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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  rough vibration and unfixable wind noise - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By columbus - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Have had continuos problems with wind noise and the 3.8 engine causes vibrations while stopped at intersections. I have been told that it has to do with stiff motor mounts and is only a problem with the 3.8 liter engines. Over all, I am not a happy Mustang owner.

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  Great Ride / Gas Hog - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By c25sailor - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The most comfortable of all the SUVs that I have owned to drive. This includes Suburban, Yukon, and Explorer. Roomy, quiet, smooth and comfortable. Only downside -- horrible gas mileage with the 5.4. Averaging 13.9 mpg --- with the Suburban 5.7 I got around 16.3 for similar driving. If Ford could get the economy up a little this would be the best SUV going. Now its great -- but drinks too much fuel.

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  Dependable and reliable - 1995 Ford F-150
  By WoodMoose - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck as a program vehicle when it was three months old. It has been real dependable with minor, regular maintenance requirements. The engine is still like new and I regularly get 17+ mpg on the interstate.

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  2002 F150 SUPERCREW XLT (FREE) - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Robert Beach - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Unlike most folks, Mine was FREE. I won it at a company drawing. They paid everything, even my taxes. All i had to bring was ins. Now I already had a 97 GMC and a 99 F150 EXTRACAB, So i sold the lemon ie."GMC" and kept the two F150s. And I love the Supercrew it handles better than my ext cab. rides better. and gets the same mileage as my 6 cyl gmc. And it is just "the best". IF YOU PURCHASE ONE YOU WILL LOVE IT.

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  Harley Truck Experience - 2002 Ford F-150
  By patshark - September 3 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical or other warranty needs at all. Excellent quality. Superb performance. Exhaust is a little too loud. Hauls heavy trailers with ease, runs smooth as glass.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By tapdog - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford and I say never again. this car has been in the repair shop so many times I have lost count ford has always fix it under warienty.Recently it has stalled on then freeway in heavy traffic and been in the shop 2 times for the transmision.The best part is that Ford says thier computer can not find a problem for either and they can not duplicate the problem. Anyway I say never again. This car is not dependable.

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  Bang For the Buck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Christopher Dunham - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Ranger I have had and they just keep getting better. Good performance,comfortable and fun styling. I have NOT had one problem with any of the Rangers to date. They are solid and reliable. I have compared them to other trucks, for ex: Toyata Tacoma and the quality in craftmanship and the solidness of the vehicle is superior to that of the Tacoma which was really tinny sounding. To date I have not come across a truck in its class that can truly give you more bang for the buck.

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  2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Rich Mac - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Ford I have ever owned and Im impressed. I drive about 120 miles daily and I dont have a bad thing to say about my truck.

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  One Awsome SUV.... - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By 1bigford - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I’ve owned many vehicles in my years. Among them, 4 SUVs. The Excursions by far is the best of the SUVs. At first I hesitated because of its size. After a few short miles I found it to be very easy to drive as did my wife, who now is the primary driver, I only get it on weekends. It has plenty of room and power to spare. I find it hard to believe FORD is discontinuing this vehicle. I found nothing but praise for it in everything I read.

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  big dog - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By tony coglione coglione - September 2 - 2:46 pm

  Reliability safety warranty Fuel Economy