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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  Best half ton yet! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Happy Camper - February 21 - 12:54 am

  I came out of a 2008 GMC Sierra Denali AWD and questioned if the F150 would measure up to the GMC in terms of performance and amenities. Whereas the GMC has a more powerful engine the F150 beats the GMC in every other category hands down. In my onion the new F150 is the nicest, best built feature packed half ton on the market today and Ford did it without taking any tax payer money! Fit and finish are top notch and not a squeak or rattle to be heard.

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  Faith in Ford Again! Great Car!! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bob Baker - February 20 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my Fusion this past summer. It was an off lease vehicle with about 34000 miles. Since it was a used vehicle, I purchased the extended warranty. This is the 6th Ford that I have purchased. My previous Fords were purchased brand new. I had a real bad experience with my Ford Windstar Van and that particular Ford Dealer. I decided never to buy a Ford ever again. I put my faith in Toyota and bought 2 of them since the Windstar. Toyota makes a great car, but I truly believe the quality of my Fusion is equal - if not better than my Toyota. I like this Fusion so much, that I will definitely pass it down to my son when I purchase a new Fusion Hybrid someday. Faith in Ford Again!!

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  Great Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - February 20 - 3:07 pm

  My dad bought this as a work truck and its been through a lot of punishment and some heavy payloads. Shortly after we got it we had to replace the autotyranny(around 115k) with a used one, but it works great now. Just hit 130k not to long ago. The 2.5l engine is kinda weak, not enough power but gets the job done, gets around 14-16mpg highway, very poor for a small truck/engine, the dealer couldnt find out why its so poor, but runs great nonetheless. Has good suspension and great build quality. Its been in a accident before we had it, we think it hit and drove ontop of a small car rear end/trunk, but it nevered caused a problem for us! I really do love this truck.

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  Ford f150 Lariat 2010 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Mike - February 20 - 1:43 pm

  First, I have got to say that I am impressed with the fuel economy. I drive a mixture of highway and city and get an average per tank of 17.9 mpg. Second, I am very impressed with the spacious interior and inside comfort. Finally, when I load the truck up it handles and drives as smooth as if there is nothing in it. Love this truck!

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  Want you to know - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By gman - February 20 - 5:45 am

  I bought 2006 Ford a week ago. First impession: Good acceleration, Not bad body design but eats a lot of fuel and noisy when you drive.

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  JUST SAY NO - 2002 Ford Focus
  By saynotoford - February 19 - 7:03 pm

  This car was trouble the first three months I had it. The radio just stopped working, and I had to replace the alternator. ALL of the window regulators have broken, and one is broken for a second time. Ford UNUSUALLY built it with 3 motor mounts instead of 4, so they will wear, and it cost about 200 each to replace. Even the mechanic said he didnt know why Ford did that. I had to replace all of the spark plugs. The housing temperature unit thing is made of plastic and leaked coolant. it has custom tires so be ready to pay if you need to replace them. Mine rides extremely rough, and I do get oil changes and transmission flushes.

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  Old Reliable - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By vsanders - February 19 - 5:41 pm

  I have been beyond impressed with my 2 door V6 coupe. The odometer quit at 220k and I admit I am rougher on cars than I should be~but she just keeps going.The only problems I have had was the water pump went out,but I noticed the indicator leak and fixed it,the odometer and the drivers seat motor.This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned,and I only paid $1500!

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  Great Features......But the ride is not - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Frank - February 19 - 9:30 am

  The car comes loaded with all the Bells and whistles which were the attraction. I mean who doesnt want all the safety feature as options. But @ 46 K the ride should be much tighter up front. The Power assist steering might be the problem. Alot of oversteer. The power for a turbo revs at a very high rate. Not as quick out of the blocks as I would have hoped. Definitely not a performance sedan like the audi 6 or BMW 5 x series sedan. Alas the economy prevented me from going in that direction. i miss my european ride, controlled, tight, and exceptionally quick. Ford has done a great job with the vehicle but has a ways to go to compete with the big three BMW, Mercedes, Audi.

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  Love it but... - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Franky T - February 19 - 7:42 am

  I bought out my lease 1/10 and am very happy with the truck. Its solid dependable and comfortable. Other than routine maintenance I have had problems with brakes, had to replace all rotors at 30K, my bad I should have checked the shoes when I had oil/tires rotated. I also have issues with the AC system, when I run heat through floor vents only a noticeable amount of air still comes from dash vents and defrost vents causing dry eyes on longer drives. I also have an intermittent grinding sound which seems to come from the front end as if 4WD was trying to engage, at nearly stop speed theres a clunk and its gone. Have not been able to find anything on the net about this.

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  Love It - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Justin K. - February 18 - 10:19 pm

  This truck is impressive in every way. I got a great deal on a left over 2009 reg. cab 4x4 with the 3v 4.6 and 6- speed auto. It is smooth and responsive, fun to drive, and great looking. I have not even broken it in yet and am averaging 18.5 mpg (all in the cold Wisconsin winter). The inside is quiet and the exhaust has a nice powerful tone to it. I love how tall the truck stands (just as big as the competitions HD versions) and the new gas cap delete feature is really nice. Overall the truck is smart and a pleasure to drive.