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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  Stylish Reliability - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Trilby - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck has not let me down for the 214,425 miles that Ive owned it. Good gas mileage, great ride. No problems to speak of. Would be lucky to own another vehicle as reliable as this has proven to be.

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  2001 Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By dankole - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has done absolutly everthing that I have needed it to do

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  I dont know - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By golf4me - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 2000 XLT w/ Sport Package, 5.4ltr., auto., 4x4 w/ automatic 4 wheel drive option for 3 years. I liked the power from the 5.4 since this is a BIG vehicle, had front and rear air and heat, third seat a joke, great stereo w/ 6 disc cd changer, and the ride height made me feel king of the road. Had to replace transmission at 54,000 miles not pleased. Dont use the auto 4 wheel drive in snow unless you want in a ditch, gas milage was about 14 on highway, 10 in city. I dont think Ill buy another one.

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  Cautiously Optimistic - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Electronhauler - January 20 - 11:56 am

  Having used an Explorer 4x4 for over 10 years, I am really happy with this vehicle, especially in rough road/offroad situations. The Escape is far less agricultural than the Explorer, better handling, and that gas mileage (Im getting about 28.5) means Im saving over 2 gallons per hundred miles. The payback is not really there yet, but if gas stays above $2.20 then its worthwhile. If youre a technophobe Id stay away until it is more proven.

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  Nice change - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Peg - January 20 - 10:16 am

  Ive had my Escape almost 4 weeks, and have put on 2400 miles already. The ride is comfortable with lots of room for passengers. Gas mileage not too bad for a 6 cyl., Im averaging 21.4 mpg and that is mostly highway driving. Traded my 2005 Outback, miss the heated seats, heated mirrors, and lumbar support.

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  BEST TRUCK EVER! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By happyF150Guy - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how well it rides and drives! It is total luxury with all the abilities of a real truck! It drives smooth, it pulls hard, it rides quiet and gets better milage than my 1999 model did!

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  Best Truck Ever - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jason Shinn - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ordered this truck exactly the way I wanted it and after picking it up I soon realized it was even better than I expected. The ride is so smooth and quiet I almost forget Im in a truck. My 5.4ltr has 500lbs of torque and does whatever I want it to and begs for more. Ford did an unbelievable job on the quality including the fit and finish. I just cant say enough about how pleased I am with this truck. I hghly recommend it!!!

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  2004 ford heritage - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By larry luther - January 20 - 10:00 am

  supprised that shortwheelbase rides as good as it does. Power seems to be strong for a 6 cyl. 3.55 ratio may help here.all and all good truck for the price.

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  2004 ford sport trac problems - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By hstafford - January 20 - 3:49 am

  1 bought this suv new and have a lot of problems. always had a slight viberation then at about 70,000 miles the lifteres started rattling. took it to a dealer he said there was a sock in the valve cover which had falling down the cost would would be $300.00. aweek later they called said the timing chain was worn out now $1300.00.left it over a week i finally called them & the said fixted & was idling sitting ,then it broke agan, now we are over $3ooo.oo fixed & i took it home not very long & it stoped right in the middle of the road.in the shop again now the cam on the right side worm out. now price up to nearly $4700.00 fixedworkin ok . transmission went out then $2900.more fords for me.

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  poor performance confortable ride - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By graychildren - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This suv has the comfort made for a king or queen but lack in exeleration and handeling hurts its performance.