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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  Reliable and Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cavan22 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After over 9000 miles my car hasnt had 1 problem. Its very smooth, comfy, and a pleasure to drive. Acceleration is sufficient and handling tight. Biggest problem is rear visibility; just make sure you look over your shoulder!

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  Really great Pick-up. Plenty of room/comfort - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Raymond Schulte - May 3 - 11:35 pm

  If you want a truck that will go the distance this will do it.

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  Everything I was looking for - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Lee - May 3 - 9:12 pm

  Great vehicle; ok design; lots of features. Didnt see the need for spending $$$ for for the egocentric amenities in the upper models - the car companies have figured out that people will spend a LOT on their egos.

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  Teens outlook - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Teenager2 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall a fun car to drive. A few lil ford problems here and there but a great value. Very nice perfromance on the road. Nice brakes. For a teen, its a great car.

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  SUPER DUALLY - 1994 Ford F-350
  By OPOSSUM - May 3 - 2:00 am

  JUST HAD THIS TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 1/2 MONTHS. BOUGHT IT AS A 9 YEAR OLD TRUCK WITH JUST 38,000 MILES ON IT. I SPECIFICALLY BOUGHT IT TO PULL A 5TH WHEEL CAMPER. SO FAR, IT IS A JEWEL. MORE THAN ENOUGH POWER, STYLE AND HANDLING ARE EXCELLENT. I GET COMPLIMENTS EVERYWHERE I GO. OKAY, IVE ONLY PUT 1,000 OF MY OWN MILES ON IT. HOWEVER, I INTEND TO KEEP IT FOR A LONG TIME. THE MPG IS POOR AT ABOUT 11MPG...BUT, HEY, YOU DONT BUY THIS KIND OF TRUCK FOR GAS MILEAGE. YOU BUY IT FOR DURABILITY, FLEXIBILITY AND DRIVEABILITY. OH, YEAH, IT WILL DO ANYTHING YOU WANT OR NEED IT TO DO. JUST CALL ME BUBBA.

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  Dont Do iT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By big texan - May 3 - 2:00 am

  My excursion is terrible. I have had it 4 months and it has been in shop 11 times. I am trying to get it lemon lawed as we speak. The powerstroke is a great motor ans when it wasnt in the shop performed well but it really hasnt been out of the shop much. Buy the ESV instead. Ford SUCKS!

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  Choose wisely - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By The Avenger - May 3 - 2:00 am

  The engine has been reliable. The exhaust at certain speeds makes a rattling noise. The truck thinks the drivers door is always open. I had to take out the interior bulbs to drive at night. The fan switch only works on high setting. A common Ford problem. The AC compressor always seems to go on and off even if just the vent is on.

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  Worst Truck Ever - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By FORD - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Worst truck ever. Two trannys within 1 year. I will never buy a Ford again. FOund On Road Dead!!!!!!!!!

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  Decent Ride, Killer Gas - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Richard - May 3 - 1:56 am

  Bought recently, have put 1500 miles on it. Came with the 5.4L engine upgrade. I test drove the F150, Silverado and Ram. The Chevy and Ram are MUCH faster but the F150 is the most refined. The interior is much improved over the 03. Ive been trying to squeeze the most out of my mileage with a soft foot (never revving past 3000rpm, A/C usually turned off), but I still manage only 13.5 local/hwy combined. With gas prices climbing, I might have to get an economy beater car for hwy driving. If you want acceleration, go with the Chevy or Dodge. But the F150 beats em out in almost all other categories

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  Awesome Car ! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By bill powell - May 2 - 10:33 pm

  I recently purchased a v6 with the 051A package which is a must. You get the beautiful 18 inch 5 star wheels and 6 way power drivers seat. The car has great acceleration and very good steering feel. The ride is very good and the seat is comfortable. The car gets compliments everywhere I go especially when at the gas pumps.