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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  07 FX4 Colorado - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Scott - September 15 - 2:02 am

  This is my third F150, and I love this truck. Last winter,(when the truck was brand new), was one of the roughest I can remember. This truck lives at 8000 ft. in the "foothills" of Colorado, and it has never let me down, I have 12K on it now without a single problem of any type. I can hold 70 mph going over the highest pass in this country while barely touching the pedal. Since it can do that at over 10,000ft. elevation, it has all the power I need. I run E85 exclusively. So far its doing just as well as my other one which has 185K on it. Id tell you about the reliability of that one but youd think I was lying.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By SAXTRAIN - September 13 - 5:35 pm

  I find the Focus wagon to be just about the right size for all my needs. It can carry 5 passengers, though the back seat might be a little cramped for large people. With the back seat folded down, it can carry a surprisely big load. It handles nicely in all traffic situations. It has plenty of get-up and go. Merging into expressway traffic is no problem at all. At highway speeds (I tend to have a heavy foot) I average about 32mpg.

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  Overall Pleased - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 4x4Sport - September 13 - 2:00 am

  For the most part, I have been very pleased with my Sport. It is very nice looking inside and out. GREAT transmission/engine combination. Acceptable fuel economy (avg. ~17mpg in combo driving). Handles great for a SUV, but rides pretty bad - mostly due to the short wheelbase I am sure. Fairly capable offroad. I have three main complaints: too many rattles, too much body flex, and terrible resale value.

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  nice light duty truck or heavy duty car? - 2001 Ford F-150
  By bohunter - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Smooth riding, comfortable. Reasonably quiet. Has developed one rattle in 56,000 miles, in door panel (I think). Had to replace ball joints at 40,000 miles. Accomodates the family very well. Plenty of space in the back seat for the kids. Limited bed space, though, for actual truck use. Overall a good compromise between a truck for work and a car for the family.

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  Not Very Reliable! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jarred - September 12 - 1:32 pm

  I love my Mustang but I have had so many problems with it I wish I could get rid of it! The first problem was the rear end started leaking at 2,000 miles, fixed. Hood insulation started burning at 2,500, fixed. Trunk popped on its own, fixed after 3 dealer visits. No start or die at idle, dealer cant find a problem. Mustang stripes below doors bubbled up, not fixed! Two weeks ago my car totally died, after fighting with Corporte Ford a week they let the dealer look at it, ignition coil pack fell off, yeah fell off, how in the hell! Car still dies and trembles hard at low RPMs! Oh to top it off Ford gave me a Chevy Cobalt to drive while they fixed mine...Id buy a Cobalt, thats the truth!

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  Ford talk to your consumers - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Jim B. - September 12 - 6:59 am

  Great SUV for the price w/3rd row! ConÂ’s: Poor acceleration 40+. Keyless entry key pad buttons are small. Car makes a loud beep noise when you lock doors. Gas lid does not lock. Only driver side window has auto down option. Lacks passenger side feature no auto up feature. Car mat quality is poor. For a family SUV 3rd row seating has no mat and no option to buy one,. Gas mileage. Lacks front parking- assist sensor option. Engine key lacks keyless remote control integration. When parking itÂ’s hard to see the front passenger side. Noisy when accelerating uphill. No HD radio option. No power following side mirror option. No built in child booster seats. No bike rack option when purchasing the vehicle

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  my Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By bigguid33 - September 11 - 10:33 am

  Updating my review, my Explorer overall has been a good vehicle but has been in the shop 3 times for transmission problems that so far should be fixed but we will see. Would still recommend but after this one I would rather have a 2005 or older.

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  This is the one to beat! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Keenejim - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The new f-150 Lariat is nice. After comparing the Supercab with the Supercrew- I went with the Supercab because it has the 6.5 Ft. bed. (the supercrew has only the 5.5 ft bed.) Opt for the front bench seats- that way you can seat 6. As long as you dont put the front seats all the way back, theres plenty of room in the back seat. Wonderful finish on the Lariat. Wish it had 5 speeds for gas milage on open road. Only 16 mpg. Needs shell or cover to assist mpg. Plenty of power. No other truck is in the same league as the Lariat F-150. The Japanese trucks feel cheap & plastic. Sorry Nissan-Not in same league with the F-150 Lariat. Tundra Ok. The Chevrolet is lumbering. No to Dodge

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  Transmission Out at 66K - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JS - September 10 - 9:54 pm

  Heads up. From a stoplight going down a hill, it felt like I ran over two broomsticks. We then had no gears to run in. My wife and I pulled into a parking lot. I looked under the car, no fluid dripping out. All fluid levels checked OK (good and pink). After that, I tried to pull out, No reverse. I had no D gear and the only way I could drive was in 1 or 2. We drove to the dealer where we were told that a sump gear was broken. $2100 later, we have a rebuilt transmission. We will be in contact with the Ford Motor Corp. to try and recoup some money.

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  Hoping for improvement to future models - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jennych - September 7 - 2:00 am

  A good buy. Very comfortable ride, good acceleration. Built with safety in mind. Better styling in our minds that Honda CRV and Toyota RAV 4.