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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  FX4 level II - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Matt - August 18 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased my 2006 FX4 II about a week ago. I have never been ashamed of myself for doing so. I have a five-speed manual and the 6-cd MP3 system. It goes right up to speed, runs around 2500rpm at 75, and has one heck of a sound system.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeff - August 18 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this used with 10,000 miles on it. It now has 205,000 and still rides and performs like it did the day I bought it. Other than replacing the manifold, radiator, and torque converter, all Ive done to it is change the oil and replace the plugs and wires. Great car!

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  Poor MPG and Getting Worse - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By larrysfl - August 18 - 11:49 am

  Ive had the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid since last November (nearly 10 months) and previously owned a 2010 Fusion Hybrid that I drove for over 3 years. I know how to drive this Hybrid to squeeze every ounce of fuel economy out of it. Driving this car for maximum efficiency, with 100% efficiency on Braking, Acceleration & Cruising resulting in an average 33 MPG. It was physically impossible to operate this vehicle under any conditions to get more than 35 MPG. The dealer told me it needed a 5k mile "break-in". So I waited and drove. After 5k - NO change whatsoever in MPG. Then they installed a new "Fix" for the MPG the Ford released and now my MPG is WORSE! Now I can barely get 30 MPG!

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - August 18 - 11:30 am

  We just passed 195,000 miles on this car and it still runs great. It has served my family well. The only problem weve encountered is a squeaking noise in the suspension that we cannot get rid of. Its a "cosmetic" problem as it doesnt affect the ride or handling. The body is great, not a sign of rust on the car that spent its first five years out in the elements of the northeast 24/7 (no garage).

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  Good vehicle- but do the maintenance! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Robertthegreat - August 18 - 11:24 am

  Bought used in 2003 to replace 1995 Astro van that we had crashed. Has been a really good vehicle with no problems. When I bought it the dealer said that they had serviced the vehicle with a major tune up and transmission service. Recently when you push on the gas the car started to pull back in power. The first thing i thought was the transmission, so i had it serviced and the tech said it had never been serviced before, but was very clean. Well that wasnt the problem, a master mechanic finally found the problem as an arcing going across the distributor wire. So I paid for a major tune and had everything replaced. $700 dollars later, runs good now. Not a very cool car for Laguna Beach!

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jack H - August 17 - 2:00 pm

  I test drove the Fusion, Camry, Accord, Charger, and Impala before buying the Fusion. After driving the cars, the Impala and Fusion were top on my list. I loved how the Fusion drove and the styling and decided to lease it. It has never broke down and continues to impress me. I am happy with my decision to buy it.

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  It lived up to all claims - 2005 Ford F-150
  By John F. Paul - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I started to research the new Ford F150 in February, 2004. By April I was convinced that Ford had made some significant changes to the interior, exterior and most importantly to its safety ratings. I traded a 2000 Chev Silverado, LT Z71. Good truck, but nothing compared to the 2004 F150. Much more room in the bed and cab; love the floor shifter, much better air circulation with great vents, glad I did not get the moonroof, extra space in the overhead rail compartments very handy; best riding vehicle, ca

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  Looked at Dodge, Chevy, GMC, and... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mark D - August 17 - 10:00 am

  ...Ford, of course. This is simply the best of all the big trucks out there! I looked at all the others and the Nissan Titan. This thing is a luxury on the road and a tank off road. I really put it to the test off road here in Colorado, and nothing could stop it! (Gotta love the skid-plates!) Couldnt be more pleased with my purchase.

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  GO BIG TIME !! - 2005 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By JNMEOFF - August 17 - 10:00 am

  FIRST OFF GET THE BIG V-8 THIS IS NOT FOR THE WEAK, ITS A BIG BOY ! BIG ROOM , BIG POWER , BIG FUN , BIG COMFORT , BIG SAFTY , BIG FUEL AND BIG BUCKS... YOU GOT KIDS YOU NEED THIS ! YOU THINK YOU NEED A SUV WRONG GROW UP QUIT FOLLOWING THE CROWD, YOU CAN LIVE MOVE AND HAUL IN THIS BIG BOY, AND ITS A BIG TIME DEAL COMPARE TO THE SUV! * NOTE DONT PAY FOR THAT 4WD YOULL NEVER USE ! GET TWICE THE ROOM FOR LESS MONEY ! OK NOW GET OUT THEIR AND BUY THIS BIG GIANT AMERICAN BEAST CONSUME AND ENJOY !!! IM JACK "ALL AMERICAN" BIG BOY....

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  2004 explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By amet - August 17 - 10:00 am

  this is to me the best looking exterior of all trucks. it is great to drive and is not as bad on fuel as i had expected. if they had only put the f-150 interior inside. i love my truck so far and will probably keep it for a long time to come.