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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  The Best Damn Truck Ive ever owned - 1994 Ford F-350
  By Chet - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck a year old with only 800 miles in Fairbanks Alaska. I changed out the antifreeze to handle - 60 and colder temperatures and added some synthetic oils. This truck has never quit on me in the coldest and hotest temperatures. I have over loaded and over towed the recommended allowances and yet the truck is still tough. I have not looked at another truck, due to its reliability and dependability. For deisel mileage, Im getting about 16mpg, not bad for a 1 ton. Its a plane and simple truck, but thats what a truck is suppose to be. Not a car.

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  This is a good truck - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Shannon Parker - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I Have a 2001 Limited 4x4 Excursion, and it is hans down the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I had a Banks kit installed on the Power Stroke diesel, and it has been pure bliss for over a year now. I reccomend this vehicle to anyone wanting a fuel-effecient truck with towing capacity that rivals commercial trucks. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS TRUCK!!

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  Quick Escape - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Warren wood - April 12 - 7:07 pm

  Its a load of fun with all the Tech. updates. Its a large SUV condensed down for a smaller family but with all the bells and whisles of an Explorer loaded. Great handling and excellent Sync 3 system. Powerful SUV and more roomy than our older 2014. Great workmanship inside and 18 inch wheels and beautiful rims. Wow, what a ride!

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  Best car ever - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By g8rtrance - April 12 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased the 02 V6 Mustang because my insurance went up due to the horrible crash history of my 2000 ZX2. I gained almost 50% more hp for about the same monthly payment and, because its a V6, my insurance only went up $40/yr. Niether one has a back seat, but now I have tons more leg room and a significantly better-driving vehicle.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By heyheyhelen - April 12 - 11:30 am

  Ive had a S-10 Blazer years ago and my trade in was an Explorer and this Escape is the best. Its the perfect size, great visibility, and the gas mileage is better than the Explorer. The only thing I wish was that the instrumentation panel was a little more upscale. The white dials takes away from the interior as far as styling go ... but a great little SUV

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  1st 1000 miles. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil - April 12 - 9:03 am

  Absolutely the best value on the market. After the 1st 1k, including an ice storm, I love this vehicle. More than enough power for me, and I traded an LS V8 for the Freestyle. The AWD is fantastic on ice, and saved me from an accident last week. Suprisingly well appointed interior with handy features and easy to use "flip down" seats for more cargo space. From all remarks I have seen on this vehicle, (and the Ford 500), I cant imagine why the reviewers (including Edmunds) keep harping on the lack of power.

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  Better than advertised/expected! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Fred Austin - April 12 - 2:26 am

  Vehicle is entertaining and exciting to drive. Looks like a real car, not a Jetsons car (Prius)! Absolutely high tech with all the gizmos anyone would want. Performance on the road is remarkable for a 4-cylinder engine. Fuel mileage is terrific even when driven as a non-hybrid car. Gets lots of attention. Vehicle will run 70++++++ MPH all day long delivering gas mileage in the high 30s. Very comfortable seats. Just a terrific car. When America builds a car like this, why would anyone buy an import? Great job Ford.

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  Great work horse. - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By electricgreen - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My truck has 204,000 miles on the original 302 motor. It has towed a 17 boat, taken my wife and myself on trips, and gotten me to work even through a big snowstorm. It still runs great, and looks pretty good too. It is extremely comfortable, even on long rides, and runs quite smoothly.

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  Great! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Lukasz - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Great!

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  Transmission - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Jonathon Goff - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1990 ford Ranger and have had to replace the trans twice and the engine once part of it is probably the 16 year old in me but now i am 20 but as far as the engine goes that is becuase of the transmission going out the engine is good but dont trust the Trans overall it has been a good truck