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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  Not too bad - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By John - July 11 - 9:52 am

  Bought a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0L V6 4wd. The one word that best describes it is reliable. Bought it with 68k miles on it, and other than regular wear and tear, I have never had any problems with it. This truck is best for anyone who mainly drives by themselves, wants 4wd, and is looking for something newer at a lower price. I wouldnt reccomend it if you drive more than just you and one other person. No more room (even with the extended cab.), or if you have heavy hauling to do.

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  Ford Tuff - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Snookfever - July 10 - 10:52 pm

  Bought it with 40K in 1998. It now has 140k and still runs as good as the day I got it. Pull a 3500 lb lb boat with it on a weekly basis. Had to replace the front arm bushings, but other than that just changed the oil, tranny fuild and tires. Tried the KN filter and intake turbos, slick 50 and evey known fuel additive, but it still gets only 13 mpg city 15 highway and 10 mpg pulling the boat. The good thing is it has never let me down for 100,000 miles. My mechanic hates me, and sais the thing will do 200K plus. Hate to get ri of it, but want a bigger boat so got get a bigger truck

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By IseeClearly - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is a delight to drive and pleasure to own. Ive been able to haul considerably large loads in it - to my satisfaction. It consumes a bit more gas than it should; my 15 year old compact sedan consumed far less even in its last months. It has a tendency to reach high speeds before I know it; hard to avoid speeding. The upholstery is poor, but the seat is comfortable for me. I had no options for better tires so the ride can be rough at times.

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  FOCUS ZTW A-OK - 2003 Ford Focus
  By raiderrick - July 10 - 10:00 am

  OK, only had it for a month, but so far, so good. Lots of pull from the Zetec and it sticks to the road like glue with the Pirellis. Bonus cross beams (luggage rack) on delivery were a surprise. RR

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  2003 Ford F150 flareside, my new toy! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Bill Kalabch - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second F150, and this is also my second great experience with Ford trucks. Why buy a compact truck when for the same money you get a heavy duty truck with twice the cab room and payload. It rides like sedan, and gets you to 75 mph (only the 6) with no problems. Of course, I wish the milage was the same as my Rav 4, but you cant have everything, at least not in the 03 model.

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  30 days in!!!! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Mike Richardson - July 10 - 5:11 am

  I have only owned this truck for a month this weekend. I was pleased with my experience at Palmetto Ford and would likely go back there should I want another truck. It is very difficult to rate a vehicle after only 30 days. I absolutely love the ford Sync 3 system and for the most part find the vehicle to be more than satisfactory.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rob F - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Ford for one year now, driven it about 14,000 miles and love it. The fuel mileage is fun to watch (I live in NYC and commute to Northern NJ). When the temperature stays below about 40 Deg F I average about 35 MPG, between 40-75 Deg F about 40 MPG, and above 90 Deg F the mileage drops to about 36 MPG. I have the Sony sound system I dont know how I ever lived without the SYNC system. So far I have had no issues with the car.

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  Just Ok - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By RC - July 8 - 6:39 am

  Nice truck for the money. I like the styling and the super cab is great. Lots of nice standard features for a truck in this price range.

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  Could Be Better - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Bob - July 7 - 11:24 pm

  I bought my Taurus in September 06. It has been an OK car, although it has not been trouble free. It has needed a new radiator, rear struts, new speed sensor, and new power steering pump, altough it is not unusual for these kind of things to happen to cars with more than 100k. The 3.0 L V-6 is good but lacks punch. Flimsy, shaky interior but a very comfortable car, runs well.

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  Very nice van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Jakers - July 7 - 11:04 pm

  Bought this van after owning many Chrysler vans and like this one much better, has ample power, lots of options and no problems after 55,000 miles (90000 kilometers). Added the center analog clock and it dressed up the interior.