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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  Traded Tundra for F150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Traded Tundra for F1 - May 6 - 6:40 pm

  I traded my 2007 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited for the 2010 Ford F150 Platinum. I always thought the Tundra was a nice truck until I got into the Platinum. The ride is better, the interior finishes are far superior to the Toyota, the styling is better, and overall it is a much nicer vehicle. Sure the Tundra has better horsepower but how many people really need those additional horses. The Ford has adequate power and so far looks to get slightly better gas mileage (but when you buy these vehicles that isnt necessarily your first concern). I have had several folks comment on how nice of a truck this is (that never happened with the Tundra!)

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  Good SUV for your money - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Alex Povolotski - May 6 - 1:25 pm

  A very good car for your money and relatively fuel efficient. And if you dont mind getting the last years model, youll get almost $10,000 in discounts!!! On the good side, the exterior design with lots of chrome is a crowd winner. Interior is of good quality, nice fit & finish. You sit up high with great outward visibility. Controls are logically layed out. Seats are comfy. Fuel economy for 3.0L AWD and 6 speed auto averaged 12L/100km. The cabin is hushed but not noise-free. Engine is not growling under pressure, which is good. Suspension is tuned for comfort, eats up road imperfections well.

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  Unbelievable!!! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By rb - May 6 - 10:36 am

  I bought this SUV new in Feb 01. It has nearly 200,000 miles and has been nearly flawless. Replaced 2 coils and a cruise control switch which came to a few hundrerd bucks. Otherwise, just standard maintenance. It rides super smooth, has great handling and acceleration,(4.6L) and has nice features throughout. I never dreamed this truck would last this long without major repairs. Ford got this one right!

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  Love it! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By racebannon - May 6 - 6:09 am

  I love this car. Just bought it last month, traded in a Mercedes C Class b/c the family is growing and I needed a roomier car. Drive is smooth and quiet. Test drove at least 10 larger/luxury sedans including Mercedes E350, Audi A-8, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima and kept coming back to the Taurus. For the money, you get the best performance and most features. The sync system is great, love the way the car handles and drives. Has plenty of power, interior is great, opted for the leather. The trunk is HUGE. Ill have no problem hauling kids and all their gear around in this battle cruiser.

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  After the new car glow - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By JR - May 6 - 5:35 am

  Wonderful to drive when the weather turns ugly, only thing that gives me trouble is sheer ice, with factory tires. With no load it rides rough, with @150 - 250 lbs of cargo it is a much improved ride. At a hair over 6 I have room to move the seat back to give myself more leg to peddle room, but I do not need it. Everything else is too cramped. If I have a passenger we are riding shoulder to shoulder. As a short commuter or weekend play vehicle it is wonderful. SADLY, as a full time ride for me, @350KM/220Mi/week, it is not a good choice. I choose to support Ford. I should have bought a Toyota to get the same qualities but with better comforts at a higher cost.

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  One of my best! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By wado - May 6 - 12:00 am

  I drive a lot and have had many cars, trucks, SUVs but my 2002 Ford Escape was by far one of the best vehicles, that I have ever owned! The "ease", of entry/exit, is awesome, for me, and the performance vs mpg is a "perfect combination" I have owned over a hundred vehicles, mostly used, but 37 new, mostly Ford,GM, and this one stands out! Bravo to Ford for such a nice ride, just wish that they had left the spare INSIDE, where it belongs, and continued offering the column shift, for those of us, that are cramped by consoles. The redesigned 2008 and up are much more refined however!! Definitely worth a look!

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  Tough truck - 1991 Ford F-150
  By scb - May 5 - 11:57 pm

  purchased this truck in 1993. For 10 years a daily driver for my wife to work. Last 6 years it has been used as a demo hauler for my son when he gutted out his old house and needed a dump truck, I use it to haul landscaping material to and from my place. Today was the first time I had to put any major into the rig as it finally blew a head gasket. Prior to that, only an alternator. Im keeping the truck and now will begin to clean it up as I have a 7 year old grandson who wants the thing. Good rig!

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  Could Not Help Myself - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By corkyf - May 5 - 9:32 pm

  A neighbor of my announced Friday that he wanted to sell his 2004 Pacific Coast Roadster T-bird with 16,300 miles. Monday I owned a T-bird. I drove it yesterday on a 350 mile trip and am very impressed with the car. It has less wind noise than any other convertible Ive owned. It cruises on the highway great and has super 60 to 80 passing power on two lane roads. The seats are comfortable and the radio/cd player sounds good. The top is a breeze to put up and down. Mine has the original tires and they ride great. This car makes a super adult roadster. It rides great and has very nice retro styling. Baby Boomers cant do better. I think buying one now is a great investment.

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  Ford That Has Done Its Job - 2004 Ford F-150
  By F150 Crew Cab4WD Sty - May 5 - 9:06 pm

  This truck has been most of the time a pleasure to own. Now have 256,000 miles on this truck. Has performed well with the exception of the famous spark plug issue. Dealer broke off two plugs had to pull head to repair. Very expensive experience. Dealer was not willing to accept the bulk of the expense. Have replaced rear axle seals. After this many miles should expect some repairs.

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  1st time Ford owner - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Screwboy - May 5 - 6:07 pm

  Only had truck for 2 weeks but already have 2,500 miles. I never liked Fords interior until the 09 rebuild. Far better materials and look to the interior. Truck rides very well on the highway and in town. Im surprised at how maneuverable the SuperCrew is in town. Hauls and tows with ease. I regularly haul 800-1,600 lbs and this truck makes it easy. The gas mileage has been impressive (to me) with 17 in town and 22 on the highway. I have a light foot but drive 70-75 mph on the highway. The bailout (or lack thereof) had a little weight on my decision but it wasnt the main factor. This is the first Ford product in my family and so far Im impressed.