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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  Happy Hi-miler - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By holdenranger - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck has over 200,000 hard miles on it, and it still runs great. It never had much power, but it can do what it is called upon to.

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  Mustang GT Convert - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By TigerTim - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The car was purchased for my wife as a pleasure car and has been very trouble free. It is a decent choice for fun and economy.

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  2005 ZX3 SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By pwhopkins - March 30 - 4:40 pm

  Only 1500 miles on the ZX3. So far it is great. Fuel economy is not what I was hoping for, but after reading other threads on this, I guess averaging 29 is better than some. Car has plenty of power. Very fun to drive and handles great. A little heavy on the road noise, but better then Honda.

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  florida truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By jboneezer - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Excursion. We lemon lawed our 02 because of a thumping noise in the front end, unexpected stalling, and a several squeaks in the interior. Now we have a 2004, which has some of the same troubles. We still like the vehicle and have decided to ignore these troubles....for now.

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  Love the Deisel! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Emmie - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my Excursion! The Deisel gets great mileage, 20-24 per gallon if I keep it 65 mph and under. The size really isnt all that bad! Just as big as a pick-up. And towing is incredible, dont even realize there is anything back there is is so smooth and effortless (6k boat).

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  Ford Truck Buyers beware - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By rfinglet - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 Expedition for my wife who wanted a larger vehicle for safety reasons. After owning the vehicle for 3 months the transmission went out. $2600 later were back on the road. 15 months later the transmission went out again. A freind has a 1999 F250 whos transmission went out 2 weeks before mine did. Another Freind just purchased a brand new 2004 F350. At 6000 miles his tranny went out on him also. Beware Ford parts are very expensive. Ford may claim they have the most popular truck, however, in my opinion, I will never by a FORD again.

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  Mustang Review - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Rotax33 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The Mustang Gt is a must have vehicle. Its 260 hp engine will wake up the kid in you quick. Great throttle response, speed and looks.

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  My 1997 Ford F150 review - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cconlee - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Pickup. I have seen some others that have paint problems. My paint cracked on the roof due to expansion/contraction over the years. Also I have seen limited rust spots on the bottom of doors. check the doors exterior right behind the window area for a hairline crack due to lack of support built into the door. Engine has never had a problem. Overall very pleased.

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  Jaw Breaker!!! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Dee Mo - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I cant seem to stop talking about this truck. Its a show-stopper. I cant go anywhere without someone drooling over it or asking questions about it. The reliability is in the Ford-Harley Davidson name. The exterior and interior styling is great for a truck in its category. You cant miss the power, just mash the pedal to the floor and hear the supercharger scream!! Until someone else comes out with something better Ill have this truck among my possessions for a long time.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By F150john - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great family vehicle. My family several trips during the year and this truck fits the bill. The interior is comfortable and the truck is fun to drive, And we can carry a large amount of luggage with us in the back. The only trouble has been a defective battery at 11000 miles, which the dealer replaced and the fold down console on the front seat had to be replaced because the leather seperated from the console. It was covered by the warrenty. I have been very please with my truck.