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 Truck For The $$$$ - 1992 Ford F-250
  By Jose - December 17 - 10:44 am

  Bought this truck to tow my familys 20ft ATV trailer on weekend outings. Fully loaded were only pulling a little over 3,000 lbs. and you can hardly tell its back there. The 7.5 liter V-8 consistently gets 8-10 mpg but I really didnt expect any better. We just rolled over 100K miles and Im thinking this trucks good for another 100K. We did just have to replace the U-joints and put brakes on it but I consider that normal maintenance.

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  Awesome car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Mikebrawn1 - December 16 - 1:43 pm

  I love my car. It is fast and fun to drive. I was unsure about what it could do, but was forced to find out when a car pulled out in front of me on the freeway. I swerved hard and the car held (at 75 mph). Since I have pushed the card more (at lower speeds) and have been very pleased about the car.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - Great SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Greg - December 16 - 12:12 pm

  We bought our 1994 Explorer from my wifes uncle and it has been outstanding. I keep thinking I should replace it with a new model but this one is so good I just cant bring myself to do it. My son loves driving it to college so who knows maybe in another year or so we will replace it...even though I doubt we would really need to do so.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Jenn - December 16 - 9:50 am

  I love my 2007 Escape. Its fun to drive, looks sharp and I get a lot of comments on it. The only thing I would change is the dashboard. I prefer digital info on the radio, such as temp, fuel range, etc. but that is not an option on mine. I would also put more numbers on the speedometer. Its a little difficult to tell if I am driving 65 or 70 because of the limited numbers listed.. Other than that, I am very happy with my vehicle.

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  This Truck is a Hazard to life and limb - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Thingriz - December 15 - 6:53 pm

  The front left tire has fallen off three times due to ungreasable pressed in steering components. All Ford replacement parts and all of poor quality. One control arm didnt last a year. That was the time I had just finished driving to work at 65MPH and as I pulled in the hospital parking lot the wheel fell off, blocking the entrance. Real nice. Yesterday the brakes went out...period. The thing goes through coils at the rate of one or more a year. The hood latch broke. I had to take the spare tire out to replace the shocks - that stupid system was broke right from the factory. The 4wheel drive is broke, I dont know why yet. I suspect an engage motor. I could go on but no more letters to use!

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  Love it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ed - December 15 - 6:33 pm

  I pick it up 2 weeks ago and Im loving it. I traded my 03 GT and have no regrets. The retro body style is way cool and the V8 3V engine is very nice. The only thing that Ford needs to improve on is the throttle response but that will be fixed as soon as I get the aftermarket upgrades.

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  My 11th Crown Vic in 19 Years - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By H P - December 15 - 3:03 pm

  As a sales representative in Metro Detroit for over 20 years, the Crown Victoria has been perfect. Roomy, reliable, attractive with LX chrome, wheels and whitewalls. The Crown Victoria has never made too much of a "statement" to customers. This is fine product of the Ford Motor Company exudes the reliable American car driving experience. I hope Mr. Mulally and his team keep full-size rear wheel drive sedan products in the Ford lineup forever.

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  Not so Little Pony! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Jay - December 15 - 12:56 pm

  I just took possession of a new 2016 Ford Mustang GT Ruby Red Convertible! Yea! The mighty Coyote V8 thunders and rumbles even when sitting at idle. Everyone loves it! It just oozes power and performance. Its a trip! Punch it and runs! At stops people can hear the powerful engine and they look over often giving a big thumbs up. Cruising through town or just on the local boulevards the car catches eyes and ears. You just have to look and listen.

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  I like the gas mileage - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Bigticket42 - December 15 - 11:43 am

  I like this truck. I am 66" and 250 lbs and I fit in the truck pretty well. I would like to have the size of a full size truck but with gas mileage fluctuating between $2.19 - $3.19 this is the best 4X4 to own. I get an average of 16 - 17 mpg both highway and in town combined. These trucks are reliable. The have there little glitch like door switches especially in mine which is a 4 door. I have the 3.0L V6 with the 5 speed so I think that explains the good gas mileage. I like the looks of the stepside but for practicality the regular bed is much better. It holds my 3 wheeler though.

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  F150 FX4 For Now, Keeping Until Ranger 2020 - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Neiko Loves - December 15 - 11:21 am