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 Truck for those that need a real truck - 2015 Ford F-150
  By RLW - July 31 - 12:08 pm

  This new truck is fantastic. I traded an ’09 XLT I purchased as a second vehicle four years ago to serve as a tow vehicle for a travel trailer. I rethought my situation and sold a two year old car to then make the truck the primary vehicle. I wanted a bit more upscale but lived with the XLT. Recently I purchase a 2015 F150 Lariat 4x2 with every feature minus adaptive cruise, dynamic park assist and 4x4- pretty much loaded. I am a very critical shopper and compared the competition and read the reports with the understanding that my conclusion trumps reviews or opinions. I read the recall info on all makes and the safety tests. Consumers have to be careful as there is bias in everything it seems LIKE in the safety tests I found that from the source, IIHS.org, that all pickups over the past years and present do not have all the tests performed yet they claim 4-star overall etc. except the Ford. Check the source and NOT all the safe car websites that misrepresent the facts. A quick summary of my grades on pickups that led me to the Ford: The Silverado was a nice truck but it did not appeal to design-wise. The large cut out wheel wells were overdone and showed underpinnings, etc. The Square front reminded me of a 70s vehicle. The RAM 1500 was, by reviews, a strong contender until I drove it and was strongly influenced to not selecting the eco diesel by the dealer. The reason? When he found that my towing requirements were 7000# with a tongue weight of 1000# plus scooter and camping equipment in the bed. The killer was the low max payload of 1400#. The Toyota was the last option and it was nice but sparse in feature set related to functionality. While looking it really brought the issue to the front- aside from any upscale features the truck has to do its job without being overtaxed or at its max or have a high MPG penalty. That factor alone eliminated the RAM and Tundra requiring their highest numerical ratios and biggest engines to meet the need. Then I visited the Ford dealer. The statistics told me that the supercrew had the payload capacity and tow ability but each truck I looked at was different. Finally I found a Lariat with a 3.5 ecoboost. Interestingly the 2.7 with HD payload and max tow would have met my requirements but at the max as the other brands. The 3.5 gave me some breathing room. I drove the vehicle and found it to be light footed and quiet. My 2009 was NOTHING like this. The steering was tight and required less turning. The ride, which I read “how horrible” was very comparable to the others. BTW the RAM was heavy (by 1000#) and it was felt driving it. The F-150 does have a rear end jitter over bumps BUT compared to the ’09 it is vastly improved. That, in my opinion goes with having the better ability of performing as a truck- payload and tow ratings. I came away very impressed and knew it was the one. That said, I am critical. I took delivery in the evening and found a mark like a cut in the edge of the dash on my way home. I also found an odd hard place in the center of the rear seat bottom as something had happened to the leather above a seat heater. I took it back to the dealer who is presently taking care of it. I know that each of us must shop and come to our own conclusion. I would highly suggest an F-150 as it is, in my opinion, the most capable truck with car-like features and the best mpg for the power to do what a truck is designed to do. THAT SAID, if you only plan to haul mulch or have a jet ski or small trailer item, compare the F150 Lariat 2.7 eco and Dodge Laramie eco-diesel as both seem to make good moderate-ability choices though the gas F150 does not require DEF and gets about the same mileage.

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  My 2003 Ford Mustang Gt Deluxe Coupe 4.6 V8 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Carrie - July 31 - 11:18 am

  I absolutely love this car to death, with American Muscle to order my parts from, I have the baddest car ever. They say the mustang is the poor mans sports car, well! Id take my car over any other car on the planet. Thank you Ford! Thank you American Muscle!

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  Feels like a MUCH larger car - 2015 Ford Fiesta
  By Ted Schmitt - July 30 - 5:14 am

  First, I will preface this by saying that I traded a Miata for the Fiesta ST, so yes this car feels MUCH larger than it is. I bought the ST with the Recaro package, and I can understand how some people would say that the seats are uncomfortable, especially if the person is of larger size (Im 5-9 and 175lbs). These seats grip you like velcro in ALL situations, especially hard cornering - try them BEFORE you buy the car. I love them, but I drive "enthusiastically". They take some getting used to in the getting in/out process and I can easily understand how some would hate them. Im 54, and after a Miata they are really NO problem. The 6-speed manual transmission shifts like rowing a knife through honey, with very smooth clutch action although it does engage a bit close to the floor (this might change with more wear). The 8-speaker stereo does sound a bit tinny or thin on sound, but money spent with Crutchfield will fax that eventually. The exhaust note, while louder than lesser Fiestas, is not quite as "racy" as it could be given this cars mission, but that is entirely my opinion. Handling is top-notch (again, I came from a Miata), being extremely smooth and predictable. Corners can be taken at MUCH higher speeds than you think the car will handle due to the roll stability control (which can be switched off) you would swear it was rear-wheel-drive with gobs of grip. The car car has numerous safety-related add-ons, none of which I will address here - I didnt buy the car for being safe. If youre considering it, check out Fords website or Edmunds for the list of standard safety equipment. The best thing about this car? Turbo power. The rush from the Ecoboost engine is absolutely ADDICTING. That, combined with the engine sound coming into the cabin will have you feeling and driving like youre back in high school (and I mean that is a good thing). Bottom-line, if you want some "civilized" performance while being able to carry three passengers and you want to buy a domestic car (yes, I know the Fiesta is assembled in Mexico) with top-notch quality, your search ends here.

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  Love the T Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By valor trooper - July 29 - 3:54 pm

  Only has 2 seats and limited space in the interior for additional items. Trunk is more than adequate to accommodate luggage or golf clubs. A really neat sports car!

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  First Ford, First Truck, Couldnt be Happier - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Sean Killian - July 29 - 3:18 pm

  This is a great truck. Never owned one to compare it to but buddies have them and I grew up around them so am familiar with their positives and negatives. Ride comfort is great. Technology packages work as described. My wife loves it so why would I complain. Traded in a 2013 Wrangler and the difference in hauling/towing capacity as well as ride comfort and style make this a great purchase. Not to mention I get better MPGs in my F150 than I did in my former Wrangler. The dual panel glass roof really sold me, good work there Ford. Overall I highly recommend to anyone looking for a truck. At least take one for a spin. Go for the 5.0 V8. Same if not better than TT ecoboost.

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  2013 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium - 2013 Ford Escape
  By GoTerps03 - July 29 - 6:39 am

  We traded in our 2007 MDX for a 2013 Ford Escape 2.0 Titanium in October of 2012. It had a lot of neat features and my wife and I liked the styling. Surprisingly this car has been headache free. Its the car we use to haul around our 2 year and dog and its been perfect for that. Yes the fuel economy has been a bit disappointing and the Sync system at times can be sensitive and moody but overall this has been a good car.

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  1998 best bang for the money. - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Jessner Lopez - July 29 - 1:16 am

  I recently bought a project mustang. For those out there Chardon know you can perform an engine swap on a 98 with any modular engine. That means any 4.6 will fit. So I replace it with a 2003 gt and ever since never had any issues. The 98 is one of the best looking mustangs out there when it comes to attention to detail on its bodywork, parts are cheap and with a turbo kit sold for $400+ on eBay you can reach 500hp in no time and since a turbo is not pulley driven you will actually do better mpg. This car has no limits and interior design is the same as the 99 to 04 models. Best car for its price. AutoZone sells the 03 engines for $1700 with a 3 year warranty.cant go wrong.

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  I really just love Oliver - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Colton - July 28 - 2:54 pm

  I have the Sport Model. Its green with 112k on it. It has the Suratec DOHC 24 valve 2.5L V6 and it is so awesome to drive! It gets okay mileage. But honestly the issues Ive had are minor, and are from the previous owner not taking care of it. All I have left to replace is the O2 sensor. I really recommend this car. Im 19 and this is my 4th car. And its by far the most reliable Ive had. And all my cars have been 2000 and newer. It will last me throughout college no doubt.

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  44.2 MPG Amazing - 2015 Ford Escape
  By silverescape - July 28 - 7:10 am

  i owned a 2013 escape fwd and my personal experience in the snow was horrible, but loved the car. So i got the 2015 se turbo all wheel drive Escape. car is basically the same. Here are the things i love the style it looks awesome and everyone agrees, drives and handles great it really is one of the best handling vehicles if ever driven, the turbo is pretty cool too it really boosts the horse power and it isnt loud at all plus theres a little cool whistle from the exhaust just to remind you its a turbo. what i really like about this car is the 2013 i owned was trouble free @ 25,000 miles. One last note i love when this 2015 escape impresses me, the last time , well not last but 1 month ago i rest the trip computer and set cruise control at 51 mph and i was amazed it read 44.2 MPG,,, that right i said 44.2 miles per gallon and took a picture and would be happy to send it to anyone to back up my claim.. Hope this helps some one make a great decision,,Style , handling, confidence , 44.2 MPG

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  From Tundra to F150 - 2015 Ford F-150
  By John Tritz - July 27 - 3:51 pm

  In researching new trucks (after the disappointing update on the 2014 Tundra) it was hard to ignore the new F 150. On paper, it looked great and after 12,000 miles of commuting in brutal Houston traffic, towing a 21 bass boat as well as a 24 tri-toon, I have not been disappointed. The only thing I miss having owned a 2007, 2010 and 2012 Tundra 4x4 is the turning radius on the Tundra. I was concerned about the aluminum and potential damage to it. After a hail storm, I indeed had hail damage but so did the Buick and Silverado next door. Fears of the aluminum body damage are way overhyped...aluminum bodies are nothing new...just new to pickup trucks. Hail damage took a day to repair...cant even tell it was ever damaged. With the 5.0, Im averaging 18.3 mpg in combined driving. I was happy when the Tundra hit got 16 mpg on the road. Ford hit a home run with this truck...and between dropping the hammer to merge on Houston highways, hunting, fishing, hauling heavy loads and towing from boats to tractors, this is a heck of a truck.