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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  Great Mommy Car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Lisa Schmidt - March 27 - 6:53 am

  I love this car! Its a great mommy care without looking like a mommy car. Great pick up, a lot of room, very nice sound system .... a great car for the money. The stadium style seating is nice so all the kids can see out the window. Great safety features too. Fits all the family needs without being a minivan. Im very pleased with this vehicle so far.

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  Nice Car But Beware the Lug Nuts! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Daxer - March 27 - 3:21 am

  2016 Fusion SE, 1.5 liter turbo, owned for 18 months and 44,000 miles. I wont repeat in detail what most reviews have addressed: The Fusion is a very nice care and a great value. Its comfortable, easy to maintain, and fuel efficient if driven conservatively -- I routinely get between 38-40 mpg @ 60 mph of state highway driving. There is a drivers side dash rattle that developed at about 40K point that I cant seem to isolate which is driving me a little nuts but overall Im happy with my Fusion. HOWEVER, my main reason for this review is to highlight a problem many might not be aware of with the Fusion (and other Ford models) and that is the lousy lug nuts which can (and do) deform. Rather than use a solid steel lug nut Ford uses a steel core with a chrome or aluminum cap. With repeated removal (like when rotating your tires) the caps deform to the point where you cannot get the lug nut wrench (or a 19mm deep well socket) over the nut. If this happens and you get a flat out in the middle of nowhere, youre screwed. You wont be able to change the tire and will have to call for a tow. Ford blames people using an air gun and over torquing the nut. It also tends to happen when folks use a 12-point socket instead of a 6-point socket. But I always use a torque wrench and hand torque to Ford specs and it happened to me. Fortunately I discovered it while the vehicle was sitting in the drive and not on the shoulder of I-75 with a flat. My advice is to simply replace all of your lug nuts with one-piece nuts at your earliest convenience! You can get a set of 20 for about $30 and its well worth the peace of mind. I went to three auto parts stores in my town (NAPA, Carquest, OReillys) and they were all aware of the Ford lug nut issue. In August 2017 a class-action lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan to make Ford own up and replace the nuts (google Ford swollen lug nuts).

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  Harrison Ford Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Golferdavecan - March 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. We travel South from Alberta to Arizona, 2000 mile each way, twice per year for the last 6 years with NO PROBLEMS. Now that is dependability. Plus traveling to the mountains to ski at least every 2 weeks in the winter ( 500 miles ). What a great vehicle. I will keep it until it rusts out or 300,000 mile.

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  High Use Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By theorydoc - March 27 - 2:00 am

  After 2 years 50000 miles, towing a 3500 lb boat every weekend and moving dogs and kids, this truck has been great. The only repair has been a computer idle switch. Gas miliage around the city is 13 while highway is 20 mpg. Im 61" and this truck has plenty of room and comfortable thanks to the power seats.

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  engine and tranny - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By clbofaz - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle but blew the timing chain at 70000 mi, had to replace with a 2000 model engine for 1000$, plus install. Runs great now (100000mi) except the tranny is starting to slip, especialy when taking off.Changing the oil is a pain due to its location and best left to thoes with the exspensive "special" tools. Nearly useless roof rack (, Had to have the o2 sensor replaced at 65000mi. Verry crummy spare tire lowering cable (frayed with the tire on it!). Gas mileage is decent for an suv and is rathar constant in both the city and highway(16/21).

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  Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jk - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Never had a mechanical problem Now have 105000 mi.

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  Great 4X4 Value - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Stoge - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 FX4 Level II for right at one year now, and it has been everything that I hoped it would be. If you are thinking of getting one of the two off road packages offered in FX4 trim, definitely go with the Level II. I think it is the best value compact 4X4 pickup on the market. I would definitely buy another... but maybe not black next time.

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  Ranger XLT 3.0 gets an A and dependable - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Redpikuptruk - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Love bumping over curves when I need to and the Ranger can certainly handle it without jolting you around in the cab. Youll love your Ranger truck and will think of it as a family member! Dependable - friend of mine has a 96 and never had a problem with it so I went to look and bought myself one as well. Rides like a car, looks good too.

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  RANGER GONE WILD - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By JEFFERY HENRY - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED FOUR RANGER TRUCKS BEFORE AND I HAVE HAD NOT ANY THING GO WRONG WITH THEM AT ALL. THATS THE ONLY TRUCK THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH. I HAVE REALLY LIKED ALL THE Rangers that I OWNED. THE RANGER IS BY FAR THE BEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD TODAY I THINK. P.S MORE THAN HAPPY JEFFERY G. HENRY

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  The Rhino Truck - 1994 Ford F-350
  By john dale - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a real truck. There is nothing it cant do. Its the most comfortable, powerful and reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. It is so long legged the miles just melt under its feet. Get behind the wheel and you wont believe how it gobbles up the miles. It will surprise you with its off-road power and capability. Nine years and 214,000 miles and no hint of stopping. At 105,000 miles a diesel mechanic told me its just now broken in.