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:

• 

  drive train sucks - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Jake Raven - November 13 - 7:58 am

  This is my 3rd f150 super cab, I loved them all. Problem with this one is the drive train, the base 6cyl/6speed - HORRIBLE, constantly shifting, 50 mph could be in 6th or 4th depending on wind direction. I dont have a heavy foot, but still get hung up in 2nd when accelerating from a rolling stop. This is a company fleet truck, other guys with 6cyl ecoboost - all positive, 8cyl not so good - they bog down. Love the truck -hate the 6/6 drive train. Did I mention the drive train SUCKS.

• 

  Good reliable truck for the money! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bill Slater - November 13 - 2:17 am

  Very reliable truck Ive owned 5 rangers in my lifetime when I grew up my family has owned them dad and grandfather My recent ranger Ive owned for over 3 years 2002 4x4 fx4 great truck great in the snow 4x4 works awesome I get poor fuel economy 13 city lucky if I get 17 highway but no need to complain no 4x4 midsize truck will get good fuel economy I have 93000 miles on it besides brakes and replacing the shackle springs which my 93 ranger I had to replace common Problem on all rangers if I ranked my truck Id give it a solid 9 out of 10

• 

  2004 Escape keeps on keeping on! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By James Crum - November 12 - 3:28 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in Oct. 2003. No trade in got a good deal from the dealership. Car has been one of the best we ever had for the money. 202,000 miles and still running strong. I change my own oil, every 5,000 miles w/Motorcraft oil and filter and the 3.0 V-6 never uses any oil, average 1/2 qt. in 5,000 miles. Very happy with the car. Went out and bought another new one hope it is as good as the 2004 has been. Got 26MPG highway with Continental tires, went on the cheap with Cooper tires last set never again. Tires are loud, ride rough had them balanced twice, plus MPG DROPPED 2 MPG stay away from Cooper tires.

• 

  Great truck. I recommend it - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Paul Hammer - November 12 - 9:03 am

  It takes a little repair but it runs like a charm if you take care of it. My first car and now one of my favorite trucks. Had to do simple repairs like the alternator, flywheel, starter, clutch, and a sensor. All in all I recommend this truck

• 

  supercrew xlt. super truck . - 2015 Ford F-150
  By andrew beekman - November 12 - 12:29 am

  Bought a Ford 150 supercrew from Galpin motors in Van Nuys California. Initial two hour drive home was excellent. Got the 2.7 turbo and got 22.1 mpg going mostly uphill. A lot better than my Chevy. Very nice to drive and ample power. This new truck is amazing. Def recommend from a former owner of a dodge ram and Chevy 1500 . Obviously this is the newest tech but def my favorite so far .If you decide to buy this truck and live close to Galpin motorsports, go see Steve Rodgers. Amazing service and patience. I couldnt decide on Color and trim and Steve was very understanding and washed two cars and another which was the one I finally decided on. Thank Steve Rodgers .

• 

  Doesnt deserve bad press - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Jim - November 11 - 3:00 pm

• 

  The Duck Mobile keeps on truckin - 2009 Ford F-150
  By M.G. Proctor - November 11 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased my truck with everything on it from the factory. It has sat outside for the past 6.5 years, and the paint has not faded or chipped. It is best to have heavy duty truck brakes installed ASAP because the truck is heavy and normal Ford brakes just dont handle stopping well. At first I did not like the 6.5 bed, but after hauling a ton of stuff, it as worked out except for easy parking. I got the overall chrome package and I am still getting admiring comments, "awesome looking truck, wow what a pretty truck, etc." The plastic chrome on the door handles and rims will crack and peel. I am running American 5 spoke chrome wheels, no problems. So far, this truck has done extremely well. I usually buy a new Ford Truck every 4 years, I just got another four year extended warranty on this truck so I guess I am keeping it a while longer.

• 

  Great road car. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Buckbean - November 11 - 12:34 pm

  I am 6 240. Drive 1500 mile trips weekly every month. Often PA, WV, and TN interstate mountain driving. Fusion awesome road car for these long trips. Typically cruise at least 75 mph. Without cruise, going 90 before I know it. Handles great, even climbing and curvy mountain driving. Have never driven a luxury vehicle, so cannot honestly compare as far as road noise. Fusion seems very quiet to me. Have had noisy cars in past. On long trips simple solution is cotton in ears. At 80,000 miles, the worst I get on my trips is 32 mpg. Very roomy front and back. Huge trunk. Other than tires, and brakes, and religious oil changing, Ive never had to put a penny into it. I am far from a techy, so its lack of all of these fancy cameras and computer screens and other such crap is only a plus to me. Best performing and most reliable road car Ive driven.

• 

  I wouldnt suggest this car. - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Paul Jarrels - November 11 - 8:13 am

  Awful transmission, problems, bluetooth wont connect most of the time, and parts literally fall off.

• 

  Great car for towing behind a motorhome. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By Bill - November 11 - 6:10 am

  We bought this car because it has an automatic transmission that allows it to be simply put into neutral to be towed. No special transmission cooler required. The car is light enough so that an auxiliary breaking system is not required in most states. We didnt want to get a stick sift because of our age, this was the best option for that reason. So its a great car to be towed. The transmission is a bit odd, it was totally rebuilt before it had 10,000 miles on it. Ford has increased the warranty on it to 100,000 miles. I currently have about 47,000 on it. One thing I was told by a Ford service rep was to stomp on the gas when the transmission starts to act up. Odd statement, but it works. Weve experienced the shifting issues as many on this forum have had, this has happened when driving in town in stop and go traffic. When I can safety excellerate at full trottle, I will do that and it seems to reset the transmission. Just had it into the dealer for a recall on the transmission control module, they reprogrammed it. The module is now warranted to 150,000 miles. They also replaced the door latches, which I didnt know was a recall. I like the car, it is fun to drive, but not the most reliable. Ive had many Ford products in the past, but Im now driving a Toyota for our primary car. Its odd, but Toyota Camry and Siena are listed as more American built then Ford products. The Global economy has blurred the meaning of American made.