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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  Love it - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By nis350ztt - July 23 - 10:53 am

  Ive owned mine for a year, and I love it. Only complaints are fairly minor. The build quality isnt great. Youre most likely going to have problems with it, whether minor or not depends though.

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  No regrets - 2007 Ford F-150
  By F150 Woman - July 23 - 9:23 am

  Ive been pleased with my F150. It rides great. Its comfortable. Gas mileage is reasonable for a truck this size. No complaints.

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  Good family car with great potential - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Great Scot - July 23 - 8:32 am

  Winter AWD is compromised by the poor OEM tires from Continental, poor to very poor traction in snow, ice, slush, heavy rain. Few tires available in 215x65x17 size and few aftermarket wheels for winter tires. The car is excellent for family use and variety of configurations for many uses. Fuel economy is poor in general use (18-20 mpg) highway constant at 65 mph is a little better at 22-23 mpg. Better tires might help economy.

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  F 150 XLT - 2005 Ford F-150
  By o maser - July 23 - 5:20 am

  Bouncy rear end, and clatter on front drivers side; dealer cant find clatter and claims soft and bouncy rear end is normal and can do nothing about it. I had a more stable ride and control on my 1997 Ford F 150 XLT. Can I trade back?

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  Great multi-purpose family vehicle - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Farrider - July 22 - 7:04 pm

  One beautifully styled truck both inside and out. I enjoy the comfort and amenities this truck has to offer. Best truck I have driven/owned, including, Toyota and Nissan. Drives and rides like a luxury car. Has met or exceeded my expectations.

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  24 years #1 and still with shortfalls?? - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ken - July 20 - 11:26 pm

  We have the 2005 Crew Cab Lariat. The interior makes a loud rattling sound which is from the ceiling. With a sunroof, there is no way to attach the ceiling to the roof resulting in a loose flapping sound when you hit a bump. What is amazing is that this was a problem with 04s and yet Ford did nothing about it. So I get my 05 and it has this sound. Instead of pre- fixing it before the buyer takes it, Ford makes you bring it back. Totally ridiculous---Quality is no longer job 1 with Ford. Just check this out before buying the vehicle. Next time...Ill be visiting the Toyota dealership sorry!!!

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  Reliable van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By nymetfan - July 19 - 3:47 pm

  Engine is a bit crude, gas mileage is poor (16-18 mpg), but it has been a reliable, reasonably comfortable, safe family vehicle. Not a single mechanical failure in the 60000 miles weve driven it, and it now has 85000 miles on it. A refreshing change in reliability from our 97 Caravan.

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  Sloppy Transmission - 2007 Ford Escape
  By rockdoggy - July 19 - 11:08 am

  Blazing Copper: Great looking vehicle, good ergonomics except the arm rest/center console and cup holders. My wife cannot use because it is too far back. Gas mileage not as good as sticker suggests, about 19-22 with 50/50 highway/city driving. Transmission can sometimes jerk into gear. Also when needing to merge on freeway its like breaking then jerking into gear. Need to work on that. It is as if the vehicle has trouble deciding which gear it wants. Handling is great, tight turning radius, easy to park and lots of room.

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  Cracked Radiator - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Paul - July 19 - 6:54 am

  With Less than 30,000 miles, had to get it towed twice and went through 2 cracked radiators. Not happy

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  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By w. sick - July 18 - 7:53 am

  This has been a reliable and totally trouble free vehicle with lots of both passenger and load carrying capacity.