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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  Reliable and Fun to Drive - 2014 Ford Focus
  By rebelnate - December 23 - 9:31 am

  I bought this car in August of 2014 from the dealer and drove it off the lot with 10 miles on it. I now have around 39,400 miles in 26 months. I also have the 5 speed manual transmission. The only issues I have had with the car were replacing a tail light bulb and then 2 tires because of nails. It is peppy for a small car and has more horsepower than the other cars in its class, (which is something I looked for). On interstates going the speed of traffic on open highways I average 35.5 mpg. On 2 lane highways with a lower speed limit I have averaged between 39 and 44 mpg of 200 mile round trips. It handles well in all types of weather. The AC cools off the car quickly in the hot days of summer. The bluetooth syncs easily with my phone, however I have had to resync it once. The legroom is the back is a little poor but it is a small car. The resale value of the car is poor because of issues with automatic transmission however but the manual transmission editions are reliable and fun to drive. I would easily consider buying one with a manual transmission again.

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  Loved the car for 8 years, but then.... - 2008 Ford Edge
  By marmot - December 23 - 7:10 am

  Beware of the the water pump on the 3.5L engine. Search the internet lots of water pump failures resulting in severe engine damage. I loved this car. I purchased it new, no problems until 92K when the water pump failed with no warning. No warning lights, no fluid leaks. If youre thinking of buying one used with a 3.5L, be sure to have the water pump checked out first.

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  still going...... - 1995 Ford F-150
  By jrfan - December 23 - 4:23 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. I have 175,000 miles on it and it has the original transmission (w/ a shift kit), original engine (5.8L), and almost all original parts. This truck will still outrun my 97 Vortec 350 Z71 Chevrolet with ease. The only parts that I have replaced on this truck are the starter and the alternator. It still gets me to work and through anything I need to get through when Im hunting. This truck should be the role model for all other trucks.

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  Good Little Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By matt - December 23 - 1:20 am

  We bought this car with only 61K. It needed nothing from the dealer and currently needsnothing besides brakes. Its been a solid and reliable car. Acceleration is only adequate and it idles quite rough. The interior is comfortable although theres not a lot of room in back. Fuel economy is definitely a plus.

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  Its the Best Stang Ever! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JeffL - December 23 - 12:39 am

  Ford outdid themselves. This car is awesome. Ive owned quite a few Stangs since "65" and this is the best looking and performing. It turns heads and is a blast to drive. Its a little crowded for carpooling, but my carpoolers love it. I cant wait to drive it everyday. The only thing I would suggest is an inside trunk release and optional fog lights for the V6. The cars got some serious power for a six and gas mileage is pretty good. The auto tranny slips on occasion, but dealership told me thats normal. Ill get it checked at a different dealer. You got get yourself one of these!

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  My Ranger in review - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bruce - December 22 - 11:27 pm

  I first took possession of my 1994 Ford Ranger XLT on 3/3/04. Overall, the truck has been quite reliable. In the almost 2 years Ive had it, I have replaced the starter, idler pulley, fan belt, (broke when pulley seized), and rear leaf spring mounts. It currently has a power steering leak, and needs brakes, thats it. The total amount for all my repairs is about $300 over 2 years not bad for an 11 year old truck.

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  Red Hot Horse - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Red Horse - December 22 - 8:33 pm

  Own 06 GT in Redfire Metallic with parchment leather interior. Surpassed my expectations. Real head turner. Zero to scary in 5.5 seconds @ 24.5MPG. A real road or drag racer right out of the showroom. Corners and drives tight. Rides firm.

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  The Best - 2002 Ford F-150
  By fastro - December 22 - 6:26 pm

  This is by far the best truck I have ever owned.With Unsurpassed Quality !

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  its a truck after all... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ol_man_ed - December 22 - 4:31 pm

  i hear a lot of complaints about the gas mileage, just remember before you complain, that it is a truck after all. If you want gas mileage one should buy a Civic or some lil car like that. Rear wiper kinda stinks though, it only actually wipes about 20% of the back glass. Cant really say much bad stuff though, its fun to drive, and a SUV with a standard tranny (i love it). All in all its a good truck, just dont expect to go without spending some money on gas, like you would with a lil four banger.

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  Lots of known Defects - Both Coils & Plugs - 1999 Ford F-150
  By GreenShoes - December 22 - 2:43 pm

  It is a nice riding pickup with good ergonomics. HOWEVER, there are major known problems with this pickup and the 5.4L Triton engines that Ford refuses to correct without the customer paying for it. First, the ignition coils are VERY prone to fail. I have replaced 4 of them in the last 6 months - 2 being the same coil. There is also a problem with the spark plugs blowing out of the aluminum cylinder head on the passenger side. Again, Ford will not cover this under ANY warranty program and it is a WELL ESTABLISHED DEFECT. Lastly, since the 4 Wheel Drive disengagement spring is very weak,it will likely not shift out of 4 Wheel Hi Range unless you stop the vehicle and back up.