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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  Road Trip 2005 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Howard - November 7 - 6:06 am

  At 61 years old and recently a widower, I asked my children if they thought I was going through a second childhood since I was considering purchasing a new Mustang GT convertible. They all said if thats what you want, go for it. I did. I had planned a trip to Las Vegas and decided to extend the trip and drive. I made a two week trip covering 5500 miles from Georgia to California averaging 23.5 mpg and drove over 1000 miles on two different days. The weather was great, the car performed flawlessly, and the ride was very comfortable. This car is not the fastest or most expensive on the road, but dollar for dollar is a fantastic value and a super performer. Im looking forward to the GT500.

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  Headgaskets blow - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By X bird lover - November 7 - 4:00 am

  Purchased the bird new on 93, but had to have the dealer fix the water pump, brakes (twice) and replace wheel bearings within 6 months. The ventilation system has always squeaked, and what bonehead decided not to put cupholders in the car? Rides nice and quiet, but the engine area has always had a smell of antifreeze. At 73,000 miles the headgaskets blew. My 87 Bird blew headgaskets at 30,000 miles! Why cant Ford fix this seemingly chronic problem? I guess thats why so many people are going to Japanese cars. They seem to respond to problems.

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  love my expy - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By expy 1 - November 7 - 2:47 am

  Very dependable family ride I enjoy towing and taking trips with it and the family too. lol.

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  Great for the price! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas - November 7 - 1:44 am

  I got this truck an 18th birthday gift. I love it. Its small enough to be nimble and easy to handle in tight areas and mountain roads, yet I still sit high enough to see everything. I have the 3.0L V6 5 speed manual. The only thing Ive had a problem with so far, at about 62,00 miles, is a bad starter and a problem with the light sensor. I have the premium sound system and it sounds great! The motor has decent power. It can pull its weight around. The ride isnt quite that of a sedan but the suspension does good offroad. Ive but it through quite a bit, and its held up great. Highly recommend it!

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Z - November 6 - 10:13 pm

  I have been test driving vehicles for over a year now. I have been waiting for a car to wow me at a price that was equally as impressive. This vehicle did it for me. The only vehicle that drove better during my testing was the lexus GS 350 AWD which was $26000 more expensive. I purchased this vehicle with an x-plan including moon/tune pack and navigation for only 28300. It is an amazing car for the money. The car has tremendous quality inside and out. The tech features on the car are amazing, for example Sync will read a text message aloud in the vehicle and is very easy to use. The MPG could be better but wanted to have some power which the car definitely has.

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  I love it! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By gersfeld - November 6 - 12:49 pm

  We recently bought a 2001 7.3 Ltr Diesel 4x4 and I love it! It is in terrific shape for being a used vehicle and being a diesel it already gets superior gas mileage compared to my Ford Aerostar. It drives like a luxury car but has the strength and performance of a truck. It feels solid and reliable when I drive it. I hope I have it for a long time to come because I love it!

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  Louisiana Highway 1 rating - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Penney McCabe - November 6 - 10:53 am

  The Ford Five Hundred drives and feels like a European car. We bought it because the frame is higher than most American cars, making it easier for my disabled husband to get in and out. The gas mileage is sufficient to keep me satisfied. Since most of my driving is around town, trips of one mile or less, the mileage has never reached the advertised mark, but I understand why this is and am not dissatisfied with it. Having owned the car one year, I can state that we havent found the first thing wrong with it. This is the first auto we have ever been able to make this statement about.

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  V10, RWD, Gas, all good - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Emi L. - November 6 - 4:05 am

  I absolutely love this truck. I opted for gas over diesel and after driving it the V-8 seemed nothing short of gutless and wasnt even an option. I cant say I pay a lot of attention to the gas mileage but it seems to be decent for the vehicle size and the power ... yeowww, finally a beast of a vehicle that can get out of its own way. I love it. Maneuvers great, smooth ride & all in all I think a great riding vehicle. I definitely prefer driving it over my 350z. Not very difficult to find parking, can get it in any spot I can fit my Chevy truck into.

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  Great Truck - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Carlos Venegas - November 6 - 2:20 am

  Great ride. Mine is going towards the 300k mile mark and the engine still has had no need for rebuilding. I will pretty soon because I plan on making drastic changes. Inline 6 engine is very good. Best Ford engine ever. Its a great truck. Treat your truck right, it will treat you right.

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  Not as Good as People Think - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By classicfindz - November 5 - 3:05 pm

  Everyone gets excited when they see the new Ford Mustang. It has a gorgeous body style, but to me, that is it. It gets poor gas mileage. Diagnostic says 21 mpg, I only get 12-15. A number of problems which Ford keeps saying "normal characteristics", which another dealer will say differently. The gas tank has been replaced twice and I still have problems filling it up and they refuse to put in a third tank, but technically, I have had three different gas tanks in the car.