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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  Great car horrible engine - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Jon - March 6 - 9:22 pm

  Ive had this car as a rental for 8 days. The ride is very smooth and supple. There is some cowl shake at times but its mostly well controlled. With the top up road noise is muted from the tires but noise comes through the windows easily. The ecoboost 4 cylinder is no where near 5.9-6.1 in the convertible. Best time I got was 6.9 It lacks any authority in acceleration and is a very poor choice. The fuel ole age I got was 19.3 mpg My 5.7 Hemi manual challenger gets that. The seats are quite good as I have three bad discs and spinal stenosis and arthritis in my sacrum and these seats were a dream. The stereo system leaves a lot to be desired. My Boston acoustics in my challenger easily outperforms the shaker system. I rented this car to see if I want to buy it. I do but not this powertrain. Do Im either left to v6 with no options allowed by fire or step up to the GT. This powertrain is a joke.

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  Too much cab room in this XLT plus model - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Gregory Hickey - March 6 - 4:14 am

  Ford could shorten the wheel base on this 6.5 ft bed by 12 inches if the interior length was 6 inches shorter and the bed was only 6 foot. I am 6 ft tall and cannot reach the pedals with the seat back as far as it can go! I love this truck except for the lack of interior storage (incredibly small glove box) and because of lousy gas mileage. My Tacoma had better interior storage. The hands free is very easy to use; there is no need for a premium stereo. I go off road through major bumps and ruts on BLM roads to go dirt-biking. I pulled 7,000 pound auto hauler with an Outback on it and got 16.5 MPG over 1400 miles and barely noticed a trailer being pulled. My model has a 3.5 L turbo, which I could not find on the review selections with a 6.5 ft bed. Also, I wish for made a narrower model for off-road, as I do that regularly here in the mountains. Fuel economy on the 3.5 L turbo is really bad unless the truck is on the interstate. Although most of my driving is off road, I average only 12 MPG with 10% small town driving, 50 % country roads and 40% 55 to 65 mph roads. The accelerator is extremely touchy; Rear tires regularly screech even with the traction control. Because of bad fuel economy, I am l looking for a mid-size truck.

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  Ford Focus ZX3 - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Chris - March 5 - 12:23 pm

  This car is very fun to drive. With the 5 speed manual transmission it makes it very fun, and it also can hold its own for speed. I am very happy with the car. The build is more lower scale trim, but, you get what you pay for. And for the money, its a very good car with all the options.

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  Simply The Best - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Guspaco - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Has a roomy comfortable cabin. The controls are simple. The 6-CD Changer is really nice. The FX4 package has exactly the accessories I would have added on. Performance is a dream! Recently went over the continental divide between 10,000 and 11,000 feet. What power! Hardly felt it downshift on the 7% grade. I averaged 17.6mpg on that trip with the 5.4liter v8. The transmission is smooth and the engine is responsive. The supercab has enough room for my family of four while having, in my opinion, the best styling in its class. Its the little things like the power split rear window, that make this the best truck on the market.

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  2003 Expetition is a winner! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By John Boy - March 5 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love our 2003 EB Expedition. We had a 2000 EB Epedition which we thoght was great, but the new design and riding comfort of the 2003 exceeds our expectations

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By DR ALLEN - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 1997 Expedition (Eddie Bauer)had great luck. Went 120,000 miles and traded it for $12,000. Pulled a heavy 31 ft. travel trailer with it and always was dependable. So far this 2003 is great!!! Wonderful ride, smooth and quiet.

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  great - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jennifer lynn - March 5 - 10:00 am

  all i need to say is great!!!! no problems!!!

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  Been good to me so far.. - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 2 Ford Owner. - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1998 Escort in Nov 1997 when the new models came out. I paid about 13K. This car has been very good to me, I have never been stranded, the car runs great, of course I did not put alot of miles on it and I do get the maintenance done as instructed by Ford. I have since bought a 2002 Taurus SEL premium (and kept my Escort too) which blows my 98 escort away in comfort and power. However, when filling up at the pump, the Escort wins hands down.

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  IT IS GREAT - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Brettisthegreatest - March 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought ours and love it

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  01 Mustang is a blast! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Jennifer O. - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Mustang for about 9 months, and have been extremely pleased by it so far. The V6 is plenty of power for such a small car, and I typically get 27 miles per gallon. I drive alot, and this car has been across several states, yet I have not ever been stiff after a long trip. There is not a thing that I would change about the front seats. Dont buy this car if you intend to routinely carry more than one passenger. There is NO room in the back for an adult. Overall, I am happier every day with my purchase.