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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  Ford tough - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Marjoh - June 20 - 4:53 am

  187k miles(!). Smokin deal for babied truck I couldnt pass up. Steering, tranny, engine, brakes = superb. I researched trucks for wks. 2001 F150 is SOLID with awesome reliability. I drove many Chevys and none of them felt as robust as the F150. This is an incredibly well built truck with outstanding ext paint quality, plenty of muscle, & smooth ride. With flowmaster exhaust it roars like a lion. Handling is outstanding for a 9 year old truck. Power steering is perfect touch and feel. Adjustable pedals, compass, outside temp, pwr everything, big center console, incredible leg room in back, etc are all just sauce on a juicy slab of grade A beef. Truly Ford hit a homerun with this model yr

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  The Finest Car I ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By danavan - June 20 - 2:03 am

  I was a VW salesman in the 60s. Ive owned at least 25 cars since then. My last car was a Chrysler Cirrus. Not bad but the Fusion is just the best. More than adequate room inside. Superb power, great gas mileage and just plain fun to drive. It surely is a "looker" wherever I go. I just think Ford has done a superb job with this vehicle.

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  way to go ford - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Phil - June 19 - 9:30 pm

  my fusion has 2000 miles now and im loving the gas milage.26mpg town 35hwy.The ride is smooth and quiet.Could use a little more power on take off but cant complain with milage like that.Sound system is great!!This car is a great car to put on the highway and just set the cruise control and relax.The only real complaint I have is that it is hard to see out of the back through the rear view mirror cause it sits so high.The third brake light seems to be right in the way of looking back.

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  We LOVE it! - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Rick_M - June 19 - 9:59 am

  We have our C-Max Hybrid for about 4 months & love it! My wife drives 22 miles 1/way to work and during the winter months she has seen 50 MPG on her drive and 4 month average of about 39 MPG. Now that it has warmed up she has seen 52.9 MPG over the 22 mile drive. I am a engineer and I will say I am impressed with the hybrid control system! Very smooth when gas engine starts/stops. We have learned to leave the heater off for short trips in town because if you have the heater turned on it will start the gas engine to give heat but in a one mile trip its not going to warm it anyway. Leaving the heater off it will drive via electric vehicle.

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  Best Dollar I Ever Spent - 1997 Ford F-250
  By Rain - June 18 - 8:50 pm

  This truck does everything well. Whats amazing today, 13 years later, is its reliability and it drives new. "Built Ford Tough" is true. This isnt a commercial, just 13 years of ownership. I bet the truck has 13 more years left. Has 120K now and should do 250k. After 1200 miles, always used Mobil1. Replaced shocks and tires normal interval. Oxygen sensor replaced once and just changed the plugs at 120K and engine sounds new and runs out perfect.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Ford Escape
  By KP - June 18 - 12:16 pm

  We just moved to an area where I need AWD for winter driving. Previously drove a Ford Focus (and loved it) but did some shopping of other AWD vehicles other than Ford. Still ended up coming back to the Ford and no regrets! Escape handles nicely on gravel and steep inclines. No problems with braking. Interior is laid out nicely - love the Sync! MPG is that of a SUV, its to be expected. Very quiet ride compared to other Fords I have owned. Nice options on the XLT that you would expect to pay Limited price for. Really fun to drive!

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  Surprised me! - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Waltman - June 18 - 11:16 am

  When I wentMustang shopping I was leaning toward a six cyl. But after driving the Eco boost I was SOLD on the 4 cyl.! I am in my early 70s and at first thought I was too old and should buy a more old-fartish kind of car but after driving this hot little pony I made up my mind I was going to feed the kid in me! My wife? She loves it!!!

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  A great little station wagon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By JJ - June 17 - 10:21 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new in 1995 and we have kept up with the the oil changes every 3000 miles. Had only minor electrical problem in the beginning, but over all little maintenance was required. In 15 years only changed batteries, 2 set of tires and routine maintenance. Gas mileage is great in the city averages 24 on the open road averages 30.

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  Best truck I have ever owned - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Tony - June 17 - 9:19 pm

  This truck is the best truck I have owned. It is comfortable, rugged, can hold a lot, and has conveniences that make it a pleasure for drivers of any age. No more skinned knees or sprained ankles getting into and out of the bed, and the side steps make reaching into the front of the bed a snap. I really like the cargo management system to control movement of smaller loads. The seats are a notch above others in this class, much more comfortable than the 2008 Tundra I just sold. Visibility is great, even the radio sounds good. Having owned and driven well over 20 trucks over the years, my comment that it is the best I have owned actually means something. Avg hwy miles 21.3 and city 14.2.

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  Built Ford Tough! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By DJ - June 17 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this truck in Feb. of 2009 with just over 30,000 miles on it. In the 4 months I have had it i have put 5,000 on it. I love the 4.0 v6 and the 5spd manual transmission it has great up and go. Gas mileage is great for a truck I average 16 in the city and an amazing 20-23mpg. I love the FX4 package and the stepside bed.