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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  worst vehicle i have ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By unsatified ranger - December 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the most mechanically unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. I will not purchase another Ford. Quality is not job one. I truly believe that if I truly used this vehicle as a truck, it would be in the repair shop monthly.

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By daveace37 - December 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Limited new .The only thing I have done is change oil and a new set of tires.My car is Irus Frost I still get comments on the looks and the color .It only has 5300 miles and still smells new with the leather. PS a heat sencer when new...

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  Beware the Performance Pack - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Carlo Falco - December 15 - 1:12 pm

  The PP sets the car up for the racetrack. RACETRACK. Yes, you get Brembo brakes which are astonishing - but the ride quality is very jittery, bumpy and nervous with steering that wants to follow every road imperfection. Felt like driving a car with no suspension whatsoever. In other words, exactly what you want in a track car. I tried but I could not live with The Beast on a daily basis. We live in the country where the roads are not so smooth sometimes and that amplified the rough ride. Because it was so uncomfortable as a daily commuter (35 miles each way), I had to trade mine back in within two weeks . BTW, I am used to sporty cars, having driven a VW GTI for 14 years. Also, being 6 3" it was very hard to get in and out of the car, and I never really found a comfortable seat position. On the plus side - the power is addicting but be ready for 18 mpg overall if you use it often. Manual shifter is excellent. Loved it - but cant live with it.

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  Looks & Value Rocks! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mike P - December 15 - 9:43 am

  For value where else can you get a V8, 4WD, auto, cruise, 6 CD changer, manual windows, locks and rubber floor for less than $23K? The 3" factory lift and 17" wheel package completes the look. Although an STX semi base model, this truck has everything I need and almost nothing I dont. An XLT for $10 grand more does not compute.

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  Worlds Fastest Pick-Up Truck!!!!! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Frank X. - December 15 - 2:00 am

  All I have to say is that this pick-up truck is the best the world has ever seen. This truck is so versitile that it will run the 1/4 mile and beat all the imports out there, tow a boat / trailer or even help you in a move! Anyone thinking about spending 30 grand on a performance vehicle and still undecided on what to buy give the SVT Lightning a look. And for all of you waiting for the 2005 Lightning----this truck will truly be the king of the road!!! In every aspect of performance you can think of!!!!

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  Fun but Thirsty! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jim bob - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, not zippy, but the power comes when you need it. What about better mileage?

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  Wow - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By RX-8 Mars - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Wasnt looking for an explorer, but when I saw one and test drove it, i loved it. Went searching and found my Limited. It was my first car I bought myself, and I would give it up for anything.... well except for a CTS or RX-8. It has never failed me, always started and never stopped.

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  my explorer gets more love than any girl - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By AYA chu CO - December 15 - 2:00 am

  i had moved to buffalo, ny, so i traded in my 93 infiniti for this truck. i had to replace the intake gaskets literally a few miles before the warranty was up, so i was lucky with that. i have had no other problems whatsoever with the truck, the cd changer i installed skips a lot, but that might be my fault. the sohc engine is awesome, i have raced and beat many accords and camrys, as well as triton v8 f150s, and other explorers.

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  Great Fun - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By donaghms - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Never had such fun in a ragtop. Handling is nice and involving, I can throw out the back end and control it. It zips round country lanes with ease it turns heads it leaves boy racers standing. Now where can I get me the money for a Saleen SC?

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By joesix - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I bought the base model LX because I wanted a mid size no- frills car with a solid reputation and good looks. The finish while not made of expensive materials is tasteful and well laid out. The paint job is awesome! All controls are where they should be. The base engine while not a tire burner has adequate smooth power delivery. This car like every one I have owned has its quirks. When cold the clutch is grabby. The AC system puts out the occasional weird smell during OregonÂ’s rainy season. It would be nice to have heat to the windows without having to have the AC on. The trunk release seems a little cheap.