

  IMHO - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Pam - July 15 - 12:16 pm

  This was a good buy with all the rebates. The interior was nice and you can easily put 5 people in it. Used to have an Explorer and traded it in for a Jeep Liberty. The Liberty is very safe and gave it to my teenager. The Explorer is smaller than the Expedition but much more roomier then the Liberty and it better gas mileage.

• 

  Former Vette Owner - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MustangConvert - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Less than 500 miles on my Legend Lime GT and lovin every minute of it. The sound of the engine when you start it and when you open it up cant be beat. This car is every bit as fun to drive and powerful as my 1996 LT4 and the styling, both exterior and interior, puts that car to shame. My eight year old fits in the back seat just fine, but I wouldnt put any adults back there. I get positive comments every time I drive it. The 18" polished chrome wheels really set this car up nice.

• 

  The family truckster - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RBC1971 - July 14 - 11:26 pm

  Just completed 1 year of ownership. Bought it with 37k and now has 49k. Replaced transmission oil with Royal Purple ATF Max Synthetic oil, also am running 5w30 Royal Purple Synthetic Oil in the crank case. A K&N air filter with cold induction has been installed too. My gas mileage went from mid 15s to mid 17s overnight. On the highway cruising 68mph its around 19mpg. We love the room, the 4x4 and ground clearance is tops here in Michigan too. Our only problem weve had is a rear axle whine that is a common on 03 to 06 Expeditions. The 5.4L pulls strong and runs best on premium fuel. With 4 growing kids this Expedition will be with us for a long time coming.

• 

  Dont buy. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By George Georgie - July 14 - 6:32 pm

  Do not recommend, not a big bang for your bucks, Go with twin turbo charge platinum.