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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  I am spoiled - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gary Moffatt - October 4 - 6:09 am

  Extremely quiet and comfortable. Has outstanding pulling power.

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  reliable since 99... - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By bbgunwb - October 4 - 1:05 am

  Bought it in 99 when it had 38,000 miles on it. It now has 123,000 miles on it. Long time nagging problem is a squeaky internal vent fan and a poor defroster that usually refuses to turn on the compressor until the engines warmed up, and sometimes randomly stops working. Front brakes kept warping until I replaced rotors with beefier aftermarket ones - since then, zero brake issues. 90,000 mile service was over $500 bucks. Other than that, its been solid until the last 6 months or so - the trannys been hard shifting in 2nd gear. Only question is whether to fix it as I pass it on to the kids. Till then - baby it!

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  2006 F-150 FX4 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By J - October 3 - 10:52 pm

  A great all around truck. More power and torque then you will ever need. Stylish design inside and out.

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  Even better than my Tundra - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Ralph Johnson - October 3 - 10:35 pm

  Excellent interior; easy access; driver friendly controls; great power; love the rear view camera for hooking up a trailer; handles extremely well for a big truck - a little floaty without a load, but holds the road very well. Mileage better than expected for this size truck with the 5.0 engine. Have now - November 2016 - put 17k miles on my F 150, including towing a cargo trailer from South Florida to PA. Continue to be very satisfied. As reviews have stated, the 5.0 requires a kick in the butt under load, but still delivers. Mileage drops from around 20=21 on the highway to around 13 towing a 6x12 loaded cargo trailer and with the truck (8ftbed) loaded as well, but it is still a pleasure to drive. Dont find SYNC 3 very creative with my Apple phone - in fact the Garmin navigator I use is much better integrated with the phone than the truck. Hoping for software updates that will improve functionality between the iPhone and SYNC3. Very low oil consumption - 1/2 qt approx up to first oil change, but none since then. Will soon have experience with cold weather operation,, doubt the OEM tires (Wrangler M+S) will be adequate, but we will see.

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  love my car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By alh - October 3 - 7:16 pm

  This car is the best value for the money out there. I have always driven a Ford, and have been happy every time. However the Fusion is so fun to drive you think youre in a Mustang. Its easy in and out with a toddler/seat. Backing up is not the easiest on this shorty. Overall it gets a 10 from me.

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  The Best Value Among Exotics - 2006 Ford GT
  By Ethan - October 3 - 6:37 pm

  Very well designed car. Very capable, extremely fast, and awfully fun to drive. Steering is precise, brakes do not fade, and supercharger has no lag. Ricardo transmission shifts remarkably easily, especially given that you have 550 bhp at your disposal. The GT handles extremely well at the track. Seats are firm and very supportive but lack lumbar support.

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  Overall Excellent! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ralph manfredonia - October 3 - 1:43 pm

  Outstanding value overall. Fun to drive and extremely good on gas(front wheel drive model)

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  Little Giant! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By 08naja - October 3 - 10:27 am

  I have always wanted a small truck with great looks as well as guts. When I saw the 2007 Ford Ranger I fell in love. It does everything you need it to do and more. I was looking around at other trucks to haul my bikes and things. The 3.0 V6 option is worth it! Its great on gas and performance and is fun to drive.

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  Hey did you just see that? - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dafaic - October 3 - 10:03 am

  The title refers to what people are doing when i pass by. Everyone is pointing and asking and stopping me at gas stations and man it feels great. I love this car. The thing performs almost as good as my old 95 GT. An intake & exhaust will come shortly after break in. Not that the stock exhaust doesnt sound great man it almost sounds like an older stock GT. You will definitly be happy if you choose this car over an import. REAR WHEEL DRIVE who could ask for more!

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  Worth Every Penny - 2009 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Jerry - October 3 - 8:46 am

  Crank it up and that sweet V8 sound invites you to reach over and turn the radio off. I was shopping for a 67- 69 restored classic Mustang, but for equal (or less) money I found this Cobra GT500 and have absolutely no regrets. I traded a more expensive personal luxury car for this and have never looked back and do not expect to.