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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  Nice Overall Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By matt howard - January 8 - 1:17 am

  I have had this truck for 6 months and it has been reliable. I love the way it looks inside and out. It is a great truck to have if you want to have fun and go offroad or just drive onroad. It has a comfortable ride and it is very comfortable also. This truck also looks real nice with big tires and a lift kit put on it. I will probably buy another Ford truck when I decide to buy another one. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Its a work truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Scott - January 7 - 11:30 pm

  Its a big work truck, keeping it under 2,000 rpm will greatly increase your gas mileage! Mine had 20 inch rims had to get 18s cuz the ride was too stiff but other than that great truck, I love the key pad entry , I just lock my keys in the truck

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  A Great Piece of Junk - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By RustBucket88 - January 7 - 6:09 pm

  What an indestructible piece of junk! It has 160,000 miles. It has rust through the body, none of the accessories work, the interior is torn up, the paint is peeling and the suspension is shot, but it just keeps going. It needed a new transmisson, but that was due to the previous owners neglect. We drive it like we hate it. It needs a quart of oil every 500 miles and always needs coolant, but we maintain it and it keeps going. The only other items repaired were a broken brake caliper and door latch. This vehicle is used for dump runs, driving off road and is driven hard on the highway, but it keeps going. The gas mileage is terrible (less than 15 mpg), but it isnt driven economically.

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  i like it - 2010 Ford Escape
  By m and m - January 7 - 2:43 pm

  Traded a Lexus rx330 for it. Pick up is a bit slower, but very good. Love the car. My wife, who claimed she would never drive a Ford, also bought one. She also loves it. She traded in a Benz with no regrets. Love using reg gas.

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  Junk, junk, junk - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By KP - January 7 - 1:06 pm

  Multiple problems since day one. Trunk leak, 4 visits to fix cruise control nonfunctional - bad servo wiper motor broke swaybars rotted in first year heater fan broke - bad resistor. Its too bad, was a great deal and drove nice, good looking and comfortable. Not great in the snow though because of wide tires. Repairs all under warranty, but will only fix during the week requiring car rental they dont give free loaners. I thought Taurus reliability went up? This car is junk quality. They build it with cheap parts. We will trade in as soon as warranty is up. So much for a good deal. Back to foreign cars.

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  Almost Perfect - Speaker Upgrade Needed - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Kelly - January 7 - 6:16 am

  We just traded in our Taurus for the Five Hundred SEL. Its quite an all around improvement; especially re the luxury aspect. Only one recommendation...you need to upgrade the front speakers. We upgraded with the Polk DBS70 speakers. What a great improvement! It now makes the car really seem like the perfect vehicle. No need to upgrade the rear speakers if you can adjust the fader to output the majority of the volume to the front speakers.

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  F-150 XLT Extended Cab 2WD - 1994 Ford F-150
  By MoKan driver - January 7 - 12:22 am

  We have had this truck for 8 years drove it as a courier vehicle for the first 3 years. Has 244,000 miles on it and still runs well. Starts every day even in extreme cold. Has been a very reliable vehicle.

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  I LOVE MY TAURUS X - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By Ellen - January 6 - 8:43 pm

  I studied, read reviews and visited many show rooms before purchasing my Taurus X. This was the best purchase of my life! The vehicle is economical, reliable, beautiful, roomy, and comfortable. I take many vacations with my family of 5, making this vehicle perfect for our needs. The seating configuration of 2 front, 2 middle and 2 3rd row, opens up the available space and allows passengers to see/communicate well. I am thrilled I had the opportunity to purchase this car and am saddened that Ford has decided to discontinue it. BIG MISTAKE FORD!!!!

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  Dont go there - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By FordMan - January 6 - 7:13 pm

  After approximately one year of ownership and 8+ visits back for various repairs I call it a Lemon. The dealer calls it normal for a Ford Freestar. In fact the Service Manager had one for a Demo and turned it back in because of problems. Im a Ford man and have owned them since my first one in 1974. This vehicle has shaken my confidence in Ford. Ford had a silent recall on the front brakes of the vehicle. You get a high pitch squeal and after taking it in twice the dealer admitted that the calipers and their brackets had to be replaced. I own a 2000 Mustang with 40K+ miles it doesnt have any rattles and has never been into the dealer for anything. Dont buy a Freestar.

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  JCs 95 Probe - 1995 Ford Probe
  By J Coyne - January 6 - 3:32 pm

  I bought this car used in 97 with 28,000 miles and its been a really solid vehicle. I had no major repairs to make until 170,000 miles, when the automatic transmission went out. At around $2000 to repair, this is the last of my Probe. But its been the most reliable car I have ever owned.