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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  Made a great decision! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Walter - March 19 - 3:38 pm

  I love this vehicle. The reliability is great! I get 19 mpg overall and consider that decent for the type of vehicle I am driving. I tow a boat with no problem at all. The ride is complementary and the overall service this vehicle provides makes it a pleasure to own. I did have a transmission recall but that was taken care of immediately and the service dept was quite respectful. The ride is comfortable, the vehicle is easy to drive and control in inclement weather and (With Caution) I feel very safe on the road. I made a great purchasing decision and plan to keep this SUV for some time to come. I would not hesitate to buy another in the future.

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  2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L 4x4 Extended Cab - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Scott D - March 19 - 2:11 pm

  I am very impressed with the Ranger. It drives very well and handles well also. Seems to be very reliable with little upkeep. Only improvements would be better fuel economy and the stepside bed does not allow much room to haul things. Overall, very happy and would definitely suggest someone looking at Rangers to get one. Very affordable.

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  My dream truck - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By SHYSMOM - March 19 - 9:31 am

  I absolutely love my Excursion. I have the diesel. I am a Ford lover and went from an F250 crew cab 4x4 to the Excursion and am loving every minute of it.

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  mid life Ford - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By mike nivens - March 19 - 7:50 am

  I have been looking at a convertible (mid life thing) for a long time. For the price, style and fun-to-drive, the Mustang was the one. Metallic red, parchment top, parchment leather seats. I wanted a GT, but the loaded pony/premium with 500 watt stereo with the v6 was great-especially since a GT this loaded was many thousands more, and beyond my budget. I love this car and have rarely put the top up in the almost 3 weeks I have owned it. Funny how the CDs sound so much better! How does one go through life without driving a convertible? Having had classic cars in the past, I wanted something that would last, and have excellent parts AND service availably wherever I want to travel.

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  around town winner - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By rebel yell - March 19 - 7:40 am

  We bought this for my wife to drive around town. She loves the way it drives and is very easy for her to park. I appreciate the amount of room in the passenger seat for when I go with her. We have an Expedition that we use for long road trips, so its great for her and her local use.

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  Ignore the rust issues and youll be happy! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Mario - March 19 - 3:37 am

  I was excited to get my brand new F150, with the 3.5 twin turbo and ten speed tranny. That said, I took my new truck home and within a week noticed significant rust on several drivetrain components and on the rear differential. I went to the dealer and asked how a brand new car can have embedded rust already on it. They said not to worry, that its normal on all their new trucks. They referenced the rust that you see on brake pads when a vehicle sits for a long period of time, this comparison is total crap. The next time you use your brakes the rust will disappear, while the rust everywhere else simply gets much worse over time. I did not realize until later the document they had me sign regarding future rust issues. I was told by a knowledgeable person that Ford decided to lower their use of environmentally unfriendly paint, which has dramatically reduced rust protection on the metal frame and other underbody components. Two months in and there are now new spots of rust, I should not have to deal with this on a new expensive truck. What a shame, Ill never buy a Ford again.

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  Started out nice. - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Amanda - March 19 - 2:32 am

  Have only put 29,000 on it in the 4 years Ive owned. Total mileage at this point is 50,000. In the past 4 years the only repairs were to BOTH tie rod ends. Also have a tensioning belt that isnt centered. Then my engine starting chirping/squeaking when idling. Turns out I need my timing belt and all components replaced. They also found my head gasket was leaking. $1,400 estimate to repair. Seems a bit ridiculous on a car with so few miles that was babied.

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  Exhilarating - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Stangish - March 18 - 11:40 pm

  I love my 2007 V6 Coupe Premium. The way my foot barely touches the accelerator before its ready to take off. No force pedaling here. The beautiful interior satin aluminum panel and the stylish ponies on each exterior side panel and the emblem on the back with the pony on the grill design, excellent! The Shaker 500 Audio System with the 6-CD player is awesome and sounds so good and clear with windows rolled up closing myself off to the outside world and enjoying the luxury inside along with the bucket seats. I love the functions of the power system and the speed control. My pony also comes with anti-lock brakes and traction control. I love my Pony.

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  Awesome, best of my last three - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mustang3 - March 18 - 8:13 pm

  The best yet for Mustangs. Beautiful and powerful. Much improved seating and noise. Unbelievable Shaker 1000!

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  Perfect - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By X-Ray Mike - March 18 - 7:40 pm

  I have had my 05 GT for 12 days now and it is flat-out the best new Ford in nearly forever. Over the weekend I took it down to Arizona (from Nevada) and, with cruise set at 80 mph, I averaged nearly 27 mpg. Overall I am getting about 16 in town and 25 on the highway -- just about what the window sticker says (thats a first!). Unlike previous Mustangs, this one actually handles well. Its been raining virtually non-stop here since I picked up the car and I have yet to really break loose with the traction control on. The interior is a perfect throwback to the 60s heritage and the sound system is amazing. BTW, I paid slightly below MSRP for mine.