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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  F-150 is Excellent - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DJ88RYR - May 5 - 8:40 pm

  This vehicle is by far the best truck in class. After using the other makes of truck including the imports, F-150 is #1. I run a decent trapline every fall and winter, and use it for everyday driving as well couldnt ask for better in any category. The truck has not let me down yet, and I dont expect it will. After two years I am still as thrilled as I was the day I bought it.

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  I Hate Ford: The sad Windstar tale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ashwin Ramesh - May 5 - 5:35 pm

  The day I bought my Windstar, I thought I was going to have lots of fun with it and go on many adventures. However, I had a disappointment. After 15,000 miles, the transmission blew up. Then, at 20,000 miles, I had to replace a gasket. Finally, at 30,000 miles, the car caught fire in my garage! I had to call the fire department, because my house caught fire with it!

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  Least expensive sports car you can buy - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Connelly - May 5 - 2:56 pm

  I just purchased my 2002 Mineral Gray Mustang GT two weeks ago. I was going to trade in my wifes car, give her my SUV (since she is stopping work), and buy a sports sedan for myself. I looked around and found that the sports sedans I liked, even used, were about $27k and up. I found this car with 17k miles for $15.8k. So I kept both cars and added this as a third. It already has the Magnaflow exhaust and cold air intake system. I highly recommend the Magnaflow exhaust for this particular year. It really sounds great. Not too loud, not as soft as the stock. I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and they fit in the back no problem. Took 7 years of convincing my wife, but worth it.

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  The Best! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By G - May 5 - 9:20 am

  My Ford ranger is built in Edison NJ. The Truck was put together very well. Have had no problems at all with it. The rear window is solid. The 5sp. manual works very well, if your towing things around, like in upstate NY. This is my first ranger, and I will keep on buying. My Ranger came with Goodyear RT/S tires on. Good tires. Also in the interior, there is almost NO noise. Unlike in the other Manuf, you get alot or road noise.

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  Everything great so far except ... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By David Leyden - May 5 - 6:56 am

  Fuel Economy - PUTRID! Supposed to get 26 mpg city driving and so far only getting 18, if Im lucky. True, only have 800 miles on the car so far and the engine break in period is not over and I do have a heavy foot and it has been freezing here in New York but Im getting about 170-180 miles for 11.5-12 gallons (city driving). Dont think it should be that bad. Ill see how it is after 2000 miles.

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  Whatta beast - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Matt M. - May 5 - 3:30 am

  I got a mineral grey auto 2001 mustang and it has all the toys and leather. Whew that all black interior looks bad!!!! Just waxed the car with Zymoil and put chrome polish on the rims and put wheel wax on the tires.. and that car shines!! Man. to count the endless number of looks and complements. This car is off da heeze fo sheeze

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  HORRIBLE! Stay away! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - May 5 - 12:50 am

  I know of 2 other people who have owned this car and they all have hated it! I will never buy Ford again. I took it to the service department 4 times in 2 years. Once to have the clutch replaced (on a brand new car) and three more times to have the "transmission computer module reset" because according to the service department employees "there wasnt anything more they can do".

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  Chevy and Others Bow To THE KING - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FordMan - May 4 - 6:12 pm

  I bought a red SuperCrew with tan interior, tow package, two-tone lower gold and of course the 5.4 3-valve with the 3.73 gears. The truck has performed superbly. Originally it was a rental and had 12,000 miles which tells you it wasnt used with the most care, but the interior, exterior etc. showed almost no signs of wear. The truck has never let me down. The only thing "bad" that happened was it needed a new starter. The interior has top-notch quality and design much better than other trucks. The exterior is muscular and tough. The 5.4 performs with awesome power. The brakes had to be replaced at about 30,000 miles but I drive mostly city, unfortunately. It does get 13-15 miles in town.

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  Focus st - 2006 Ford Focus
  By engineer - May 4 - 5:50 pm

  As an engineer I try to select based on quality and price. I researched and drove a lot of cars before deciding on the Focus ST. Power to spare and handles like a sports car. 30+ mpg even with the more powerful engine. If this came as a two door coupe it would be a perfect car.

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  Very Good Family Sedan - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Chris - May 4 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 3 years. I purchased it with 112k, it now has 160k. Prior to me owning it was a rental car and work vehicle, and was involved in at least 2 accidents. 150k rear struts were replaced, 158k the original alternator replaced, 160k master brake cylinder. The DPFE sensor was replaced about 3 times, this causes the nagging check engine light 90% of the time. The 24v Duratec V6 is plenty powerful, and is still powerful compared to many newer vehicles. 0-60 is listed in the mid 8s, however I have seen it as low as 7. Highway acceleration is excellent, and even when compared to a 2000 and up BMW 328, Audio A6, Accord V6, it still hangs in the crowd.