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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  Go slow to enjoy!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Big "L" - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my ZTW and took a small trip across the state. The cars handles well but the noise level at highway speed is terrible, I had to constantly raise the volume of the radio in order to hear it. At city driving speeds its more tolerable.On my first tank of gas which was this trip I got 24.9mpg mostly 65-80 mph. I was hoping for better gas mileage, since Ford Web site says 26-36. Sticker says 25-30, who is lying??One good thing is that I got it for an out the door price of $14,300.00 Maybe because it was 8-31-2003 ?? Save thousands compared to Matrix-Vibe (less trunk).

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  Nice Big Camping Machine! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Brad G. - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We love the commanding view of the road and the smooth ride. VERY comparable to the "Luxury SUVs". The interior is very luxurious with incredibly comfortable leather. The engine could be a little more powerful but its a truck...how quick does it really need to be? It has plenty of power for towing but not as quick as others on the road.

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  04 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DAVYBUG - November 3 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS VERY WELL MADE,NO RATTLES WHEN DRIVEN OVER SPEED BUMPS OR OFF ROAD.GREAT STEERING AND SUSPENTION.WHEN LIFTING THE HOOD YOU NOTICE THE FRONT GRILL COULD BE BETTER QUALITY.

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  Mixed feelings - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dwayne C - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  We started having transmission problems at 20,000 miles. It would shift hard at around 40 MPH.We took it in (not at purchasing dealership)about ten times before they finally changed the transmission. I argued with the transmission mechanic that it was not right.They tried something different each time it was brought in. They adjusted the linkage, changed the spark plugs, changed the radiator, new torque converter, etc before changing the transmission. By this time the warranty was off and they wanted me to pay for it. After lots of arguing the dealer helped cover the cost above what Ford payed.There was 30,000 miles on the vehicle by the time this was done. Been running good ever since.

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  Awesome Van - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Excellent Van - November 1 - 4:26 am

  We bought this van six years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It not only carries a large number of people, but it has been extremely reliable.

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  Great until now - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Matt in Portland Ore - October 31 - 7:41 am

  Vehicle has been great up to now. It has 75,000 miles. I have driven a mix of city and highway with minimal problems. A few weeks ago the car begain sputtering upon starting. Typically it would go away in a few minutes. This past Monday it got worse. When I pushed the accelerator it was as though it was not connected. Mechanic replaced the ignition coil but this did not solve the problem. They do not know what the problem is.

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  Fun on a budget - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By stangit08 - October 30 - 11:43 pm

  Three to four dollar a gallon gas prompted me to look for something besides my 3/4 ton truck to drive. I didnt want to spend more than $20K but still wanted something fun to drive. I seriously looked at the Solitace, Miata, and Mustang. The Pontiac and Miata were at least $8K more for compariable cars albeit they were rag tops. Ford was offering $5K in rebates bring the price down to $16K drive off. The base Mustang comes with many of the desireables that are option on the other models. I have taken two trips over two hundred miles and and averaged 30-31 mpg on both trips. Combined city/hwy driving this week averaged 24 mpg. The car is a blast to drive and looks great. I am very pleased.

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  I love this truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By rednecker1 - October 30 - 4:19 pm

  I havent had many problems with this truck. It off roads great, it tows a lot and it looks great. I have a friend with a Tacoma and it has nothing compared to my truck. The difference is a go cart and a real truck. I have 31" tires and a 2 lift and abuse my truck like you wouldnt believe. But it takes it and wants more. I would strongly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - October 29 - 11:15 pm

  This is an all round great car that you can enjoy for a great price. I bought mine nearly new for $12,000. I get almost 30 MPG on the highway and about 19 MPG in the city, not bad for a fairly large car. I have driven the Ford Taurus for many years as a rental car and have always been impressed by both its comfort and dependability. The car goes great in the snow. This is a perfect family or work car if you are not hung up on the latest styles.

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  My first New Car - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Sheilah99 - October 29 - 4:05 am

  We bought this new in 2005 and had in shop several times during 36,000 mi warranty for a variety of reasons. Dealership unable to identify weird sound from rear wheel, brakes that comes on after long trips. Decent mileage on road/city: 22/17. Have also experienced rear windows sticking and not able to open in hot TX summer, but working fine now in cooler fall (dealership ignored problem when reported). Now that were fitting two baby carseats in car, we wish we had more room in backseat so that front seat doesnt have to be pushed forward to fit infant seat. Leather has been great, but experiencing cracking on front seat at sides. Had to replace dealer stereo to accomodate ipod hook- up.