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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  Thumbs up and down - 2012 Ford Focus
  By andie333 - October 14 - 2:08 am

  I was looking for a car with excellent mpg for a long commute to work, and I bought the Focus hatch with manual trans. That was 6000 miles ago.So far, Ive got mixed feelings about it. First, the good stuff: Car has the smoothest manual tran ever. Seats are comfortable, and cabin seems basic with a relatively intuitive dash and controls. Its slow to get up to speed, but holds consistently. maneuvering is tight and pretty nimble. My biggest disappointment so far has been with the cars mileage. only about 29. Weird cabin whir w windows open.

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  Awesome truck - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By grimja - October 13 - 11:41 pm

  Weve had our Expidition for four or five years now and it has 158,000 miles on it due to the long trips we take it on. Even though the family doesnt go many places together anymore I still like to drive it, even though the gas mileage is impractical. I just love how comfortable it is. It doesnt get up to speed very fast, but thats not what it was built for. The thing has only let me down once and it was due to a vacuum leak and that was two years ago. Now all I am worrying about is the rear end, which leaks fluid. Other than that it is great for its age, doesnt eat oil and even though the kids gave it a beating, you cant tell it at all.

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  FordMan - 2006 Ford Focus
  By southbender - October 13 - 7:18 pm

  Have had since 2/06. Had issues with the tailgate immediately, and the backseats needed adjusting, they wouldnt relatch first time folded down. Drivers door needed to be reset also right after purchase. Hatchback door key mechanism fell out, my spouse noticed and picked up a small key cover. Have driven from Northern IN, to Boise, Phoenix, and Nashville. Cruises at 70mph no problems. Great gas mileage. Good pick up and go in traffic. Tight steering. Great car for the money.

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  Very Unhappy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Angie - October 13 - 7:31 am

  I purchased this vehicle and the next day the check engine light came on. Dealer said was gas cap. The light was reset and then came right back on.I suggest getting a 5.4.Im lucky if I get 14 mpg! When accelerating, it feels as if Im pulling something. When at certain speeds, ex. 40,50,60 and 70 mph will jerk back and forth. Now only after having the Explorer for 3 weeks, will not start and is sitting in a parking lot.

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  2003 Focus ZTW - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Roger - October 12 - 5:53 pm

  I now have 135000 miles on this car. I have owned it from new. Only problem is that it wears out a lot of tires. Doesnt seem to help to align and rotate. last set of tires lasted 20,000 miles. Perhaps because they are the low profile 16 inch. Otherwise car uses no oil, averages 23mpg combined city and highway.

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  Enjoy it - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By john - October 12 - 5:23 pm

  Got my ride not long ago but I decided i might as well write a review. I am a truck driver, so driving is what I do. I did not like to drive anywhere before with my F-150 but now I make excuses to leave. I love my 07, I usually drive with the radio full blast but now I love to listen to that v8. Left lane love should be the subtitle of this paragraph. Two complaints, suspension stinks ( upgradable, as is everything in a Mustang), and road noise, which is unacceptable at this price point.

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  Nice Starter Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jbushnel515 - October 11 - 7:32 pm

  I bought the truck completly stock with a 3.0L V6 2 wheel drive with 56,000 miles on it. I then turned around put an American Thunder series flowmaster exhuast system on it with a K&N air filter on it. Later on I put a 3 inch lift kit keeping the same rims but putting 31 inch BFG Mud-terrians on it and the stance is really nice. Before all the add ons were put on it, I got great gas mileage on the truck but afterwards, the gas mileage stinks. But other than that, light towing and going around town isnt bad. But if you are looking for strong performance in a small truck, look elseware.

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  Feel the power... - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Buzz - October 11 - 7:41 am

  Ive had the truck for almost one year now and I love it. It has all kinds of power with the 4.0, but will suck the tank dry very quickly if you dont take it easy. It is capable of 20mpg on the highway, but I find myself unable to drive slow enough to achieve that very often. The only other complaint I have is the 6CD changer. It likes to jam up after it gets good and hot on long trips. The truck is pretty easy to work on, so I have no complaints. I only wish I had bought a 5-speed and not an automatic trans.

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  I like mine - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By jrt68 - October 10 - 5:19 am

  I have had mine for nearly 4 years and havent put anything into it except a small sensor. It gets me between 25 to 29mpg. I like it and would like to get one of the new Tauruss.

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  Lightning - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jeremy - October 9 - 10:09 pm

  Good daily driver or pull the race car to the track or a trip to Home Depot this is a great truck. For a small half ton it does the job. For serious big truck people this is not for you. This truck has some car characteristics. Its almost worthless and you cant help to love it.