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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  worth the money, gets the honeys - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Casey Strickland - July 6 - 3:01 am

  This truck is a tough and versatile little trooper. no matter what, i know i can rely on it for whatever i need. when buying one, make sure it runs and idles well. also make sure the ball joints and control arms are in good condition (if equipped). that alone can be the reason why people talk bad about them. I will admit the are a little expensive, but when it comes to some cars you get what you pay for. Overall i have had to do a few repairs here and there, but nothing you cant do at home. I will say it is the best 4x4 i have ever owned. BUT... if you want to make it an off road vehicle you may want to opt for an older one with a solid axle. The torsion bar suspension is the worst thing ive ever seen. i have a 3 lift on mine and it has absolutely no flex on the front end.

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  Good Truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By FX4 150 - July 5 - 6:20 pm

  This is truly a well built truck. I have no complaints.

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  You will have fun racing bicyclists - 2011 Ford Transit Connect
  By lexxter - July 5 - 1:37 pm

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever had the displeasure of driving. It is extremely uncomfortable. It is extremely slow. The A/C sucks! The heater sucks! The radio sucks! The hubcaps fall off. The cabin noise is terrible. You may want to wear earplugs. I drive with the gas pedal stomped at all times. I cannot wait until the engine blows, which will not be long. I would rather be driving a 72 pinto.

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  Fusion - a Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BuckeyeDad06 - July 5 - 11:00 am

  This is a great car. Has somewhat of a Euro feel to it. Its fun to drive, and has a lot of passenger room and a huge trunk. At 6-1", I have plenty of headroom and legroom (even with a sunroof), and my 5-0" wife can move the seat higher and forward enough to drive it comfortably as well. All the controls are logical and easy to reach. With the 5-speed, the 4 cylinder engine is very responsive; No problems getting up to speed when needed (or wanted). I only have 3500 miles on it so I can only assume that reliability will last. This is the seventh Ford product Ive owned in my life and six of them have been very reliable. Realistically, I am getting 26-28 MPG, mostly city/suburban.

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  wow - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nvelez - July 5 - 6:30 am

  i love my truck. Roomy, comfortable, rides and handles extremely well; all the bells and whistles. Cons: Not the greatest gas mileage, but is getting a little better As the proud owner of my fourth Ford Explorer, I can honestly say the 2002 Explorer is absolutely the best model yet! New technology, great styling, 3rd row seat. Cons: Gas mileage, ugly key fob. I recently traded an amazing 230,000 mile Honda Accord for a brand new Explorer. The main reason being that I need more space.

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  Have You Experienced This? - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By petsitter711 - July 4 - 11:03 pm

  Purchased a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid in Sept. of 2010 with 30K miles. Have driven it 90 days now, and lately, I "feel" more of a surge when I brake and/or accelerate and it changes from the electric mode to the gas. It didnt seem like I "felt" that surge before. Took it to the dealer (unfortunately I ended up purchasing it from a Toyota dealership, not a Ford), and they said that the computer indicated there was nothing wrong with it. Hummm, I dont believe them?!! Any thoughts on this? Also, my gas mileage went down from 34 mpg city when I first purchased it to 28 mpg city now. I live in Illinois if that makes any difference. Anyone know anything about this?

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  Always Japenese - Pleasantly Surprised - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Swimguy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Have always owned Japenese vehicles, however full credit to Ford, the Explorer is very competitive. V8 is hard on gas, but that is to be expected. Had the DVD system and sunroof put in and I now enjoy listening to Scooby Doo vs. a screaming 16 month old that hates her car seat. To all the families out their, "the DVD is worth the cost." Have the 17 inch BF Goodrich tires on - tire noise intrudes into the cabin. A purchaser may want to consider less aggressive tires. However despite the noise, the Explorer handles very well on snow and ice and I am sure the tires have something to do with that.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By lbhsrays - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I am 16 and i just got a licence. I was lookin for a small car like a Eclipe but my mom said for safety to get a SUV. I love the Escape now that i have it. Its awesome inside and out, and drives fast. I could afford it, and its a good car even for teens. (all my freinds love it)

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  Engine just stalled after 8,000 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By scareddriver - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 XLT Ford Escape with 8,000 miles. Today I was driving home from work and the engine, and battery lights came on. The power steering went out and the brakes barely worked. When I finally got the car to stop it died. Luckily I put it into park and it re- started. I am scared to think of what would have happened only 5 minutes earlier when I was on the freeway. I read a lot of bad reviews about the Escape and its stalling problems. I thought maybe it wouldnt happen to me, but it did. I am afraid to take it into the shop and have to hear them tell me that nothing is wrong. This is a real shame.

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  No more Fords!!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ExFordGuy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  TERRIBLE RELIABILITY. Numerous recalls, intake valve problem, 3 batteries in 3 years, electrical short, power doors broke 4 times, noisy engine, towed 3 times because it wouldnt start. All this and the car is kept meticulously in our garage. It only has 28,000 miles. It will be our ex-car soon!