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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  Poor MPG in Town - 2009 Ford Edge
  By R. Laing - July 21 - 8:26 am

  I am pleased with most things about this SUV. It gets over 25 MPG on the Hwy with average speed of 70 MPH, but in town I am very disappointed. In normal city driving it gets 13 to 14 MPG.

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  Ford Ranger 2008 Reg Cab 2W 6cyl - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Houston - July 20 - 9:20 pm

  Style is thick, brawny, efficient and descendant of the bull dog. Basic model does the job on hauling furniture, plants, groceries. wood, sod, bricks. No space is wasted Recommend that you get the electrical windows option I installed after market windows and remote door locks and wished I had purchased the factory options with Ford. You should also protect your investment and get bedliner with Ford logo. The white paint is beautiful- like porcelein and reflects the 100 degree southern heat. For the low price, a very reliable and satisfactory long term investment. The MPG is really comparable to other 6 cylinder trucks as well as luxury cars! So you are in the ballpark.

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  fun lil truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By kcirtap - July 19 - 10:27 pm

  1st tank of fuel mpg disappointment 16.5mpg. But doing research learned that as engine loosen with more mileage it would get better and it did, with the 5sp. automatic Im now averaging 30mpg after putting on 4,500 miles. Got 535miles out of last tank fill. Truck has a tight feel when driven, would be a perfect ten if it didnt wonder when encountering road bumps. Needed attention by Ford. Otherwise great lil truck! If you are over 6ft. like myself get the extended cap, trust me.

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  Escape has definitely proven itself - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bw - July 19 - 11:45 am

  I bought this Escape in Alaska in 2005. It worked GREAT in the snow and gets good mileage. Loaded it full of stuff (so much that the rear suspension was sagging) and drove it to Minnesota in 2006, no problems. Packed it up again and drove it to Maryland in 2009. Shes still running great with 95,000 miles. I replaced the stock tires at 80,000 miles and just replaced the front pads/rotors a week ago. The original brakes were on the edge of failing, but they gave me no problems for 95,000 miles. It aint fancy but its come a long way! Im going to keep it until the wheels fall off.

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  Good Value - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Dave K - July 18 - 10:26 pm

  A car you can drive for twelve hours and not be tired. 34 MPG running at 70 MPH even with an automatic. Handles well - suspension and steering are tight. Fit and finish are very good.

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  sellers remorse - 2000 Ford F-150
  By j d - July 18 - 12:24 pm

  Loved this truck. Base model 4x4 with 5.4. handled and rode beautyful till about 180000. replaced ball joints and bearings at about 165000 and 175000. no other major problem, except when gas was 4.00 a gallon. she works hard but drinks hard too. opt for xlt or higher. base comes with 3.35 Rear ratio. Its got the power but not as lively or efficient as 3.73, but shell do bout 110. rotate tires and theyll last. i had a set of michilen ltx ats that lasted 110000 miles! Just sold to down size and immediately regret the decision. Oh yeah 228000 miles, no leaks, original exhaust in tact and quiet ect. it is a ford though so keep it clean or fix the rust

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  Great family SUV....Horrible My Ford Touch system! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tony Capitule - July 18 - 10:31 am

  We love everything about our Explorer Sport with the exception of the My Ford Touch Sync System. We originally gone one in Jan of 2016. Two weeks into having it, the the My Ford Touch system stopped working. We couldnt get the audio feature to turn on, including with pushing the power on/off button on the system. We calling the service dept, they had no idea what I was talking about and basically thought I was stupid because I didnt know how to turn the radio on. We needed to do three master resets of the My Ford Touch Sync System before it started working again. NOTE: when its not working, voice recognition also doesnt work. Two weeks later it happened again. The audio feature generally turns on automatically. If you had the system turned off, you would just hit the power on/off button and the radio, bluetooth, etc would start playing. When its acting up, nothing works and no buttons help except for doing the master reset multiple times. We brought it back to the dealership where we purchased it and they said theyve never seen this happen. Ultimately they gave us a new Explorer replacement. Weve just hit approx 850 miles and now this new Explorer is also experiencing the same exact My Ford Touch Sync System issues....sooooo frustrating. The next time it happens, Im going to bring it back to the dealership while its malfunctioning so that they can see the problem and hopefully find a resolution as I dont want to swap this one out again. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MY FORD TOUCH!!!

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  Like the Truck, Hate the Service Support - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By GSFuller - July 16 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the truck for the functionality - to transport my family and cargo at the same time. I chose it over the Dakota because it drove like a car - which it is. This vehicle is not as durable as a truck and should not be treated as such. But for a suburbanite, I like it a lot. It has things break on it a lot and I am thankful for the warranty. Too bad the dealership is so unsupportive. I see it as a great alternative to a wagon but not to a pick up truck. Treat it gently and it will perform well. Great speed but poor mileage (18 - 20 mpg).

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  A fun ride - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By DjfunkmasterG - July 16 - 8:32 am

  I have had my Mustang over 2 years now and it is lucky #13. I have been driving Mustangs since 1988. Out of the 13 I have owned only one was a lemon, a 2004 which I bought as a left over, but this 2007 has been spectacular just like the previous 11 models with no issues. While the interior feels like a cockpit and more room was given for taller drivers in the 05 redesigns, it could still use some work. The center console could be a little smaller. Handling is nice with the 18" wheel package. My model also has the 3.55 rear axle. I drive a basic deluxe, the only options were the 3.55 rear, upgraded dash, and the 18" wheels, otherwise barebones, and I love it. Over this is fun car.

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  03 Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By chiseled - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is too much fun! Definitely a head-turner, especially when they see a woman driving it :)