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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  Solid Truck - 1997 Ford F-250
  By Dan - August 30 - 11:34 am

  No major problems (yet). Mine has the small v8 with tow package so it is slow going up hills with a trailer. At 100k miles transmission is starting to have rough shifts when cold. Havent done much towing or city driving and it has a cooler as part of the tow package. Original Goodyear tires lasted 92k miles! Still on original disk brake pads at 108k miles. Best truck I have owned.

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  Ford Contour - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Brian - August 29 - 11:12 am

  My car just hit 60,000 miles and still running strong. Have not had to put any money into it other than routine maintenance. Gets pretty good gas mileage for a V6 with great power. Had some problems with the dashboard for awhile but was able to glue it back on. Its not afraid to be pushed around corners because of its great grip. Great car and power for the money that I paid.

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  Built Ford Tough - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Greg - August 29 - 9:30 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Ranger for almost a year now with zero problems. Im up to the 60,000 miles mark, and the truck drives like brand new. At times, the 4.0L V6 can be sluggish, but it suits the truck very well. My only major complaint is the horrible fuel economy for a truck this size.

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  Squeaky high MPG - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Lock - August 28 - 2:12 pm

  My heart sank as gas prices rose and my 01 Ranger XLT 4.0L got only 16-17 mpg. My 1998 Ranger XLT has stayed at or just below 20 mpg. I had to get a 4X4 but the 01 would squeak loudly wherever I drove regardless of weather.

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  Alans Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bubba Alan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall good vehicle, needs a little more front leg room

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  My ZX5 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cwolf - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to Drive,Ive had many people comment on how much they like it.Ive only had minor problems,Blown out headlight,Bad gas cap.I drive my ZX5 hard,Handles good for an economy car,Ok in snow driving conditions,Straight line performance is good for a 4cyl economy car.Overall I am very happy with my Focus, I would even go as far to say that I would buy another one.

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  My pocket-rocket economy car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shoperX - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Focus European heritage is evident when I hear the "thunk" when I close the doors, and when I zip up to 40mph on Sunset Blvd in a flash. The only time I need 1st gear is when leaving a standing stop uphill. It is so quit that Ive trained myself to look at the tach before turning the key. Is this an economy car?

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  Ford Mustang GT Deluxe 4.6L - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Old Corps - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Obtained vehicle eight days ago. The car is fun to drive but driver comfort is a problem even with the power seat. Ride is a little stiff and bumpy on local streets.

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  Edge Sport - Almost Nailed it! - 2017 Ford Edge
  By CWheeler - August 27 - 2:51 am

  It was at the top of list for Crossovers I test drove. The following are list of the competitors I also test drove: BMW 1series and 3series, Audio-Q3 and Q5, Lincoln MKC and X, Lexus NX Turbo - it blew away the competition with its turbo charged 300+HP. Fully-loaded it beat all the competition on the price of a lease: zero down and zero due at signing MSRP $46 - $52K with payments of $600 - $700/mo. @ 20K/year. Yes you can get any of the above models mentioned in price I mentioned; but Edge Sport was the only one with every option available. When you add more options to the competition you are in the $700 to $800 range. The edge comes with two flaws, the first is front seat suede inserts (the only seats available on this model). You may think it is a nice touch and while you are correct it looks classy, the suede does not allow the driver to move easily in the seat as you cannot slide and therefore finding a comfortable spot can be very difficult and if have a bad back (like I do) it disqualifies itself. Also the suede picks up lint and may fade over time. The second flaw is a below average audio system. Some may argue it is high end Sony, but compared to the competition: Revel, Bang and Olufsen, Harmon Kardon and Mark Levinson it pales in comparison. I would much rather spend an extra $1,000 - $2,000 on upgraded audio than a sunroof. I feel is the sunroof is the biggest waste of money in the car industry today. It usually comes standard on top of line models or in package. It is very misleading, most think you get it for nothing, but it really costs the consumer $1,200 - $2,000; in the Lincoln MKZ it was over $3,000. I have had to pay for one in the last four cars I have owned (they came standard) and used it maybe 3X. I would bet if you asked the buying public if they had $1,000-$2,000 to spend on upgrades or keep in their pockets, they would choose something else or not spend the extra money. Pro and Cons: Pros: cabin was well insulated, sporty look, fit and finish, plenty of room, horsepower best in class, technology. Cons: ride a bit rough due to 20" tires, suede inserts on front seat (only option), audio system, gas mileage.

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  Excursion not bad - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By rbrown259 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Good reliable car. Brakes go out fast and need to be watched. Liked it so muck I bount a second one and now have 2.