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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  Ford Expo owner - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jennifer - May 22 - 3:35 am

  Vehicle is very well built and dependable, have enjoyed owning it for 4 years and make no plans on selling it.

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  Ford FX4 150 Ext Cab - 2002 Ford F-150
  By paul hilton - May 21 - 9:03 pm

  I had X plan and bought the truck because I saved $2500. The 5.4 triton is bad on gas mileage 12 to 15 mpg. When I put a 21 foot camper on it struggles on hills some. And gets very bad mileage about 10 mpg. Will buy a GMC or a Dodge next time. They pull better. My 1994 GMC 1500 pulled my camper better than this Ford and got better mileage.

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  My Truck - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Sandra R - May 21 - 2:49 pm

  I wanted to get an all around family vehicle that could go with this familys active life style. We go camping, have school activities and haul horses with us to equestrian events. We needed a friendly workhorse basically. This car has it in spades. The first time I hauled a two horse trailer and horses with it, though the gas mileage was low, the performance was excellent. You could hardly tell there was a heavy load back there. Towing package is excellent. Camping gear, hubby and kids all fit well and have their own space. It is a great vehicle.

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  This truck wont quit! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Michael fletcher - May 21 - 10:56 am

  Got a few stories for this truck. (Owned by my mother while in the oil field) she bought it from her boss with 130000miles with super crew xlt and 4x4 with the 4.6l V8 3v now it has 238500miles and still runs great. But when it hit 201000 miles the rocker arms( they help push pistons and are part of the camshaft) broke and so did the camshaft and one spark plug was out and we drove it another 15-20 at 40mph which is great considering the conditions it was in. Torque converter went out as well but it was easy to fix but. Now Im getting older and starting to drive literally hoping and praying I get this truck from her just bc of how it is. But it will get you out of your bad situations and wont break down often or at all if you get a ford you wont regret it unless your a Chevy fanatic. It has great power, 4x4 system, suspension, seats are durable and comfy, has a great look depending on the model/trim sync system is excellent and the factory bed liner is still all together even through everything, and if you work in your truck get a cellphone signal booster it helps for middle of nowhere situations. Hope you enjoy a ford if you get one!

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  this car is better than its reputation - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JLS - May 21 - 9:52 am

  I am the original owner of my Focus. I have been driving it for 3-4 years. It is not the fastest car at the light, but you knew that. It is however, a great deal: once it gets going, it really goes reliable, responsive, handles extremely well (I live in the midwest and laugh at many when I pull easily out of snow), and easy at the gas pump. All in all, a great little car.

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  Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By MastiffResQ - May 21 - 8:51 am

  I LOVE this vehicle. I hate the gas mileage but other than that, I adore this truck! We have searched many of the SUVs and this one is the best one for us.

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  FX4 Fords worst truck built - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By hwbw - May 20 - 7:32 pm

  Since 2002 I have put in two master cylinders for the clutch. had the engine blow at 38,000 miles and got no help from Ford at 2,000 miles past warranty. Had poor performance and reliability. Replaced clutch pressure plate and slave cylinder at 43,000 miles due to the slave cylinder welding itself to spline. Also, I have had many problems with the electrical system. You are probably thinking that I beat on this truck and the answer is not at all. I drive less than 2 miles to work and 97% of drive time is on highways on trips around 500 miles. Unless you know how to work on cars plan on a lot of money in maintenance.Think about another brand!

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  Goodbye Honda CRV-Hello Ford Fusion! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Plattsburgher - May 20 - 7:00 pm

  This car is the real deal. After 3,000 miles we have been averaging 39mpg, mostly highway driving. With very little effort, I have been able to achieve 45-47mpg on 40 mph roads. Quality, Economy, Technology, this is a car that FMC should be proud to build! I hope to see more hybrids offered from Ford in the near future. I havent missed my 2005 CRV for a minute!

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By fusiongirl - May 20 - 6:13 pm

  After driving a 1995 Dodge Neon until this year (2006), my husband and I were ready to buy a reliable and safe car. The Fusion SE has offered both, with Ford quality. It is very affordable as well. We have really enjoyed having it so far.

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  Great little car... - 2001 Ford Escort
  By frmnc - May 20 - 11:27 am

  I have had this Escort (my second) since Feb. 2002 and currently have almost 81,000 miles on it. Other than new tires, new brake pads one time, one light bulb and the normal oil/filter changes, I have never had a bit of problem with this car. Since it was $1,000s less than an import of the same size, I am very happy with it!