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 Ive ever owned - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Mountain Man - December 5 - 1:03 am

  This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. After 157,000 miles (mostly commuting), Ive not had a single mechanical failure. My only expenses have been maintenance. I drove it on a 12 hour trip and it was as comfortable as any car Ive ever driven.

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  Fun to drive. No problems. Treats me well - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By UAFIJISPORTRAC - December 4 - 7:16 pm

  I have only owned mine for a few months, but going from a 95 Ranger to this, is great. It runs great, never had any problem, had to replace rear main seal, and just got new brakes all around. It treats me well and looks awesome on the road. I love the versatility it has, I can haul 5 people and lots of stuff in the bed. If you dont have one, get the bed extender, its great and gives you the extra space you need. I just moved and carried tons of furniture in it. I love this truck!

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  Gr8 Truck! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Paulo - December 4 - 2:33 am

  Great truck! Great performance! Excellent towing capacity and gas mileage in the city and road. Very happy about it.

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  Nice little wagon - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Eric - December 2 - 2:34 pm

  We purchased our Escort wagon used, with approximately 35K miles, from a local Toyota dealer. It was my wifes daily driver for seven years and it never gave her a problem. Two years ago it became my stepsons car and it continues to be an economical and reliable vehicle. With regular maintenance, a Ford Escort of this vintage will reward you as an economical and fun-to-drive car. Our car has needed the typical replacement items over the years such as brake pads, batteries, plugs, and bulbs. Unfortunately, I also had to replace the heater core recently (which is a monstrous job), marring an otherwise excellent history of reliability. Overall, our Escort has been a great little car.

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  So Far, So Good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bh_okedoke - December 2 - 9:00 am

  Just bought the vehicle on 03/06/02. So far, everything is ok... Runs well, and this unit seemed to be put together pretty tightly (manufactured 01/02). One thing to note if you are concerned about safety. The superior crash test ratings are based on models manufactured after 10/29/01 - read the fine print on the Ford site - I asked the dealer about this, and they confirmed there was a change made to some frame components, whatever that means?

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  No complaints after 5,000 miles - 2009 Ford Escape
  By RGD - December 2 - 12:33 am

  While the Escape is a little dated in style, I like the practical, rugged looks. It drives comfortably and I am impressed at the acceleration and overall power of the 4-cyl combined with the 6-speed automatic. The traction control and anti-lock brakes have improved winter handling. Sun and sync package is fun and convenient for handsfree cell calls. Gas mileage has been as high as 30 (a full tank at about 60-65 with no wind) and has never been lower than 21 (all short stop and start in town). Overall average is around 24-25. Comfortable height to get in and out, as most small SUVs. Im happy.

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  Good but could be better - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Kenneth Edwards - December 1 - 9:56 pm

  Good family SUV but brakes and tires are awful. Expensive upkeep.

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  Diesel MPG - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Dan - December 1 - 9:38 pm

  This vehicle is too big unless you need to tow something heavy. But the good news is that the diesel gets better gas mileage than any of the V8s in the smaller SUVs. Im getting 17 around town, and 19-20 on the road when I keep the speed down to 60-65. With the price of fuel going ever higher, the fuel savings may someday cancel out the higher acquisition cost of the big engine. Get Michelin tires. They cut the road noise in half.

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  Poor Mans Lightning - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Bodenis - November 30 - 8:52 pm

  I bought the truck mainly because of the body style and price. I wanted a inexpensive truck that still looked good. I have owned two Rangers and a 2001 SuperCrew and this truck is as nice as those were. This is the same body style as the SVT Lightning and I have lowered it and had the windows tinted and added 18 inch chrome wheels. It is a very sharp looking truck and and after being lowered handles great and is still functional as a daily driver and part time hauler. Cassette player was replaced with a CD unit so the only upgrade needed now is a dual exhaust and cold air intake. Rides great, looks good, didnt cost an arm and a leg what more could you ask for!

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  Love this car! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By MorganFox - November 30 - 5:43 pm

  I bought my car when it had 38k on it. Have not had any major mechanical issues and I just passed 80k. Have taken the car on a few road trips. It handles well, gets good gas mileage and the sound system is awesome. Am starting to experience a bit of loss in power, sounds like I may have a small exhaust issue towards the front of the vehicle, sometimes now when I shift the brake light comes on momentarily and if I rev the RPMs too high the battery light flashes. But all in all it is a great vehicle.