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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  Good Buy - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Jeff - March 2 - 12:10 pm

  Bought new. Three years later still very happy with the car. Checking the tires and breaks at each oil change as this appears to be the most common complaint. High teens, low twenties in the ciy and high twenties on the HWY. This is great mileage for such a roomy vehicle. Would highly recommend. Ford Brass/Marketing missed the boat on this one.

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  So so.... - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By DuaneW - March 1 - 8:21 pm

  I was exceptionally impressed with the down and dirty V6. The Chevy Monte Carlo LT and SS Intimidator have nothing on the 4.0 stock!! I bought an 06 5-speed Pony Edition before I went to college. Its about 8 months later and the throttle body is havin issues, killing the car about every 30 miles. The clutch is slipping already, not impressed with that. The Shaker 500 is really nice, dont crank it too loud though. The amp for the stereo runs down the factory battery like no other. Its reliable as heck until the engine starts acting up. Had the system checked, so I know its the throttle body. For a car that is four years old, the clutch and induction should not be having trouble.

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  Gas Eater - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jeff - March 1 - 5:20 pm

  Just bought this car and it is one of the most beautiful cars around. You have to have the right color combination to appreciate that statement. I think it is a great car, but extremely disappointed in the mpg. I have tested it twice now and it comes up at 12.8 miles per gallon. Anyone else have that problem or do you think there is something seriously wrong with the car?

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  used better - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rey - March 1 - 4:54 pm

  By now some of the interior plasic parts are giving out like sun visors or driver seat parts, important stuff. Drive train noises like either bearings or rear end oil. After all it does have 165,000 miles and these things are expected, however ive had Nissan and Toyota whan I was thinner and small vehicles dont work but they lasted forever, its just good for BASIC transportation. Rough ride and cheap.

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  Good at first..... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SK - March 1 - 1:15 am

  I bought my Explorer brand new. ANd in the beginning, I loved it. Had problems with the transmission acting out, but everytime I took in to dealership, they could never find anything wrong. Drivers seat belt gets stuck once in awhile...have to keep ejecting over and over till it finally frees. The tires wear out very quickly. The brakes wear out quickly...had to have done more times than should have. And of course the heater....the blower wnet out, the wiring melted...Ford did not care at all, said it is not a safety issue. Well to me it was, because in the winter months and working nights..having no heat to defrost the windshield to see out of was a hazard. That cost me $500. to have fixed.

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  Great truck for the money - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Tom - February 28 - 11:13 pm

  Got a great truck for the money. Did not get the power windows, mirrors or locks and wish I did, but got the cruse, fancy wheels and tires and fog lights that I need on trips. A lot more quite than I thought it would be. The power stinks with the four speed trans, I have had sixs with more pick up and go. Going to add duel exhaust which should pop up the gas millage and power a little. But over all, well worth the money and a sharp looking truck, tough looking and great ride. Very happy I bought it and would recommend it to anyone. Ordered a color match fiberglass cap to use on long trips and got the tube step bars and carpet cover for the dash.

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  I love it - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Jan - February 28 - 8:12 pm

  In 26 years of driving and owning fast car but never a Ford that has been a mistake. I love my new ride, it came with the Track package. Makes the ride a bid bumpy but the handling is great, very direct and sporty with the perfect engine power and great sound. In relation to the bucks paid for it could not wish for more. Real aluminum interior and nice leather seats, short shift stick, great car

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  I would do it again - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Bob - February 28 - 12:03 pm

  Wife bought the car used (26,000 miles) in 2000. I commuted with it for the next 10 years, 72 miles/day for 4 years and 40 miles/day for the remainder. In 146,000 total miles, the worst problem was a/c compressor--$700-at around 50,000 miles. Ive also replaced the alternator and the water pump. Gets 30 mpg all the time, no matter where or how I drive. Starting to leak a few bodily fluids, but not bad. Selling her today, but Ill never forget her.

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  Wish I Could Have Kept - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By staygold678 - February 28 - 10:34 am

  Great truck, but the gas around the city is crazy. I was spending 80 bucks a week just for daily commute. Bought the truck with a brand new transmission, and everything worked great. Hated to sell the thing but I cant live with paying that much..

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 1997 Ford F-150
  By josh - February 27 - 8:39 pm

  I have owned a 2000 Silverado before my ford . The only thing i miss is the Eton Locker in the rear and the AUTO 4WD. This truck gets GREAT MPG i hand calculated it at 22 mpg! that was at 65 mph and 295/85R16 BFGoodrich all terrians and the A/C on!!. my favorite part is the sound it has a mean growl in the exhaust that makes all other trucks wet there oil pans!!!. Also the engine in it is a 4.6 TRITON. I LOVE IT!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Pulls like a dream i regularly pull 4 Big polaris quads on a 15 foot trailer.