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 overall truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By heath - December 13 - 12:14 pm

  This is a great truck that I know is reliable. I have put this truck through hell and it still runs like it is brand new. i have 78,000 miles on it now and it still runs the same. Good power for the engine size, but terrible gas mileage. There are only two things I dislike about the truck. One is it gets terrible gas mileage and the other is that the truck has holes underneath the fender flares. Whoever made this design of holes underneath the flares is not very smart. Some people might want to take those off and now they have 40 or 50 holes in the side of their truck. I am one of these Ford customers who has this problem.

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  I love my F-150 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By zach bereiter - December 13 - 2:19 am

  Ive owned my F-150 for about nine months now and havent been happier! Sure its not the most flashy, but it is a solid truck. It has 107,000 miles on it and it hasnt had any problems so far well except for the time a drunk person hit me. There are a few things I would change, like the overall fit and finish is poor, and who doesnt like more power? The highs are the handling and the "truck feel" it has, you know youre in a truck. Overall though I love this truck!

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  2005 Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Anthony - December 13 - 12:32 am

  I love the way this car performs and the gas mileage is decent but I hate how cheaply put together it is. I have already had 5 things go wrong with it and one of them still is not fixed and I have taken it in for the same problem 4 times with it still being unresolved. I wish it was made more solid.

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  Snakums - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Avenging Angel - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 99 Cobra for the 01 & I am happy with the results. The seats feel so much better than my 99 Cobra and they look great with the Cobra on the suede part. The power is there, but quality in fit & finish leaves a lot to be desired. Rattling & wind noises are just a standard option with Ford products to date. The 2001 Cobra definitely has the power, but lacks the suspension & drivetrain of a true performance car.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gbennett - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Needs a V8, climate control, and power passenger seat to be near perfect. Ford has come a long way!

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  The truck you need to git-r-done - 1994 Ford F-150
  By greentland - December 9 - 3:11 pm

  Im a landscape contractor and have used this truck as the workhorse of my business. The 5.0l V8 gives me all the power I need to tow 6000 pounds with confidence. I love the appearance of these trucks. They just look cool ... period. I will admit however that shes got a bit of a sweet tooth for gasoline. Im talkin 15 mpg down hill with a stiff tail wind. That goes down to 11 mpg with a trailer. I tell ya though, in the unlikely event that it took a dump tomorrow, Id go out and find another just like it. P.S. I dressed it up a little with a 16" stainless air horn ... just for that little somthin extra!

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  Sport Trac Review - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By drkms - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck almost 2 years and still like it a lot. I like the versatility of having a smaller truck that I can haul stuff around in while not having to drive a big monster of a vehicle.

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  Satisfied so far - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Wags - December 7 - 11:56 pm

  Switched out from a 99 4Runner to lose car payment. Biggest difference is in the ride. Much harsher than the 4Runner, noiser too. Power from the v6 adequate but I live in CO at 5500 ft so this is expected (4Runner wasnt much different). I have always had Ford or Toyota vehicles and been satisfied with both. These trucks are very good for the money. Much more interior room than 4Runner. Gas mileage around 15-16. 4Runner was about 17-19.

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  Over 275,000 miles! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Down - December 7 - 12:38 am

  Over 275,000 miles on my 96 Mustang 6 cylinder and still going strong. Bought it used in 98 with 29,000 and have driven 135 miles daily round trip to work. The manual transmission went out at 185k and then the heater core started leaking at 225k. After they replaced the transmission, the speedometer cable burned into so for 3 months I didnt click off mileage so I have closer to 285k on this car and it is still going. This has been an overall excellent vehicle.

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  Ford Freestar Review - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Gerard - December 5 - 3:37 pm

  I have not had any problems with this van in the 1 1/2 years that I have owned it. It drives great, handles well, great performance. Its fairly comfortable, and its very easy to operate the fold-down seats.