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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  Update - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By 2bigfoot - May 3 - 11:00 am

  Did review at 220,000 miles and had few problems, mainly front brake rotors. No matter what brand they still seem to want to warp.This gives pulsation while braking. At almost 275,000 miles had to replace the serpentine belt and radiator hoses. Still getting 27 mpg. A friend of mine has a 2000 model and has had many more repairs than mine with only 120,000 miles.

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  Good truck, good value - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bill - May 3 - 1:10 am

  I would buy a Sport Trac again. It is a great vehicle, drives and handles well and is perfect for someone who needs a truck only sometimes. HoweverI rated the exterior and interior design below average because the Ford design team missed some simple features that would make the vehicle much more easy to use.For example the storage compartment in the bed is unreachable unless you crawl up on the bed. I’m 6’5” and I cannot open the compartment, you would need to be built like an ape to use this compartment effectively. The other issue with this compartment is it does not lock, but considering how hard it is to access maybe the Ford design guys felt it was too difficult for a thief to access?

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  Fix or repair often - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By scorpio53 - May 2 - 7:32 am

  Ive had my 96 ranger since new and Ive replaced rotors,bearings and calipers twice and I baby this thing,Ive also replace all brakelines mastercylinder powersteering pump and lines.The truck has a mind of its own and the lights inside and outside come on and go off at will as well as the alarm bells ring the motor switch on the interior fan stopped working as well and the radio wont shut off,Ill never own another one!!!

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  Daily Driver - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Uwe - May 1 - 2:49 pm

  I picked up my brandnew 2009 GT with Bullit & Nav option last week. Still breaking it in. Its a fun car that I use as my daily drive. Its quick, but that is relative of course (my weekend car is a 2005 Porsche Turbo S). Still, it is capable to pass the majority of cars on the road, and thats what was important to me. The interior looks and feels cheap (lots of plastic) except for the leather seats. Good sized trunk. Nice exhaust sound. The car "feels" a bit big for a 2+2 seater. Appealing price ("Internet" price $3k down MSPR + $3.5k Ford incentive). Good stereo (Shaker 500) with enough bass power to make the windows rattle. Pleasant overall experience at the dealership.

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  just wont quit - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By volosong - May 1 - 1:42 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and have been the only owner. Honestly, Ive neglected maintenance on it, but it keep acting like the Enegizer Bunny...just keeps going and going. Only two set of brake pads, only mechanical problem in 270,000 miles of driving is the that the throwout bearing and the fuel filler hose needed to be replaced. Nothing else! I chalk that up to my dads advice to always purchase the very inexpensive "towing package". Only reason for finally selling is that the wife purchased another vehicle that I can use for a two vehicle. By the way, Ive even used the Ranger to tow my Mercedes to the shop, a sixty-mile one-way drive. No issues.

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  my truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By steve - May 1 - 11:13 am

  This is my first Ford. V-6 auto is weak. Empty bed is bouncy over even small bumps. As I drive 99% of the time with an empty bed, the current suspension is not my thing. Good smooth highway ride though, and quiet. Backup sensor was worth the buck. Never buy one again with manual windows and door lock. I thought I will never lower the window but what a hassle going through the toll booth.

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  Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By tboom5 - May 1 - 1:00 am

  THe Fusion is my kind of car. I Love this car, I love this cars gas mileage! There is not a lot to complain about, except the rear window. If your looking to buy this car with a spolier try backing up before you buy it. The window sets up higher and the spoiler blocks your view. This is something I did not notice until I backed right into a tree.

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  not bad so far - 2004 Ford F-150
  By t - April 29 - 2:26 pm

  I just now started driving the truck so far so good. lots of room and nace looks. when you punch it its slow as ever with the 5.4L. I love the deep bed and looks. I never owned a ford so idk what to expect. its deffantaly not a race truck.

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  Great ride... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By TanMan - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car especially when you live in Southern California and drive with the top down most of the year! Love the way it handles, although I wish the GT suspension wasnt as hard riding...especially over country roads. Some minor rattles, but this is a convertible. A real plus is that the V-8 engine uses regular fuel! That is a big savings just in itself! Would definitely buy another down the road!

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  Love my 2003 F-150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Dave Gearhart - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 F-150 XL supercab is a heck of a nice truck. The 4.2 V6 while not being overpowered does everything I want it to do. Plenty of pep when you need it. I purchased it in June of 2003 and got a terrific buy. With the factory rebaits and the dealer being highly movated to deal, I ended up paying $4500.00 under factory invoice. Sweet deal for a XL model.