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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  Fun for $2.50 a gallon - 2003 Ford F-150
  By stodd - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is by far the fun pedal of the new car market.After the new wears off, smoking burnout for the youngsters, (Im 54)its still a lot of grins, if you want for an everday driver FORGET it. Its like having a Street Rod without the work.

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  2000 Explorer XLS - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By kuli42 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 40,000 miles on it. I have had a number of things go wrong (spark plugs, wires, oxygen sensor, IAC valve, transmission acting up). As long as you are willing and able to keep up with the "not-so-routine" maintenance its not a bad vehicle. But when it developes a new noise just about every week that requires investigation, it gets a little tiring.

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  BRONC Power!!!! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Cynn - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck!!! i dont know how anyone could get away complaining. obviously fuel economy is terrible but its 5000lbs with a 351! what do you expect. it performs and is one of the funnest vehicles ive ever been in. turning radius is amazing. the front seats are roomy and comfortable, cant really say much about room in back seat. the top is removable to make it convertable in the summer. towing, off- road wheeling or just daily drivers... this truck rocks!

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  Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By wvangel - June 29 - 2:00 am

  When i went looking for a new car that night i never thought about coming home with a new suv I loved driving it when i test drove it i told my dad i got to have it , its so fun to drive and i love how the inside is made enough room for my daughter and i to go on long trips

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  Love the Escape but not the engine - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Debidoodl - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2001 Escape XLT. It has a sunroof, 6 cd changer, great speakers, good speed. Only, at 50,000 miles, Ive already had to replace the master cylinder, power brake booster, brakes, and have 2 recalls fixed. Now, my engine light is on for the 2nd time in 3 weeks. How can I be attached to a car that is making me question why I bought domestic? Ive owned a Honda and Toyota, loved both of them, particularly the lack of maintenance issues. Im struggling with whether or not to replace this car, before I finish paying it off! Im just concerned about future issues if its had so many at 50,000 miles!

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  Great truck - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Txfishermn - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Pulls like a truck should. Very little problems other than maintenance.

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  2004 limited excursion 4wd 6.0diesal - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By hurlygirl - June 29 - 2:00 am

  i was very impressed with the 6.0 diesal,alot of power yet very comfortable,very economical with gas about 13.9 mpg,went from a 2000 v10 lmtd to the new 2004.alot more options with the steering controls,adj pedals,heated seats,programed driver settings,overall the best i think out in the market,there is no competition by far with any other makes. real power only ford can make.

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  Awesome - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BuckSatan - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I got this car 5 yrs ago and unfortunatly Im getting rid of it soon. Its been a wonderful, relyable car since the day I bought it. Few minor fixes and maintenance along the way, but nothing thats not expected from a car that was 8-9 yrs old at the time and never had that maintenance. Its got 96k miles on it and I would definatly expect it to last at least another 50 if its taken care of. Outside of oil changes and tire rotations Ive probably had it in the shop for repairs twice. Pretty good in my opinion when I bought the car after it was 5 yrs old. It would be a definate good buy for a first time driver.

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever had - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Erik93 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply put...a great SUV. Ive had my truck for ten years now and have NEVER had a problem. Ive had to replace the starter once. 160,000 miles and its still going strong. As for the transmission problems if you replace your tansmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles there is no problem. The only people that Ive heard of that have problems ar those that have never or rarely replaced their tranny fluid. I love this truck and wish I could buy it all over again.

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  Just Got - 2003 Ford F-150
  By geslou - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Second super crew Ive had. Truck is very nice. Interior is a little plain.