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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  In love with my Shelby - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By jill green - February 4 - 4:10 pm

  I love this car. I owned 4 others over the years. This is one great car. I have to be careful because you dont realize your doing 80 or better while tooling along. We took a trip to Vegas in her and she cruised along like a dream. I dont know to say but this little red is a keeper.

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  Best Truck - 1992 Ford F-250
  By mud4x4 - February 4 - 2:08 pm

  I have been a Ford nut for many years and owned many Fords, This 92 F250, 4X4. has been a super truck to own and I wouldnt trade it for any of the other makes. It has hauled family & friends, huge loads of cargo in the box and a fully loaded tandem trailer without any problems at all. Starts in below zero weather every time. The only reason I didnt give the truck 10s everywhere was is there is always room to improve in anything! Ill drive this truck till I cant drive anymore and then still give it to the kids for their use! Love it. Thanks Ford!

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  Great tow vehicle and very comfortable - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By AL D - February 4 - 2:01 pm

  I bought this 2000 Excuriosn to tow a 6500lb travel trailer. It has exceeded my expectations! Very comfortable on long trips, tows smoothly and handles well for such a big truck. I have the V10 which is efficient and very strong. I average 13 mpg towing at 60mph, and 17 highway not towing, with 4-6 passengers. This is a great truck.

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  King of trucks - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Jeff - February 4 - 12:01 pm

  This is my second f-150 and what a blast to drive, it handles amazing! With more power than you need in the 5.4. I have pulled loads over 11000 pound and can still easily pass on the freeway almost like thereÂ’s nothing behind the truck. For work its tough as nails can handle any thing you need to do I put this truck through a lot and it never missed a tick! Extremely reliable.

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  Favorite Vehicle Ive ever driven! - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Pilot - February 4 - 11:40 am

  This truck is awesome! I have owned three vehicles prior and this one is by far my favorite. Wont buy another vehicle till this one is dead. If it ever gets to that point.

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  Great truck for price - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By superswitchks - February 4 - 12:35 am

  The 2.5L motor provides great gas mileage and a decent amount of power when you need it. If you keep your right foot out of the firewall you can easily achieve 25+ mpg on the highway. However if you plan on using all 120hp plan on getting less than 17 in the city. But the handling of the truck is good for a truck you can sling the rear around if needed, or stick the front for some decent corning out of a truck.

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  93 PGT - 1993 Ford Probe
  By 24Valves - February 3 - 1:21 pm

  As with every car you will have things to be fixed, however for a car up in age of 10 years plus, I wouldnÂ’t trade my GT in for anything. Great handling in corners and respectable acceleration coming out. This is my favorite car, IÂ’ve owned 4 so far.

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  Not a soccer mom - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Ontoni - February 3 - 1:20 am

  Im not a soccer mom but i have two teens and a big dog. this vehicle fits the bill. comfort, smooth ride and space. It may not be the fastest thing on the road but it will cruise up to 70 and youll not even know how you got there.

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  My Style - Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By tgardn - February 3 - 12:23 am

  This is a great all around multi-purpose vehicle. It gives me the versatility of an SUV with the driving manners and afFORDability of a sedan. I have been averaging about 27 mpg city/highway combined with most driving in the city. She rides higher than a car for better visibility. Everything to date (nearly 6,000 miles) has been flawless with no defects or poor workmanship noted. Shes built solidly and with purpose in mind. The ride is very smooth with little if any exterior road noise seeping into the cabin. Handling is great, especially compared to SUVs that like to tip and lean over on corners like my previous Highlander. Best SUV wagon under $50,000. No regrets whatsoever!

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  Great Truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Paul - February 2 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this truck right when I got my learners permit. I bought it for $2000 with 130000 and now it has nearly 145000. I have not had a single problem with this truck. It runs like a champ with great gas milage. It has the 2.3 with a 5 speed. I love this Ranger. It does great in the mountains and on the high way. For a 4 banger it accelerates great. If you hit the gas hard it will kick up some sand. It has a little bit of trouble going up steep hills. Ive had to replace a brake caliper bolt and I need new shocks in the near future. For the price it is a great running, sharp truck. I wish I would of got the extended cab as it is a little cramped.