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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  Clear - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Robert - November 9 - 1:50 am

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  All around good truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Shawn - November 8 - 6:15 pm

  Bought it used with 20,200 miles. No engine problems. Did have issues with parking brake setup. Mechanism froze up and brake shoes were toasted. Seems to be common problem with the rear disc brake/drum parking brake setup due to infrequent use of parking brake. Easy fix for $28 with parts from auto stores. Gas mileage is what you expect from full size truck - 15 city/18 highway.

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  I LOVE my 04 ZTS Sedan! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By SaraQuinn - November 8 - 3:59 pm

  I love the extra kick the 2.3L engine gives over the LX & SE versions, especially when passing the slower drivers in front of me. Im glad I bought the 04 model before they took away the character of the car with the 05 model, like the homage to the Ford Oval in the dashboard vents, etc. The drivers cockpit has a nice tight feel to it & the location of the all controls is great. The car handles well, even at higher speeds (70-80 MPH). I never feel like the car is going to break away from under me. I havent had to do any major work on the car & Im at 34,000 miles in 19 months. The power sun/moonroof adds quite a bit of fun.

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  F150 Work Horse - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Bolio - November 8 - 3:40 pm

  I have had my F150 since I specd it out. When I received it, the dealer said it was the 1st LB 4X4 super cab in AZ. The tires were too small, upgraded to 285x16 on stock wheels. Only problems in 8 yrs: R 4x4 actuator module, replaced cylinder #8, intake valve malfunction. Pulls 7000 lb trailer up mountains no problem. Pulls out stumps, 4X4 great, very comfortable. Gas mileage is medium (14-17). Repainted 2 years ago, but paint was OK before that (Bright Red). Had a dent in bed to be repaired. Headlights have faded over. Bedliner a good investment. Very reliable, very versatile, good looking truck. (Got compliments the first years I had it all the time).

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  97 F-150 Workhorse - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Paul - November 8 - 2:59 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. 164,000 miles w/no major repairs needed.

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  Great alternative to a Jeep - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Moshe - November 8 - 6:23 am

  I purchased the Escape becuase of its AWD and new 2.3L-auto combo- and I am very happy with the performance of the Escape on wet roads- no wheel slipping or skidding - hope winter driving is just as much fun. I work for Chrysler and decided to save the $8,000 difference for a Jeep- I dont need a "trail rated" 15 mpg SUV. Cant be beat for $18,000 and change after the $2000 rebate (lowered to $1500 in November)

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  2006 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By A C ROGERS - November 8 - 1:44 am

  Nice upgrade from my 98 Eddie Bauer Expedition. So far no major complaints. It is a full size SUV and if you cant afford the gas -- dont buy this or any large SUV. Read complaints about uncomfortable front seats I have not noticed that with mine. Overall, this is an excellent SUV, but my next purchase will be the Nissan Armada LE - more horse power, more towing and more low end torque.

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  Headgaskets blow - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By X bird lover - November 7 - 4:00 am

  Purchased the bird new on 93, but had to have the dealer fix the water pump, brakes (twice) and replace wheel bearings within 6 months. The ventilation system has always squeaked, and what bonehead decided not to put cupholders in the car? Rides nice and quiet, but the engine area has always had a smell of antifreeze. At 73,000 miles the headgaskets blew. My 87 Bird blew headgaskets at 30,000 miles! Why cant Ford fix this seemingly chronic problem? I guess thats why so many people are going to Japanese cars. They seem to respond to problems.

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  love my expy - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By expy 1 - November 7 - 2:47 am

  Very dependable family ride I enjoy towing and taking trips with it and the family too. lol.

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  Great for the price! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas - November 7 - 1:44 am

  I got this truck an 18th birthday gift. I love it. Its small enough to be nimble and easy to handle in tight areas and mountain roads, yet I still sit high enough to see everything. I have the 3.0L V6 5 speed manual. The only thing Ive had a problem with so far, at about 62,00 miles, is a bad starter and a problem with the light sensor. I have the premium sound system and it sounds great! The motor has decent power. It can pull its weight around. The ride isnt quite that of a sedan but the suspension does good offroad. Ive but it through quite a bit, and its held up great. Highly recommend it!