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:

• 

  Been about a year now - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Mike J - September 19 - 2:31 pm

  I bought my Taurus about a year now and have been very happy with it. I have not taken any trips and do all in town driving averaging about 20 mpg. The ride is comfortable and inside and trunk are roomy. Since I bought this car at a used car dealer, the prices have actually gone up about $1,000 asking. Not bad for what some call a throw-away car.

• 

  NC Freestyle Review - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By jermnc77 - September 19 - 11:00 am

  Enjoy the ride of the vehicle. A lot of people dont know what it is though. I got the base model without leather. Cloth seats do stain easily and arent easy to clean without making water stains. It does have rear AC/heat. Added on the DVD system and second row center console after I purchased it. So its basically a next level up from base now. Was extremely disappointed in gas mileage though. Sticker stated 22/28. Commercials stated 500 miles to a tank of gas. Ive never experienced 28 mpg or that many miles to a tank. What I do enjoy about the car is the versatility of it. Its a great person carrier. Is very comfortable to travel in. Love the smooth as silk CVT transmission.

• 

  What a Shock - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By John S - September 18 - 3:36 pm

  I switched out of a 2001 Ford Excursion into the 2009 Fusion. While I wanted to hate the "little" car, I have driven it for a few days and it is absolutely wonderful. The interior comforts are great and the exterior looks very nice. I linked by Blackberry to the SYNC and it works and sounds great. The car has good power, it is very comfortable, and other than the part about being significantly lower than the Excursion, I love this car.

• 

  Crazy Coyote - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By PC - September 18 - 5:07 am

  This is a straight-up serious sports car (finally). Now that Ford (finally) gave the Mustang a fully independent rear suspension, this is the car Lee Iaccoca envisioned when he originally designed it to be a sports car. Older GTs had way too much power for the rear-end (and they would fish-tail forever - which is NOT good). This iteration stays pretty much sticky to the ground (much less fish-tailing) and a more controlled ride under full throttle. It has a nice sound (not overly so) with 5.0L V8, the Coyote engine is fun to drive at high-end revs and low end too. Has all the bells/whistles anyone would want (and even some you might not want?). Front seats are comfortable and supportive. Back seats are a little less than small (but this is more of a glorified 2-seater, anyways). Fit and finish is good (have just under 17K miles and no rattles or clunks. I do wish the bluetooth phone (Sync) was a bit more clear (voices are sometimes difficult to hear, more bass than treble- Ford says this is "normal"?). But my older Prius has tone adjustments for calls. Im getting about 27mpg on the highway and about 18mpg in the city (22mpg overall). I use premium unleaded fuel (you can use any grade but the only way youre going to get the factory spec - 435HP, is to use the good stuff). Sound system is good (wish it were a bit louder?). Love the lane-sensors, which tells you there is a vehicle in your blind spots. Visibility out of the Mustang is just OK (its low to the ground but way better than the Camaro). Best Mustang GT, to date. Now go get one.

• 

  I like it like that - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Cobalt Blue - September 17 - 9:25 pm

  I bought the truck in February (2008) from a private seller -- only 65000 miles. It has 16-inch wheels, a 3.73 rear-end, 4 liter V6, and 5-speed manual. I dont drive it all the time, but in driving it back and forth to work its been getting 22 mpg, average. Ive gotten as high as 24 mpg. The drive to work is 20 miles one-way. Part is through town and part is open highway. The AC quit working after operating oddly about a month after I got the truck. I still need to have checked. The truck has good power, but I wouldnt want to tow much with it, because if feels like its geared pretty "tall". I really am satisfied with it. The bed is small, but what do you expect with a short-bed?

• 

  Great Base model - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Jccables@gmail.com - September 17 - 3:14 pm

  Traded in our family car (2015 hyundai sonata) for 2ea mustangs with this being one. Let me say first off the v6 with the 4.0 and a 5-speed is one of the most solid setups these guys put together and it doesnt disappoint. Has great power and all but keeps up with my wife 2014 with the v6 which is supposedly updated and has about 100hp on mine... hmmm lol Interior quality is lacking with hard plastic everywhere but it is a base model and this was bought with long range reliability in mind... and plastic wont rip or fade like leather haha. Seats are sufficient and almost exactly what I remember in my fathers setup. Front passengers German priority and the back has extremely limited room with smaller seats... adequate for 1 person to stretch across both sides lol. Where this car shines is the exterior and performance. The outside of this car is beautiful in the super red and has more than enough giddy up to have a little fun. Turn of traction control and it gets even better without blowing through tires in the v8. Overall they did a great job with this... Base model is really set up for the pure enthusiast that doesnt need/want many bells and whistles that over time will fail... and everything that could be improved upon has in new models... amazing job on this one ford.

• 

  Another Great Mustang - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Bradley Neighbors - September 16 - 5:03 am

  Really nothing but good things to say about the car. Weve enjoyed it very much. Front seats very comfortable and best seat heaters ever for those of us with bad backs. Reality has been about 22.8 mpg. I would think it should do better. With top up you cant even tell its a convertible.

• 

  A sad farwell to a old friend - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mechaicsville Steve - September 15 - 7:09 pm

  After the years of abuse today I finally retired my old friend the Ranger. (190,000 miles) Bought this truck with 80k on it and never had any major problems, only repairs were basic repairs, leaf springs and a alternator. This truck has been through a lot, multiple deer strikes, a guardrail or 2 and more and still kept on going. Sadly though the list of problems that started to build up on it at 180K have taken its toll and I had to junk it even though it still runs. Amazing is all I can say after the hell I had put it through. Never burned one drop of oil. It was so good on oil that I would only change it every 10,000 miles!

• 

  Good work truck - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Casey - September 15 - 5:37 am

  Purchased in 2004 with 37k now has 81k and is still running strong. I use it for work and decided to go with the Expedition over a pick up to accomodate the family. With the 3rd row seat out and the back bench seats folded down, I have plenty of room for work gear. The kids perfer the Expedition over the minivan for long trips. The engine eats oil.. no leaks or emission problems, just need to check the dip stick a little more often than other trucks Ive had. Vehicle has a nice ride but is still a truck. Self leveling system motor is loud and seems to adjust randomly, even when the truck is off.

• 

  Cool little truck but mine gets problems - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ranger Danger - September 15 - 3:18 am

  From what everybody says on here, they love their Ranger and theirs is reliable. Mine on the other hand is already on its third clutch and I baby this truck like no other. My idle valve control keeps messing up and im on my fifth one already thats starting to fail(revs when I come to a complete stop). My back window leaks when it rains, engine idles rough sometimes, suspension squeaks loudly but its probably normal for it having 140,000 miles. Im the second owner and the previous owner (which was my good neighbor so I saw the truck first day they purchased it.) They babied it as much as I did so I must have gotten a lemon from the factory but it wasnt always like this.