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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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Derek Pickering - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The whole experience was an excellent one, from the sales staff right down to the maint. dept.

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  Alot of driving - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jeannie P - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I own a hi milege focus wagon (126K) and continue to rack up the miles. Overall I enjoy the sporty look of the focus and like to drive it. But there is always room for improvement. My automatic has a fluttering during regular driving. But no major trips to the dealer.

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  awesome truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By jb - December 23 - 9:35 pm

  This truck now has 290,000 miles on it and I still drive it everyday. I put 285 bfgs on it and I still get about 13 mpg. I have replaced a few coils, but they are cheap and easy to do yourself. I kept thinking it would crap out, but its still running strong. Ford finally did something right.

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  Love it! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Dan Cook - December 23 - 8:53 pm

  Love this truck! had a 2004 5.4 4x4 crew cab before, loved it, but what a difference. This 5.4 gets about 3 to 4 mpg more than the old one. With only 2000 miles on it, took a 2000 mile trip and averaged 20.5 mpg. Alot more power than old 5.4 and just love the six-speed trans. Rides like a car and has a huge backseat, already many compliments on it.

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  "satisfied customer" - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Troy Jordan - December 23 - 8:09 pm

  I received this car cas my first vehicle. I was so excited to be receiving soothing this nice for my first car. My parents said they wanted me to have something safe and reliable. So far this suv has been great true to my parents word. I bought it with 99,000 mile and i was nervous because all of the reviews said it went down hill after 70 or so. It was a rental car before me which means must have been under proper care ( regular oil changes and inspections ect..) so that easied my nerves a little. I have had it for about two years now. It is now at 140000 miles. I still have not had one single issue. I do take care of it though with oil changes and inspections. So over all im very happy.

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  Fun - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Fun - December 23 - 6:43 pm

  I purchased the Limited edition less than a month ago and just reached 1000 miles. So far I think it is a fun little SUV to drive. We had out first winter storm in Alaska and it handled very well on the ice and snow. I kept my 2000 GMC truck for bad winter days but now feel confident in driving the Escape too.

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  217K miles still runs great - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mad Drew - December 23 - 6:41 pm

  What can I say? 217K miles so far and still going strong. 2.5L engine, 5 spd manual. Changed the timing belt & clutch at 155K and checked everything....solid little truck. The interior is getting some wear, the ball joints will probably need replacing soon as will the shocks (hey, > 200K miles on ORIGINAL parts aint bad) but the truck burns NO oil, still has decent power (tho Im sure the compression has to be down a bit...) and rides fine. Paint still pretty good, and the interior, tho showing some wear, still is decent. Heck, think Ill buy another one...

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  Its aight - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Andrew - December 23 - 5:58 pm

  I bought my Ranger from my Uncle who kept it in top shape. I have had it a little over a year now and it has 71,000 miles on it. My biggest complaint has to be the traction, this thing spins on spit. Mechanically the only issues that I am having is the idle air control needed to be replaced $90.00, easy do it yourself though. My a/c pump engages all the time, even when the a/c and defrosters arent on. Dont know what that issue is, never bothered me enough to have it checked out.

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  One of the best I ever had - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Big Dog - December 23 - 4:25 pm

  Ive had several Fords and two T- Bird. My first was an `85 that lost an argument with a snow plow. I ordered a bright red 1989, but it came it was white I said Id take it only if they painted it red. They refused but ordered it again I received it as a 1990. I wasnt disappointed. Great looking, great handling (smaller turning radius than my wifes Subaru). Living in Chicago and New York I mainly drove my T-Bird long distances, and they were dream drives. I once rented a non-SC for 3 weeks while shooting a Rte. 66 documentary. It was good, but my SC was far better. Wish I had it now, but times changed and I aged, so I donated it to charity.

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  So far so good - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By hexanero - December 23 - 4:13 pm

  This car handles perfectly. Steering is extremely responsive for a larger car. Interior room in enormous. You can probably stick a smaller car in the trunk. The 6 speed provideds a very smooth shift. The brakes are pretty good. Overall the car is really quiet, its safe, and it fun to drive. The larger style mirrors provide excellent visibility. I would def purchase again.