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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  Very Reliable - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By STEVEM - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 92K on this car since June 2000 and have had to do nothing other than routine maintenance (oil changes, transmission flush). As I do mostly highway driving, I still havent had to change the brakes (even had the dealer look at the brakes twice to make sure).

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  Dream car Disappoints---UPDATE - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Terry - April 27 - 12:49 am

  OK just a quick update from my previous review: So the dealer found the cause of the rear end noise, it was Lungnuts rolling around where the spare tire would be if there was one. The car has locking lungs on it so, someone put the spare lungnuts in trunk. Boy was I releaved! It has been a week since I purchased the Mustang and I have to say "It is my Dream Car"! It drives great & handles amazingly well. It was warm enough to put the top down...what a great day cruzing.

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  Nice Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By MikenAmber - April 26 - 10:46 pm

  Purchased new in May, really like the truck, no major problems. One minor rattle in drivers door, may be bad speaker. Has factory installed Satellite radio in it, nice touch, Fair gas mileage as good as my I-6 5 speed 1995. Good quality, tight vehicle, exceptional ride.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Michelle - April 26 - 11:56 am

  I love my Ford Explorer Sprot Trac truck!!! It drives wonderful, plenty of room for 5 people, and the truck bed is a great size. There is a minor problem with the interior design, and I do mean minor....the location of the inside door handles is awkward, but you get very used to it. The cover for the bed is heavy, so 2 people is a requirement. But I have had so many compliments and everybody that drives it loves it! I will never get rid of this truck, and I usually get bored with vehicles about every 2 years or so.

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  Awesome F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By TommyT - April 26 - 9:23 am

  My 2006 F150 is awesome! Comfortable, powerful and quiet. Ive had my truck for seven months and I dont have any complaints. Ive hauled with it and towed with it with no problems. The family loves it because its so roomy inside. Handles like a car, but you still know youre in a truck

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  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jgimp123 - April 26 - 8:36 am

  This is my first SUV, but I LOVE it! It is roomy inside and has a lot of neat gadgets. The ride is smooth, although the gas engine is a little loud. The sync feature is nice, except when it doesnt understand your commands. MPG is pretty good. Ive had mine for a few weeks and average 30 mpg. The faster you drive, the more it decreases. It is a bit touchy at first and takes some getting used to transitioning from gas to electric. The more I drive it, the easier it is to use the electric motor under 40 vs the gas. If you run the AC, it is difficult to get the electric motor to kick in. Overall, great car and highly recommend it! One nice thing is that maintenance is not required often.

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  Saved our lives - 2005 Ford Escape
  By betty lynch - April 26 - 7:26 am

  Stopped at toll booth. Ryder truck slammed into back and knocked us into culver and toll booth.He had no brakes. I was pinned against front door and wheel. Both of us went to hospital and it could have been worse. My husband brusied on side that was not hit.Car was totaled but we made it due to strong workmanship of this car. Only know this SUV held up under severe conditions. Thanks Ford.

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  Taurus Review - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By J Bartram - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Upon driving this car to Connecticut from North Carolina my mileage was over 30 per gallon and the ride was extremly comfortable.

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  PROBLEMS.... - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By XXXDIGGLERXXX - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Well I got my 95 in 97 and loved it then. Since then I have had 3 transmissions, 2 thermostats, 2EGR valves and numerous other small repairs. The most irritation thing is the color scheme. Willow Green interior. No other paint job will go with it at all. Lately i got a Flowmaster exhaust cat-back and a K&n air filter and i got back all the power i hve lost over the years from being young and dumb. I think im going to hang on to it and do little modifications for a couple more years. oh and the 96 bumperskirt fits perfect for that intergrated fog lights. so my 95 looks like a 96 1/2 and drives like a 99.

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  Cant think of life without it - 1993 Ford F-150
  By scozim - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 1992 with 11 miles on the odometer. Outside of some basic repairs like the water pump, mufflers, shocks, warped brake rotors it has been flawless in its reliability. The old venerable 302 lives up to heritage. The bench seats are a little uncomfortable on long hauls. My dad is still amazed 10 1/2 years later how quiet this truck is and how well it rides down the road.