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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  First Extended Cab Ive Owned - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jim Frederick - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I needed more interior space so purchased the Ranger extended cab. The 3.0 L V6 has plenty of power. Auto transmission shifts smoothly. Im surprised at 2,400 RPM when cruising @ 65 MPH on the highway. Thought it would be closer to 2,000. Wish seat could fold fwd. enough to access behind seat space without having whole seat slide fwd. Should be a good truck overall. I do miss my F-150.

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  What a great vehicle - 1999 Ford F-150
  By avrz10 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I had always owned imports because of the reliability, 115,000 miles later the only thing I have done to this truck is put gas in it and change the oil and one set of tires. It runs like new, drives like new. Amazing Great work Ford! The only complaint I have is the wind noise while on the Highway could be quieter, I guess 2004 fixes this. I have the 4.6 V8 and get about 17-19 mpg on this truck. I will be buying a new super crew to replace this as my kids are getting older.

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  ford trucks - 2000 Ford F-150
  By roy vexler - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Tow 7500-8000 lbs up mountains, tack 4500 all day @60mph 10 mpg towing never misses a lick, pulls hard, tows well and runs great, i do all required matience. have had some small probs.tranny is holding up fine!!!! never runs hot!!

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  Meags Review - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Meagan FOntenot - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Its great.FUNNNNN!!!!!!!!Fun to drive and ride in.Love to show off in it.I rides awesome wicked.

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  My 04 over My 03 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Roy Culver Jr - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This truck rides and drives a lot better than my 03.I dont know why the shocks located on out side of the frame makes a difference but it shure does.Also the 04 doesnt have the interior noises(dash rattles)as other trucks I have owned,

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  Nice little car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By PaulLee - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The feel of driving this car is better than the two Civics (1987 and 1996) I had. Cute little designs and color in the interior. Exterior is a little bit disappointing. Road noise is somewhat loud. I drove it for 3 months so far. I dont know if its reliable. The door locks inside are not very easy to operate.

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  Not for the long haul - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Nrmltowngrrrl - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car ever, and it will be my last Ford. Looks cute and is fun to drive, but quality is poor. Stuff keeps breaking: clutch master cylinder (at 20K), ignition switch (stranded at 40K; not fun), brakes (at 45K), cd player/radio cuts off for no reason (even after being sent for fixing), leaky radiator (66K), wiper speed is never right, makes weird crunching noise over speed bumps, brakes always squeaky! Plus, dealership service is not helpful. Takes forever to get recalls fixed, sometimes they dont even order the parts. I cant wait to get rid of this thing and would not recommend the Ford Focus to anyone.

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  3rd F150 Since 2000 - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By woodlandcircle - November 25 - 10:00 am

  My first F150 was an XLT model, fully loaded, after an accident my replacement F150 was the same. Last year I purchased a 2003 Taurus, but couldnt stand being without a truck, So I jumped at the chanced to get a 2004 Heritage with all the rebates. Although this is an XL model I am getting used to crank windows and no tilt steering. Other than that, It is a refined version of the earlier models with a better ride and quieter interior. And you just cant beat the deal. $12,000 after rebates. It figures, Ford gets it right, then quits making it!

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  1.0 Ecoboost - Fun, cheap, efficient, quick, fun - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By michaelmoran87 - November 25 - 8:51 am

  Fair warning that the Ecoboost version of the Fiesta only comes with a manual transmission. Also consider that the front of the car is very spacious and comfortable, but if you push the front seats all the way back youll have trouble fitting anything other than a child in the back. You can fit people back there if you need to, but youll need to schooch forward. I personally dont like to schooch. Its best to think of the Ecoboost Fiesta as a fun and practical drivers car, but certainly not a family vehicle. This car is amazingly fuel efficient while packing way more punch than ANY Prius. When you need to move, youll move and even be pulled back in your seat just a little bit thanks to that turbo. Unlike a Honda Fit, which is also a fairly zippy car, the engine wont be screaming at you when youre cruising on the highway either. The Fiesta hums at a quiet 2,500 RPM when youre moving at 75 MPH. Now, I said you should look at this as a drivers car because of the manual transmission. A lot of driving enthusiasts are going to mainly have their eyes on a Fiesta ST, but heres the rub. The Ecoboost will get you 45 miles per gallon on the highway, is exceptionally quiet and comfortable and has all the power you could ever need in real world driving. Its a much more practical choice and still quite fun to drive. Heres the big thing, though. The Ecoboost is also much, much cheaper. Theres a bit of a trick to this. My Ecoboost had an MSRP of $18,575. It came fully loaded with the moon roof and comfort package (you cant get certain options such as the touch screen system on the Ecoboost.) I got my car brand new for $15,000 with minimal negotiation. The thing is that a Fiesta ST only comes with a manual transmission, but theyre in demand. In comparison, dealerships cant even find somebody to test drive the Ecoboost, because anyone who actually knows how to drive a manual only has eyes for the ST. If you find an Ecoboost thats already on the lot, the dealership will be desperate to ensure you walk out the door with it. You name your terms and theyll jump through the hoops. The 3 Cylinder Fiesta Ecoboost is an excellent combination of practicality, fun and price. A rare hidden gem that will be difficult to ever find pre-owned because youll be hard pressed to find someone interested in selling theirs. Plus, mechanically its just a neat little car. Lots of clever engineering makes it a unique and interesting choice for car nerds.

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  So much fun ... so little time. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Screamin Yellow EU - November 25 - 4:16 am

  I own two different Foci - a ZTW (wagon) and the SVT. Both are 2003 models. Ive owned the SVT for one year. Both cars are incredible - very reliable and very fun to drive. The SVT is quirky but I think that adds character. Mine is the Euro edition that, in addition to a host of features, comes standard w/ Recaro - heated leather seats, Xenon headlights; traction control and 17" wheels. In the SVT price range, there are no other makes that compete on performance and equipment. And the Focus is an American made product! I highly recommend this car.