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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  Finally a 4-door truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ChrisS - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive been on the fence since this truck came out. I was looking forward to a 4-door truck, as the SUVs just couldnt do the dirty jobs that trucks can. I didnt want to spend the money, but with the new model coming out in 2004 I figured this was finally the time. I went all out and got the 5.4 with the complete towing package in lieu of the Lariat (S FL is too hot for leather anyway!). This truck is totally awesome, and everyone is impressed at how much room there is. You sacrifice a bit with only a 5 1/2 foot bed, but whats 6 inches!! If I wanted less people room and more bed (and a less powerful engine) Id have bought the Dodge!

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  80,000 miles in Crown Vic LX Sport - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By LX Sport Driver - May 6 - 7:36 am

  Put the vehicle in service on January 1, 2002. Have just about 80,000 miles on it at this point. Of course have mounted new tires, replaced brake pads, replaced two windshields, tune up and normal maintenance. Ford replaced one sensor without charge. Nothing has broken. The vehicle is problem free. The car is no drag racer but for its size and weight its mid range acceleration is impressive. Handling, including braking, is very competent for a car this size. Even with the older steering (it is not rack and pinion) the feed back/control are fine. We get a lot of bad weather, i.e. snow, but the traction control and ABS helps. Not as good as AWD or front wheel drive but not bad for rear wheel drive.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - May 5 - 9:20 am

  Ive had 2 recall items. No problems with the truck. Rides very well. Great handling and performance with the V8. Pulls like a champ. In town mileage isnt good, what do you expect from a V8 in town. Decent mileage at highway speed, drops off when pushing 80 on the interstate -- no surprise. Better than any other SUV Ive driven or ridden in: Blazer, Trailblazer, Tahoe, Durango, Cherokee. If you dont want to deal with minor defects or factory recalls, dont buy a vehicle; take a cab or rent a limo.

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  Save gas, save planet and looking good too - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 4Mom 2go - May 3 - 11:10 pm

  I traded in my 02 Eddie Bauer Explorer for 07 Escape hybrid. I doubled my mileage. Love the NAV system and real time gas mileage gauge. Keeps me from being a lead foot. Avg 31 mpg in mixed driving. The key is no rabbit starts and using less brake and more coasting to get to a red light I like exterior of 07, but the interior of the 08. Buttons and gauges are placed better in the 08. Also 08 has better nooks for interior storage. Butexterior styling of the 07 is more to my taste. The 08 exterior seems like a throwback to the late 90s Explorers, especially with its grille. Overall very pleased with my purchase, including the mpg and acceleration.

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  Flying FX-4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By j.m. - May 3 - 1:00 pm

  I LOVE THIS TRUCK! I currently have 17743 miles on this truck, and so far so good. The performance is great; I get 16 miles to the gallon up the turnpike with my quad trailer on the back loaded with 4 quads and 2 dirt bikes, plus our 6000 pound camper trailer is barely felt on it. My friend has a Dodge with the hemi, sure the hemi is quick but that truck is a tin can, mine is a bank vault. No problems except the 6 cd changer has been replaced twice, but the Audiophile system is awesome. I have an 02 Continental as well that was supposed to be my car for cruising in but the truck is more comfortable. Way to go Ford for designing such good driving characteristics into such a beast!

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  Its a dream to drive - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Nicholas pagano - May 3 - 2:16 am

  It looks like a truck reliable and drives like a car.

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  Inexpensive High Quality Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Focused - May 2 - 10:13 pm

  For the price and the discounts you get, this is the best buy in 2008 period. The cabin is super quiet, even when shifting gears(can barely hear the engine) and the shifting is smooth as butter. It handles awesome, the ride is very soft, has plenty of power, the seats are very comfortable, the Microsoft SYNC is just perfect. I have the Audiophile system and music sounds awesome with the built in Subwoofer. Ambient lighting is great as well. Do yourself a favor. If you want to get a high quality inexpensive car, this is the one! Plus, the gas mileage is great. I am very happy with this car. Cant believe how quiet and smooth it is....Awesomeness!

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  Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Matt H - May 1 - 8:06 am

  Overall, Im very satisfied with this car! While its a 4 cylinder, its zippy and responsive. The inside feels refined and is very comfortable to ride in. Its easy to carry 4 full sized adults in comfort. Its a great choice for a midsize sedan while still hanging on to the cool and responsive side of the world.

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  Excellent Sports Car, Reasonable Price - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By weatherbee - April 30 - 11:53 pm

  The 2006 V6 model Mustang is a definite improvement over the aging 1999-2004 models. With 210 flywheel HP, there is a noticeable and noteworthy acceleration with this car. However, do not expect to get anything close to V8 performance. It is reasonable, and will help keep insurance cost, and gas cost (compared to a V8) down. The fuel economy on this vehicle suffers when caught in stop and go traffic. I have averaged roughly 14-19 MPG, while on the freeway 23-26 MPG. For a V6 engine, the gas mileage is a slight disappointment, though I can be blamed for wanting to stomp the acceleration for the pure joy of it. Exterior design is great, while interior design feels a little cheap.

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  Blue Transit Connect 2010 - great design - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By John Jones - April 30 - 8:56 pm

  Gas mileage good. Power good. Style good. Interior room . Awesome. I traded in a Ford escape. Been on trips, mostly drive in town like most of us. Stops great. Some gmc cut over in front of me the other day and the transit did extremely well. I do wish they had a luxury package or more add-ons. Fab for hauling stuff. John Jones Stone mountain, ga.