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 - BiG Disappointment - 1999 Ford F-150
  By RodmanC - March 15 - 8:04 pm

  My F150 has been a big letdown. I didnt expect a perfect truck, but come on, Ford quality stinks. I paid $27,000 for my Sport 4X4. I got (all within 3 years): 1. A front bumper rusting - Ford fixed. 2. Side step rails rusting - Ford replaced. 3. Inside of all doors at bottom rusted - Ford repaired. This winter had to remove rust and fix myself or doors would be damaged badly if I waited for spring. The doors still have me worried. 4. Back window now leaks. 5. The front brakes (I do my own) had rusted rotors (after 2 years) that amazed me. 6. I have that faint fatigue crack on the doors from the windows pushing up and causing a crack. Future problem! 7. My back bumper has rust bubbles now.

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  Best vehicle Ive owned - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Allan - March 15 - 8:00 pm

  Other than my heater core going out and the blender-door motor breaking, this truck has been the most reliable and comfortable vehicle I have driven. I must say it is one of Fords best vehicles ever made. Fuel economy is a downside, but with a K & N air filter and fiberglass tonneau cover, I get 25 mpg on the highway and 16 in the city. If you want a truck, get an F-150.

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  AWESOME - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ryan - March 15 - 7:53 pm

  Got a GT yesterday, and its awesome. The best ride and feel i have ever experienced in anything.

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  Still a good car at 139,000 miles - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By flprof - March 15 - 4:42 pm

  I bought my 2007 Escape Hybrid 4x4 brand new in November of 2006. It has been a great car to my family. I was a former Mustang driver owning a 96GT and a 04GT so it took me a while to get used to the car. I have traveled through the Sierra Nevada and Siskiyou Mountain ranges in the dead of winter and never had a problem. I like the maneuverability and it runs great in the snow. The fan that keeps the hybrid battery cool went out on me at 95,000 miles. Other than that I have had normal maintence repair. I am glad I bought this car even if the engine is a little loud. The engine has decent pickup for only having 155hp. Overall, a nice car that handles well in bad weather and great mileage!

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By JACK MELVIN - March 15 - 12:04 am

  If you like the ride of a larger car and the fun of a convertible, this is the car for you. Every detail of fit and finish has exceeded my expectations. I have driven this car approximately 3,000 miles and with every mile I like it more. I cannot think of anything else that I have purchased recently that I can say that about. The engine performance is more than adequate. The handling is unbelieveable the car is so flat in the curves, no diving. The braking is superb. The acceleration is surprising. To put this car in perspective, I drove several other cars in the weeks leading up to this decision. The difference was so night and day against any other car that I drove, including an S-2000, MX-5, Z-4,

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By David - March 14 - 10:16 pm

  Solid, very fast, great diesel mileage. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Great for family trips.

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  Fun and practical - 2003 Ford Focus
  By rbsjrx - March 14 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this so I could send my beloved 96 Contour into semi-retirement. Its been a lot of fun to drive, although driving is more work than the Contour. Overall, Im quite satisfied. It can blow away most unmodified Minis which is good enough for me. Handling is excellent, but surprisingly not that much better than my Contour. It feels better, but thats just because of the better support from the Recaro seats. As noted in my Contour review, the Contour is both lower and wider than the Focus, which shows on twisty roads.

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  AWESOME - 2012 Ford Focus
  By howard45 - March 14 - 6:10 pm

  We traded my wifes Escape, which she dearly loved, for the Focus Titanium. She wanted more fuel mileage and a more sporty vehicle and she definitely got it with the Focus. We took our first trip and got 37.4 MPG driving the speed limits on the Interstates. Ride and handling are superb. This is a winner. Our local Ford dealer was one reason we bought. We had recieved excellent service on the Escape since moving here.

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  Im going to miss ol Blue - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Philip Nolan - March 14 - 5:25 pm

  The Ranger is one the best vehicles I have ever owned. We are keeping it for our 13 year old to take over when hes 16. He cant wait! Other than usual maintenance and changing tires, nothing major has gone wrong. My father-in-law borrows it all the time for anything he has to haul. The 4 liter engine has great acceleration in city traffic. I would recommend a Ranger to anyone in the market for a mid-sized truck.

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  1995 Thunderbird - 4.6 V8 - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By John Credico - March 14 - 11:46 am

  I am the second owner. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Well built, good balance (easy on tires) and does not burn a drop of oil nor evaporate any engine coolant. A/C still blows cold air at 82,000 miles. The style still looks good too. GM owners that say they would never own a Ford have told me this T-Bird model would be one they wouldnt mind owning.