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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  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Adam - March 14 - 7:47 pm

  I love how this car is practical for daily driving, and also very nimble and pretty quick. The handling is fantastic (out slaloms E46 M3s, Corvette Z06, etc), and the 170HP Zetec has enough power to propel it at a moderate pace. The brakes are also OUTSTANDING. It also has tons of room to go on road trips and haul around your things. The side airbags are another nice feature for safety.

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  The Family Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By stinkins - March 14 - 5:56 pm

  Between my mother and I, weve had this Escape since 2003. We both love it. My major problems is that my fuel economy has been tanking since about 40000 miles or so.

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  Best Truck Built - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bob - March 14 - 12:09 pm

  I use my truck to haul around horses on a weekly basis. I put 60k miles on my truck in the last three years with 30k being in the first year alone. Never once has it acted up, skipped gears or made me feel uncomfortable while pulling horses or a box trailer. My father put over 200k on his before he sold it for a new one and I will do the same. I have never driven a truck that can outperform a Ford.

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By James C Nase - March 13 - 10:22 pm

  I do all my own maintenance, how ever I did get an after market vehicle coverage plan. I can not determine what the oil change schedule is if you only drive your car 6,000 miles a year. Love the car, but not sure if I will keep the coverage plan. I replaced the Trans and rear, trunk lid w/ spoiler, tail lights, radio, rotors, brakes, wheel inserts and some small items. this vehicle was a repo and the last owner stripped and sold some parts. Still looking for a recommended maint schedule for cars over 130,000 miles, driven at 6,000 miles per year. [contact info removed].

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  Slick Ride - 2017 Ford Flex
  By Cee Ford - March 13 - 6:48 pm

  Previous car was a 300 Sedan...which was very low to the ground..like being up for visibility and safety. NEVER owned a Ford before, Flex is the only vehicle that even appealed to me...I must say so far Im pretty happy. Fuel economy not the greatest and the engine seems a bit small for the large body..but havent tried to climb any mountains yet. More technology than I will ever use. Missing that refrigerated console that was discontinued but extremely roomy and the Multi Vista Sun Roof is really desirable.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JD - March 13 - 5:13 pm

  Great SUV so far - 47000 miles and still going, I still have the original tires with more miles to go. No problems since day 1.

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  Life With Ranger Part II - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 07RangerSport - March 13 - 10:09 am

  3 months, 6,500 miles and alls well! Thus far my Rangers been as regular and reliable as an atomic clock, and L.A. traffic what is I drive the heck out of my little truck. I still couldnt imagine myself in any other vehicle - Rangers "perfect fit" size, tossable handling, excellent ergonomics and (so far) bullet-proof quality make this truck a clear winner for me! While far from the most modern or refined choice on the market, for anyone looking for a "real" and wholly usable little pick-up that, well equipped, wont break the bank - Ranger certainly warrants a look.

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  1995 AWD AEROSTAR - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Allen Ballard - March 13 - 9:47 am

  My third AWD Aerostar and best yet. I own a second 1995 AWD, my first Aerostar was a 1990 short van. All 3 vans have have been rock solid dependable with normal maintenance issues such as front CV boots, steering knuckles/bearings being the most costly, occurring in the 130-140K mile range. These vans were built at Hazelwood, MO by some of the best people that Ford has. I enjoyed working with St Louis Assembly as a supplier QA Engineer for over 13 years so I speak from experience. Both vans have over 184K and plenty of life remaining. I am now considering another 97 AWD model. Gas mileage = 17- 20mpg & same as a Windstar which has less room and utility. Aerostars build quality is far superior.

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  SUPERcrew - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jim - March 12 - 9:49 pm

  I have found that the Ford SuperCrew trucks are almost the perfect vehicle for people with a family. You can combine the comfort of a car with the usefulness of a pickup. I love my truck. I have had NO repairs other than basic maintenance (knock on wood).

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  Best buy - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jsh502 - March 12 - 8:21 pm

  Best bang for your buck. Faster than 90% of stock street cars. Fastest street car under $50000. Recommend anyone looking for a great sports car then this is the one.