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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  Saved My Life - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Mia - February 14 - 4:31 pm

  I was in my first car accident, not just a fender bender, I have a few contusions, 2nd degree burn, and two strains one in my back and the other in my neck. I could have came out a lot worse, the EMS on site told me the air bags and everything worked the way it should have. Im still scared but thank goodness that this was all that I came out with. Its normal to get a burn from the air bag the ambulance said. Im planning on buying another ford focus for my new car. They are fairly reliable.

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  simply great - 2002 Ford F-150
  By gregg45365 - February 14 - 11:46 am

  We bought our truck new in april 2002,currently has 139,000 miles and still is running with the same clutch,and only recently changed the front brakes.Also had to change the drivers side tierod.Themost we have spent in fixing our truck is the clutch slave cylinder inside the bell housing.Weve kept up on the oil changes every 3,000 miles,and tune- ups.This truck handles great,still looks good,and well never part with it.

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  good truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By tom - February 14 - 8:06 am

  I bought this truck new in March 09 here it is feb 14 2010 and I have 46,000 miles already. Not one problem with this truck not even a recall. Lots of money but lots of truck. I would recommend this truck.

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  04 Freestar Ltd - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Mike - February 13 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle used from a dealership. So far so good. Vehicle averages 17-19 mpg overall between a mix of 65% highway / 35% city driving. We almost opted not to get this car just because of all the negative mpg reviews. We test drove a 05 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with cloth seats/ stow & go and were very close to purchase except for this Ford came to our attention with the same mileage and far more goodies (ltd package) for less. We have always owned GM vehicles, this is our first Ford. We also considered the Kia Sedona EX, but that model is near impossible to find for the same price. Ford wont let you down. I will say that we bought an extended warranty if anything happens..

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  Just little issues - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Tom - February 13 - 7:58 am

  I purchased this vehicle for work and I drive a lot of highway miles. I was hoping for better (averaging around 21 mpg) fuel economy then what I am experiencing. I have had a number of little issues from faulty wiring connectors to the radio mysteriousely turning off.

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  Ill buy another - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Bulletproof - February 11 - 10:16 pm

  I love my truck. We bought it 5 years ago with 90,000 miles on it and have 142000 on it now. No problems whatsoever. Ive pulled a 28 travel trailer foe the past 5 summers. Even though I have the smaller 4.6 motor, it handles it just fine. The tires still have lots of tread with over 50,000 miles. Like everyone else, wish the gas mileage was better. Very comfortable ride. Most impressed with zero maintenance issues. I will buy another one of this vintage whenever this one finally dies. I prefer this body style to the newer model. I have the cloth seats and they show virtually no wear. Ford did an outstanding job on this truck.

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  modified gt - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By krzylry - February 11 - 3:37 pm

  Bought my 02 gt new as a retirement hot rod/project. It now is supercharged with 4:10 gears, drag radials, lowered suspension, modified exhaust, etc. Have done all the work myself and must say it has been a fun experience. This car will absolutely pull your head off and now handles like a slot car! Car is still dead reliable.

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  guess we got a good one! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jjs - February 11 - 12:44 pm

  Bought it used with 18k miles on it. Now has 143,000 and runs just great. Had a transmission problem at about 55,000 miles but fixed at dealer andno further problem. Power doors dont always work, but the 3.8 burns no oil and no drips anywhere. Resale is terrible, so Ill drive it till it stops! Meanwhile, it remains a nice comfortable ride.

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  Tough as nails - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Trouble Maker - February 10 - 11:14 pm

  I am 19, in college, and have had this truck since I could drive in highschool. I can already tell you I have put more abuse in this truck in the time ive had it than most ever deserve. Ive juiced the ol Trouble Maker up since getting it, various engine upgrades, exhaust, and now I have the numbers to 175 horses and 200+ fp of torque in the EXTREMELY outdated Vulcan 3.0. Not particularly fast, (though geared very well) and fuel mileage leaves alot to be desired, the one thing this motor and truck has is unwavering, stubborn loyalty. Since having it I have pulled heavier trucks out of steep trails, and had many adventures where my truck was the star. all without any problems. At all.

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  My Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Europop2500 - February 10 - 12:42 pm

  Bought it w/ about 87k on it. 1st thing to replace it was the radio, couldnt read very well w/ the lines through it. Trunk latch doesnt work properly. To close the trunk I have to pull the safety lever in the trunk. It had fairly new tires on it when I bought it, they are already bald 7k miles later. A dome light towards the rear seats would be Nice, @night I cant see a thing back there. I get about 22 mpg all town. It would be Nice to put the rear seats down from the car, not just the trunk. The ignition cyl. Went out, Ford charged $270! Rip off. Only the drivers door has a keyhole and when its colder than 32 degrees the keyhole freezes and u cant get the key in, or turn it. Ive tried many options