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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  Not a lemon yet - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By scottk_61 - August 20 - 5:14 pm

  We bought the vehicle and were unable to even leave the dealership. It died right there. The dealership replaced the complete fuel system at Fords advice which seemed to take care of the problem. Now at 8000 miles, the rear end is shot as well as transmission problems and axle bearing problems. The vehicle is beautiful and rids very nicely ... when it runs.

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  An Overall Good Car - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Mackdaddy_j - August 20 - 11:59 am

  I have had very good luck with mine with the exception of the head gasket. Car gets very good gas mileage for a V6, although it is not very powerful in return.

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  Great truck with some problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By J.C. - August 19 - 7:43 am

  This truck is very nice, especially the interior, but it has vibration problems that have been a major headache. The transmission, along with many other parts, had to be replaced at about 16,000 miles. This doesnt give me a whole lot of confidence in this truck. I also have an automatic a/c control module that has been replaced 3 times because of the air shutting off at various times.

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  Quiet and Smooth - 2003 Ford F-150
  By ls san diego - August 19 - 4:43 am

  Love the high ride, excellent visibility, and features. Fuel economy is very bad but you already know that. Bed extender is a must and skip the FX option if you dont go off road much and the ride will be smoother. Have traveled the West with 5K lb trailer and didnt know it was there. The roomy cabin served family of well with room to put in a 13 inch TV on the console for 2 kids. Purchased new and has 14K. Dealership has been very good. Nice Power when you need it. Excellent value.

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  cant trust it - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By nomorefords - August 18 - 6:06 pm

  Bought the van new in 02. From the very day we bought it, it had electrical problems. In 3 years it had 11 electrical repairs. The power seat quit a few times, the dome lights quit a few times, the rear window blew in on a cold morning when defroster turned on. The windshield was replaced because it wouldnt seat properly. Dealer couldnt figure out electrical problem, so they replaced the entire wiring harness inside. After warranty expired the relay and wiper motor blew during heavy downpour (dealer fixed under warranty anyway). Other than too many electrical problems, we loved the van. Couldnt trust it anymore, traded it for a Honda Pilot.

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  Fun! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - August 17 - 7:01 pm

  My Explorer was a lot of fun, I had to sell because of MPG - horrible - 10 to 12 MPG with 5.0 V8 on a good day. All the extras were enjoyable too. The paint started coming off in a few places and the stereo started shorting out at the same time. Overall, I put 168,000 miles on it and only had small repairs along the way.

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  5k miles in and still loving my truck! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Deathstar - August 17 - 3:13 pm

  My first Ford. While truck shopping I was between the Tundra and F150. The Tundra is beautiful! Rides a little bulky, lags in technology. The F150 just glides when you drive it. Instrument panels are bright and easy to use/read. Power and USB options everywhere you look. Very comfortable ride. Often there is a vibration but then again I live in Ga, roads here suck and yes..youre driving a truck. Gas MPG is pretty decent for truck this size. I am averaging 16-17 city. I dont stomp on it much even though I installed a Roush intake and Flowmaster super 40 9" muffler. This thing is loud! Has a very nice kick. When you need the power, this 5.0 can move. I am 5k miles in and still rides great. I talk hype, so why the 4 stars than 5? I have read other reviews about faulty alarm system. I stopped to get gas and my kids stayed in the truck. Out of habit, I lock the truck and fill up. The alarm goes off and the kids did not open any doors. I disarm, and lock the truck again, moment later, alarm goes off again. A friend of mine has same truck, King Ranch. He mentioned when you turn the truck off your panel gives you an option for all sensors or outside perimeter only. Apparently the truck has sensors inside similar to a house alarm, if motion is detected, the alarm goes off. A safety feature so you do not leave kids or animals in a hot truck, alarm would draw attention. I never knew this.. anyone confirm this? Transmission.. not so great. I often feel a small jerk downshifting from 5-4, or sometimes shifting up 3 to 4. If I approach a stop or yield on a decline road, the transmission will shoot to 1st gear so if i do not stop fully, you get a very nasty jerk when you accelerate. I have driven a new Ford Fusion and Expedition and got similar behavior. Come on Ford.. you guys have made so many improvements over the years, maybe ditch the wal mart brand transmission. I have the 6dp by the way. I test drove a eco boost 10 speed and felt some jerk on and off. I love my truck, I am very happy I went with Ford. I have gotten allot of compliments how nice the truck rides and comfort. Well see how were doing at 10k miles.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Scott - August 17 - 2:14 pm

  I love my F-150! It looks good, sits high, and runs great. I get 18-20 MPG on the HWY with the 6, but with gas rising I cant afford it anymore. Everything about this truck is great!

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By mike - August 16 - 6:45 pm

  Bought a 2005 Eddie Bauer to replace a 1998 XLT. What great changes during the last 7 years. I love the the interior and exterior designs and the ride is wonderful.

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  me and my explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By rachael - August 16 - 4:01 pm

  this is a great SUV however it is far from as comfortable as the expedition that I had before.