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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  My Birdy - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By 4.6 LX Bird - August 5 - 9:15 pm

  I bought my T-Bird just a few years ago with around 60,000 miles. The car has been great to me ever since the day I bought it. Recently Ive been experiencing transmission problems, But thats not bad after 110,000 miles. I go through tires like crazy but thats just cause Im kinda hard on the car. This is the perfect first car for anyone as it was mine. Recently I added a 2000 watt system with a touch screen monitor. My favorite thing to do is drive on the highway on a summer nice summer night with the windows & sunroof open. Blasting the new system and listening to the V8 with custom exhaust roar. Ill never regret buying this car. In fact Im looking for my second. =]

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  darn good truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By theredflash - August 5 - 7:06 pm

  I got the truck for free from my uncle he bought it in 1995 for 16,000. Had it overhauled at 186,000 miles. I myself have done the balljoints, brakes, regular tune ups and all that stuff. So far the best truck I have ever owned, the straight six is probably the best motor around. I was 16 when I got the truck and was very hard on it! 2 feet of mud, no lift, and still made it through, has pulled out plenty of people stuck in ditches, and mud roads. Won best old beater when I graduated high school. Candy Apple red and wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  excellent - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By bowlingball - August 5 - 12:16 pm

  Great little suv. Fun to drive and has plenty of pick up when needed. No horror stories yet.

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  Very Impressed - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Nick - August 4 - 11:55 am

  I received this as a Christmas present from my Dad this past Christmas. Im 18 and this was a huge upgrade from my grandmas 1994 Ford Tempo I was driving around. All I can say is wow. It has a good amount of power and the brakes are fantastic. I drive it pretty hard, but I still get about 26-28 mpg doing a mix of city and highway driving. Its hard to explain, but the car just feels "solid". The doors close with a dull thud, instead of a hollow bang. Even things like the turn signal lever feel well built. The steering is tight and easy to maneuver, even at high speeds. The ride is overall excellent.

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  Very Reliable - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Tennessee - August 4 - 5:59 am

  Great little truck. VERY RELIABLE. Never had any problems. 21mpg has been appreciated and fact that body style has not changed much, truck still looks like new. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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  Ford Done Good! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Geetar - August 4 - 5:23 am

  I have only owned this car a month, but she is a joy to drive and I dont regret the purchase one bit. Only time will tell how reliable it will be, however Ford gets an A+ for now.

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  05 V6 -- a muscle car in every sense - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By 05AV6 - August 3 - 11:23 pm

  LOVE this car, have had almost a year now and love it more every day. Dont need the GT to get your heart rate up, this V6 flies. No disappointments here.

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  She was right - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Larry - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  I originally was looking for a new F-150 to replace my 2001. When stepped on the lot we saw the Escapes and stopped to look. My wife said I should look into one to save on gas. She felt we only needed one big truck, that being our 03 Expedition. Even though I wanted a new F-150 I researched the Escape and the numbers looked good. I am a big guy (61" 270lbs) and I fit, not only in the front seats but in the back. This is my new commuter vehicle, I put almost 100k on my 01 F-150 in less than 4 years back and forth to work. I got great handling, Im comfortable, get better gas mileage and I park it in a lot places I couldnt with my truck.

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  Retired Boomer - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hookshot1 - August 3 - 9:12 am

  Researched long and hard, test drove Prius V, Mazda CX-5, and C-Max to replace 03 Highlander (great car by the way).Liked the room behind the second row in the V and CX-5 and the driveability of the CX-5. Liked the mileage (knew it didnt get 47/47/47), acceleration, handling, quietness, and accommodations in the C-Max. I have put about 1500 miles on the car so far and am getting about 43 mpg overall. Having fun playing the hybrid game! Much of my driving is in town or two lane rural highway. The mileage does suffer if you go over 65 mph. Diesel is probably the way to go if you want great interstate mileage.

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  What a truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Buck - August 3 - 8:10 am

  This is an excellent truck that looks good and handles well. The model change from pre-2004 F-150s is awesome. This is my 5th F-150 and, so far, the best.