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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  Lovin It! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bug892 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fantastic. Really an improvement over the previous models. I like the smooth ride, and the new design. However, I think theyve cut some corners. The leather seems inferior to the leather in our 99 Expedition. There is no light in the glove box, the center storage bin, or under the hood! Never had a truck without a light under the hood! I also think some of the interior ergonomics could be improved (placement of cup holders behind shifter is awekward, half of the dash is taken up by ash tray and lighter and I dont smoke!) But all that said, this truck is exceptional in build quality and comfort. I take it out every excuse I get!

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  Fun Car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Vince - July 16 - 12:37 am

  I bought this car at the beginning of 2008 and I had no problems in the snow. During the following year I drove it as my daily driver in blizzards and snow storms and I didnt get in any accidents. To those afraid of rear wheel drive, just be careful and keep the drifting to impress your friends and your sweetheart at a reasonable speed in the snow and youll be fine. I drove a year and a half with very little maintenance. I had to replace the power window regulator, but other than that I dont recall any work I had to do other than maintenance until I reached about 140,000 and I found oil in the coolant reservoir(head gasket) so I upgraded to the more dependable, and older 5.0 V8

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  If you find a nice one, snag it - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Vinnie - July 16 - 12:20 am

  This would be my second mustang. My first car was a 93 celica which was ok but proof that japanese cars are no better than american ones with the 3rd engine that had pinging, leaking head gasket, plenty of burned oil, and more at 75,000 ish miles with the 1.8 corolla engine which is supposedly a reliable engine. The next one was a 97 Mustang V6 with the t-5 5 speed manual trans. The only work I had to do was I had to change the window actuator and that was about it. I sold it when I found oil in the coolant(the dreaded head gasket) at 147,000 miles and said bye to it. Now I have a 94 GT with a performance intake manifold, intake, exhaust, underdrive pulleys, and plenty more and its FUN&fast!

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  Best Work Truck On The Road - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Bug-Man - July 14 - 10:38 pm

  If you do the reserch (actual consumer reviews)you will find the Ranger is far more reliable than the Tacoma or Chevy.Just wish it got a few more MPGs.A family member who works for Toyota has told me that Toyotas own internal quality testings show that in recent years Ford cars & trucks beats toyotas hands down!I cary apox. a 1000 pounds of equip.& get 17mpg.I did add a leaf spring. I get 21mpg unloaded.The king cab says it seat 5, lets get real unless its 5 skinny dwarfs you can seat 2 adults comfortablely.

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  Good Family Sedan for Daily Commute - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Chuck - July 14 - 8:58 pm

  I bought my 07 Fusion w/ 30k on it last year, and it is a great, all-around commuting car. It doesnt have the acceleration and power that I prefer, but it more than makes up for this as far as ride quality is concerned. It is one of the SMOOTHEST riding cars youll ever have. I literally keep falling asleep while driving due to the low wide noise and smooth ride. The interior is very nice and neat, and of course the exterior meets a tame middleground between sophistication and sportiness. The seats arent the comfiest, but theyre good. So, if you have kids and a tight budget, and youre not a speedster, this is a great car. Its reliable and doesnt feel cheap.

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  Great used car - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By rich - July 14 - 4:30 pm

  Safty and good on gas,this car handles well and is just an all around reliable car.roomy too..only real complaint is not noing were the front of car is to sidewalk.But other than that,great comffy car.

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  Nice SUV, but poor build quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By chris870 - July 14 - 3:13 pm

  Love the interior amenities (DVD player, leather, V8, etc.). Had an engine problem at around 40K miles (conveniently just out of warranty), finally diagnosed properly after 2 weeks in the shop and an extended warranty purchase ($2K cost). 60K miles now, and fingers are crossed that the worst is over with the engine. Build quality is decent, and we do like the SUV. Great in the snow too.

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  Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Ford lover - July 13 - 10:38 pm

  I bought mine used with 27,000 Miles on it.I flushed transmission at purchase and added X-1R additive to motor also.So far done this 4 times. It now has 228,000 miles. Only repairs so far are alternator, power stearing pump, 2 front bearings, throtle body sensor, MAF sensor, cruise control cable. All other systems are still going so far. I believe good maintenance is the secret and changing fluids regularly including flushing AC system.

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  2013 Ford Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By trevc - July 13 - 8:26 pm

  Looks great ...very solid feel. Super seats, not sure I liked the BLACK plastic all over everything.....need possible tan options. It was just the right size. The handling is 1st class. The power was a little lacking....I am used to an accord v6 manual. I look forward to driving a high performance model. The car can certainly handle the extra power. Economy.......the read out said 30 mpg ...hopefully that will improve. Ford is onto a GREAT thing here. There was NO manual to be had anywhere to drive...It is only a 5 speed anyway ....only the auto is 6 speed.......WHAT WERE YOU THINKING FORD ???

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  Some problems with age - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Dan Meyers - July 13 - 2:10 pm

  The car is not that bad. I purchased it new. Occassionally the Check engine light flares , due to ethanol fuel. Ethanol is corn,which attracts water. Disconnect the battery, remove the fuel filter, blow out the gas and water,add a bottle of Rubbing alcohol to only 5 gals of gas, reconnect the battery after 5 minutes to reset the ECM.and its good for the next few weeks. If I can retrofit a glass bowl purge type system ,that might eliminate the water. Also, I just replaced that dual speed fan control switch for $38..and saved plenty. Ford said itll cost about $800 . That little fan switch controls the A/C vacum doors, power brake boosters, speed control and other do dads. Running good now.