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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  my sweet ford =) - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Tiffaney - November 13 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my car about 2 weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. Its my first big investment, considering Im 20 years old. I was previously driving a 2000 hyundai elantra, the transition was amazing! As soon as I sit my fanny in the seat I feel super safe. The breaks are wonderful, the interior, is B.E.A.UTIFUL. I dont know much about transmissions but the CVT transmission gives me a really smooth acceleration, no feeling of gears switching, the road sound is a very low hum, unlike the roar I heard in the hyundai. The only downfall to this vehicle is the gas mileage, I was under the impression that it did pretty well, in my brief experience I only get 21 mpg highway, and city.

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  I love this truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By hot_temprd - November 13 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my Lightning about a month ago, trading in my 03 Mustang GT. Needless to say I love this truck. It hauls all necessary cargo and really moves. The poor little import guys around town have no idea what to do when I pull up next to them at a redlight or when I close a 5 or 6 car length gap when the fly past me like Im standing still. My only gripe is the fuel mileage with the price of premium well above 3 dollars a gallon. Other than that, its a great ride. It hugs the curves just as well as it handles the straights. Overall, Ford has a winner with this truck and they need to build a 3rd Gen ASAP.

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  Ford truck fan since 1979 - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By thundercloud - November 13 - 12:10 am

  I have owned Ford trucks since 1979. The only problem I have ever had was when a large dealership was unwilling to do minor warranty work. I usually buy a truck new and drive it for years and sell or trade them at 200,000 miles. I just bought this Heritage after trading in a 89 F-250 with 230,000 miles on it. This Heritage is so much better than that F250 even when it was new and dont get me wrong I loved my F 250. It is SO comfortable yet it still feels like a sturdy truck. Getting things in and out of the back is SO much easier. My only issue with this one is that I will not be able to do some of my own maintenance on it but that is OK. I am disabled and have to quit working on them.

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  Nine months, 10K miles and Im happy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jim In Tampa - November 12 - 10:16 pm

  Im very happy with my 2005 Escape XLT Sport. Mine was one of the first with just the canopy air bag and now they have the side seat and canopy air bags. Great handling. Quick. A little thirsty. Back seat is very comfortable with the stadium type seating. The seat fabric can be irritating after a few hours of travel. Mine arrived with a non-functioning 6 disk radio. I cant believe that the factory AND dealership didnt notice that before it left the showroom. But it was replaced and no problems since then. I know its been recalled, but I havent received a notice yet from Ford.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By DK - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had the truck only 6 mo. But it has been perfect. I average around 18.5 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city.

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  4.0 XLT Off-Road! Everything youll want - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By jjwooly - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had no trouble with my 4.0 XLT Off-Road 4X4. The 5 speed Automatic transmission is shifts at just the right times and the 4.0Ltr engine has more than enough power. Highway and off-road performance is outstanding. Fit and finish is all so very good. I drove them all before I bought this one. I made the right choice.

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  First Time Ford Owner and Happy - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Rusty - November 11 - 11:35 pm

  I purchased the car about 7 months ago and have already put 10K miles on it. I have not had one single issue with it. I had the dealer put some low pros on it with 17" rims which make the already well handling car better in handling. Its probably the best handling car Ive owned even better than the Honda I used to have. Ive never owned a Ford before but Im definitely impressed with this car and will buy another Ford. I get a lot of compliments on how the car looks and it has the feel of being mechanically sturdy.

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  These are the last of the Great American - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By A. C. Roberson - November 11 - 8:51 pm

  I bought mine used with only 4k miles and it was 2 years old. The only bad part was having to replace the front drive axle on the long side. I own and operate my bike shop and I noticed that the new axle had a redesigned u- joint. I kept the old one in case I need it since Ford does not replace the u-joint but the whole unit. Other than that, I have had to disassemble the locking hubs everytime they need grease. Plus replace the battery after 7 years. The upside is that this truck does not get any worse gas mileage than a regular pickup. The MPG does not care if I am loaded down and towing or running empty. This is mostly due to the transmission "learning" as it goes.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Ford07EB - November 11 - 8:38 pm

  Picked up the Explorer in March of 07, so far it has been one of the best SUVs that I have owned. Taking it to Vegas twice getting about 22mpg. Feels and handles great. Acceleration from 0- 40 great no problems at all. I opted for the V-6 engine since I only drive on the highway and dont do any heavy towing. DVD Entertainment system was a must for my 2 year old daughter. Overall I am very happy with my Ford.

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  Great 4x4 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By tommy - November 11 - 7:52 pm

  I bought this truck on 1/2002 with 41K miles now 11/07 it has 71K. It has been an awesome 4x4. Repairs have been an alternator replacement, 2 rear axel seals and some O2 sensors plus normal maintenace. Just took a 3k mile road trip and fuel on the 4.6L v-8 w/w automatic trans ranged from 16-20 mpg at nominal 70 mph interstate driving. Ride is very plush compared to my old 89 F250 4x4. Mine also has the off road package w/w limited slip rear axel which is a great option on off road applications. I replaced the OEM battery this year after 9 yrs! The 4.6 liter V8 is more than enough power for my driving