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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  New to Ford - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By new2ford - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a Ford Truck before. I have always purchased GM products. I decided to try a Ford and now I must say that I am pleased with my decision. The Ranger Edge Supercab is fun to frive although it is a little sluggish and slightly underpowered. I would definitely recommend the 4.0 L V6 versus the 3.0 L V6 and you might as well forget about the 2.3L 4 Cylinder. The vehicle is much better than anything GM has to offer on its class as far as ride and comfort. I feel that this is probably one of the best light trucks in its class.

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  An "Old Dog" with a few new tricks... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Poison S - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This "dog" is powerful yet obedient, old yet fun, full of attitude yet still civilized enough to handle on a daily basis. Ford’s SVT finally has the complete pkg. by tweaking this 25+ year old chassis to handle the new power with composure. These new adjustments allow the aging Mustang to be very competitive even with todays more expensive sports cars (I.E. Corvette or dare I say Viper) The new seats have high bolstering w/suede inserts that not only look great, but are quite comfortable, yet still functional for spirited driving though all six speeds… need I say more? Dont wait any longer; this "Old Dog" is well-trained and ready to play!

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  SVT Lightning - 2001 Ford F-150
  By byrdman667 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great performance. Could not be happier with my lightning. A true SVT performance vehicle.

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  200,000 and still going - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Aero lover - December 14 - 7:25 pm

  This is my second Aerostar, and Ive had it for 10 years and 182,000 miles. Counting my first one, Ive been driving Aerostars for 18 years. Even though this one now has 200,000 miles, last month I packed the family in it and took a 1,500 mile round trip, much of which was in national forests in northern Wisconsin and the Michigan U.P. where cell phone signals do not exist, so I still trust it. At 165,000 miles, my 4.0 V6 dropped a valve so I had a Jasper re-man installed and have been very happy with it, too. Now that this Aero has 200,000 miles, I sometimes kick myself for selling the first one when it had "only" 110,000 miles. Dang.

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  The little car that could! 10 years! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By westcoastcop - December 14 - 5:07 pm

  Bought it new, put 160,000 miles on it with only an engine mount and electric cooling fan replaced, and several burned out bulbs. Other than that, routine fluid/filter changes, couple of batteries and one tune up plus some tire replacement and brake pads...thats it! Reliable! Never let me down, never stranded me, never disapointed me! Still looks new, red sports model 4 door, I put a cd player in it when my son was starting to drive it.

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  Nice car- sweet design - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jenkcool - December 14 - 6:36 am

  It has a great feel of the road. Very stable, feels very solid. The road noise is at a minumum. It has plenty of room.

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  My Lil Black Baby! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By bowmanspartan - December 12 - 5:23 pm

  Having just moved to Michigan from the South, I needed to replace my real- wheel drive Ford Ranger for something a little safer in the MI winter. I bought a used 06 Escape, and I am in love with it! Black on black, fully loaded (everything but a moonroof), leather interior, 200-hp V-6 and a god 4WD system. Tons of room for my football gear as well as my pals - Im loving this!

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  One in a Million? - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By One in a Million? - December 12 - 9:49 am

  It has been very reliable. Bought it with 49,000 miles and have put 187,000 miles on it. Transmission rebuilt at 167,000. The most annoying thing haas been the door ajar warning and the incessant dinging until it reaches 15 mph! Other than that I have kept it well maintained and normal repairs have been done -- like tie rods, suspension, ignition coil pack, radiator hose, brakes, wheel alignment. My children say that maybe we were fortunate and got that "one in a million" good Windstars. I dont know. I just know it has been solid!

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  My One Regret This Year! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By ItsJustMe - December 11 - 8:37 pm

  I thought I got a great deal, no such luck. Problems with cruise control and the gas pedal sticking, gas tank and fuel shut off, gas wouldnt always ready full until I drove 40 miles, burns oil - bad - at not even 40,000 miles, seals in the windows and doors are poor - lots of wind sounds. Finally, there was a horrible vibration sound coming out of fan/windshield area. Had it to 3 dealerships and nobody could fix it. Got worse with wind direction (sounds like something was stuck). Replaced blower motor and nothing changed. Horrible purchase overall. Its one thing after another. I know many people who love theirs, but please research and test drive until your blue in the face!!

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  4800 miles and still getting 43 mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By burklo - December 11 - 5:50 am

  I purchased my new c-max in October right off the truck. I have been driving a Ford Explorer for 12 years (2000 & 2005) average 30,000 miles per year. I had been looking for a high profile car that would give me 35+ mpg. My C-Max exceeds my expectations. I challenge myself to get the best gas mileage possible. While 62 miles per hour is the limit for running on the battery, I am averaging 43 mpg consistently. In the city, I average 45 mpg. I now have 4800 miles on my C-Max and love the fact that I fill-up once every 10 days versus twice per week with my explorer. I estimate I am saving between $300-$400 p/month in gas.