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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  A manly truck that the wife will love! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By bird family - January 2 - 2:00 am

  We loved our 1994 Supercab, but needed the room for our growing family. This is stylish, as well as comfortable. A great vehicle for a person who wants all that a truck can offer, but yet haul friends and family comfortably. This truck handles everything from towing a pontoon to a bobcat to having it loaded down with sod. Get the sprayed in bedliner. The only problem weve had was that the bed was not square on the frame. With this truck, I will never own a car for myself again.

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  Is this a Ford or a European SUV............. - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - January 1 - 3:51 pm

  Unbelievable Value. Leased for same price as middle Acura MDX but have Sooooooooo much more! 35-50% cheaper than more expensive brands like Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and other higher end SUVs but have cheaper insurance, and cheaper property tax (yes we pay yearly property taxes here in Connecticut) Seats are not perfect, could be longer, however the Seat Massage makes you forget about the seat size, AWESOME feature, esp for someone with a bad back. Interior is gorgeous. The radio is outstanding. The engine is powerful, fun, and sporty. In D drives relatively normal, with def spunk. Put it in S and you have yourself a rocket, with some exhaust growl to boot. Very Fun to drive. 450 mile trip yday, avg 21.4 mph. Just an outstanding value if you are looking at Higher End brands, want value, understand more horsepower equals lower mph, and want it all, Platinum is the WAY TO GO. The adaptive cruise control is OUTSTANDING. I thought, gimmick. Awesome feature. Land departure is ok. Blind spot is excellent. Absolutely must test drive the 17 Platinum Explorer!

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  Kingranch - 2002 Ford F-150
  By JackTripper - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall Great truck. Ride and power are excellent. Have had a few computer problems so the jury is still out on how well it is built. Overall I love the vehicle and I am going to purchase an extended warranty because I want to keep this one for a long time.

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  2001 Ford ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Rx7Buff - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Brakes have been done three times (pads & rotars the last time). I was told to expect this again. Drive shaft replaced. Vehicle "pings" and I was told to use higher test gas which did not work. Gone through three sets of tires. I do not drive off road and only use vehicle for transportation with no towing or plowing. Average about 13-15 MPG. Use only Mobil One oil and filters. Change oil every 3000 miles. Dealer not very helpful to diagnos and fix problems. All they recomend is that I buy the extended warranty. I like the truck but it will cost significantly for gas and repairs over the life of the truck.

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  Second Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By phylypso - January 1 - 2:00 am

  The Edge is a very precise handling truck, due in large measure to its suspension I suppose. Dont move the steering wheel unless you want the truck to change direction. In trade for that precision handling, you sacrifice ride comfort. It is a rough ride, and the seat quality leaves a lot to be desired, but then again, this is a sport truck. At 20000 the idler pulley went, and the windshield is typical Ranger in that anything harder than treesap will chip, crack or break the glass. The fog lights are not simply a coolness thing. They work well. Easy in and out, except the jumpseats, and easy to clean interior.

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  Pocket Friendly Road Car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By pastajay - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had a good experience with this vehicle. Besides routine maintenance, the only problems I have had with this car was the replacement of the fuel pump and a recall for the dashboard cover (warping in high heat). The fuel pump was under warranty and the dashboard replaced for free. I do have a peculiar problem with my car only when it is below freezing and the engine is cold- the airbox makes a funny resonant vibrating noise. My car has currently has 62000 miles on it and will probably give me that much more I guess...

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  Ford is not Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Fred E - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Like most others that own a 96 windstar, at @ 68,000 miles headgasket went out costing $2,500. Ford fixed 95s and declared 96 cured so they told me that it was my problem. I was first in my family to buy Ford and Im doing my best to tell others in family and whoever else not to buy Ford. I have always bought domestic cars/trucks. This experience has taught me to look global. There is no quality or accountability at Ford

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  Quality Van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jkak62 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  The van has plenty of power to tow or load it up with kids and stuff.We have had 3 Windstar vans and they all have been very reliable.

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  07 V8 Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By T. Clark - December 31 - 7:26 pm

  Fun to drive, and stylish. Not terrible gas mileage for this type of vehicle. With the addition of Dynomax exhaust you can realize more low end grunt, slightly better mileage and a pure performance sound. Interior is very comfortable once you get used to the low slung door handles. Entrance can be tricky if your over 6 however. The 6 speed auto needs work to be considered a performance transmission. Fly by wire system is what it is I suppose, although I would trade it for cables in a heartbeat.

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  This Car Rocks, Dudes!!!!! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Autobon Maniac - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car on the German Autobon for several years. 40,000 miles with my foot so hard to the floorboards, I would get leg cramps (you laugh.) Top end...maybe 140 going downhill. Those big ole Granddaddy 5 series Mercedes and 7 series Bimmers would pass me so fast they would suck me out into their lane, but the Escort was a hoot nonetheless. 7 hours to Italy....4 1/2 hours to Amsterdam....Ahhhh the good life!