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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  Fun to drive at a price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By luckyintx - July 21 - 1:28 am

  Bought my 2004 Focus ZTS in Dec 2007 with 60K. Nice car but had been in some fender bender where the front bumper wasnt installed back correctly. After eating 2 sets of 4 tires, I found out the rims were bent and it has the rarest of Ford Focus ZTS rims ( wide 5 spoke with slit in the middle) nice design though. The 4 disc in dash CD changer wouldnt work when I bought it and replaced it with a DD Kenwood that sounds great! Since it was bought, I have had nothing but strictly electrical issues, which no one can figure out. I have seen others with this make/ model have this same problem, lights flickering all the time. Overall this car has some get-up-and- go for the size engine.

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  Rethink before you purchase - 2012 Ford Escape
  By campmulli - July 20 - 5:52 pm

  I will not purchase another one and cannot wait to get out of this one. We purchased the V6 Hybrid in January and in February the bumper clips were broken, the cold air proved to be rough on transmission, various plastic pieces are broken and when putting back seat windows down, the vibration is unbearable. This is the second Ford Vehicle I have owned that I believe to be a lemon. I have owned many Ford vehicles and may consider others in the future but it certainly will not be an Escape.

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  Love it but check that middle row for rattles - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By kkaus1 - July 20 - 1:30 pm

  Love the explorer and would give it 5/5 if not for just one very annoying problem. The middle row passenger side seat vibrates and rattles. Every bump or rough road provides an irritating rattle. Headed back to the dealer for a second try at a repair. I found the suggestion to put something heavy in the seat funny but disturbing.

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  Best F-150 I have owned - 2011 Ford F-150
  By edam72 - July 19 - 11:06 pm

  Ford has definately made an improvement in the engine. The 5.0 V8 is very responsive, and the quickest F-150 to date. I have owned a 2001 and a 2005 V8 F150 and this is the fastest and best fuel economy. The first tank I averaged about 15-16 MPG, but I believe that was because I was having fun with the truck. My daily stop and go commute, I have been averaging about 18 MPG and I can get 19 MPG on longer trips using the cruise control. My last F150 was happy to get no more than 15 MPG on a good day. Only problem I have had with this truck is a minor paint defect that the dealer is going to fix. The quietest ride I have had in a truck, practically no wind/road noise.

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  2013 Limited - Recommended - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By ak49 - July 19 - 2:26 pm

  Only 2K miles so far, but there is quite a bit to recommend for this vehicle. Mine has all of the options, and features like the backup camera make all of the difference. The safety options are outstanding -- airbags even on the rear seat belts! Ive used it mainly in town, from commuting to work to hauling 7 adults the flexibility with the power 3rd row is great. The electronic controls may seem intimidating at first, but they are really quite simple to use. In my opinion, the interior and exterior styling is very good -- I never liked the old Explorer. This vehicle drives very smoothly and does not feel too big. Have to wait a few more months to see how it handles ice and snow.

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  Not too shabby at all - 2009 Ford Focus
  By dpf85 - July 18 - 8:54 pm

  I bought this little beast in March 2011 after I realized that a soldiers pay just wasnt going to keep allowing me the luxury of owning a Wrangler and getting 14 mpg city (and thats if I was easy on the throttle.) So far I have loved it. Im not much of a fan of the exterior styling, but its not terrible. The interior looks nice, and sure some of the material feels slightly cheap, but very bearable when considering cost. The sound system is actually more than impressive for the $. Gas mileage is great as well. Have noticed early wear on my back drivers side tire, too early to tell if its going to happen again.

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  SuperCrew Spoils You - 2001 Ford F-150
  By predmon - July 17 - 10:22 pm

  I have a 2001 Ford F150 Lariat with 5.4 that I bought in 2007 after my second son was born. This truck has a very comfortable ride with a great features such as the 6 disc CD player, leather seats. This truck allows me to put all 3 of my boys and their stuff in the cab along with tools and go to the farm. I fed cows daily out this truck during the 2010 winter with lots of mud never got stuck but sticky clay mud is very hard to clean up, Im still getting mud out from under this truck 2 years later.

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  Amazing truck!!! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By duropro - July 17 - 7:25 pm

  I am on my second Ranger now. 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 4.0L V6 manual. my old one was a 2003 Ford Ranger XLT Automatic with a 3.0L V6. Neither of them have ever have any problems. I would recommend a Ranger to anyone unsure of what small size pick up they should get. Alot of room in the cab, a good bit of room in the bed. Engine and Tranny on these trucks will last forever. I know some to get over 600K miles. I will always drive my Ranger anywhere and trust it to go wherever I want it to. Completely worth the money. Maintain these trucks and drive them for many many years to come, without ever taking them to the shop.

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  06 F-150 SUPERCREW 4X2 XLT (5.4L) - 2006 Ford F-150
  By - July 17 - 6:56 pm

  Going on 6 yrs now with mine, and 34,500 miles. Never skips a beat , and have done all sched maintenance. No problems with the 5.4L so far, but seems a little sluggish. On my 2nd set of tires the tires from ford only lasted for 34000 and started to split. Hope to go another 6yrs with this truck then trade it in for a new one. Quiet ride with little road noise .

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  1998 Ford Taurus SE Wagon - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cinemaxmama - July 16 - 9:59 am

  I have driven this vehicle for the past 13 years. Hated it then, still hate it now. BUT - most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. I bought it with 70,000 miles, I now have 180,000 and still running like a champ. There is a hole that has rusted in the floor, the door handles come apart, doors dont shut all the way, seatbelts dont pull all the way, dash is coming apart, break replacements every 6 mths, but still runs.