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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  Oh What a Feeling! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rdonovan491 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love as soon as a sat in the new Ford! What an improvement in comfort and design. The toughest decision was choosing between the Lariat and th FX. I chose the Lariat finally due to a slightly prefeered guage look. I was a little concerned about driving it after hearing some of the reviews on it lacking power. It felt fine, if you want 0-50 acceleration in my opinion by a car! The pulling and ability to climb hills was great.

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  So Good So Far - 2008 Ford F-150
  By ATL2059 - September 18 - 7:26 am

  I bought the truck back in January and it has done well overall. Other than the the tailgate trim piece coming off on one end that was replaced under warranty, it has held up well. The truck drives well and the fuel economy is what should be expected from it. 15 in the city 18 to 19 on the Hwy. The power of the 5.4 is there but it is geared low. It wont be the first one off the line but it will cruise comfortably at 80 no problem. Overall it has been good so far and i hope it will continue to do so.

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  Can be a good vehicle, but cheap parts - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Craig - September 18 - 5:34 am

  Cheap parts, and bad designs is what sums up my SUV. First, I have the panoramic top and the interior fabric shield is poorly designed. They stretch fabric over a frame that opens and closes below the glass top... the problem is that if you have the windows down, it flaps. Flaps so bad, I have to roll it back to prevent it from tearing itself apart. I bet in a few years, everyone will have to replace this as it will not hold up. Poor design and cheap. In addition to that, the main system of the car is horrible. It is poor connecting to bluetooth devices and is very buggy. There are times that I cant turn off the radio because its locked up... to fix... change to the sirius "output" and then back. That fixes that bug. It can be a good SUV, but they went cheap.

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  Great replacement for my Honda - 2006 Ford Focus
  By G Clark - September 18 - 2:07 am

  Believe it or not. Bought this car after my Honda wagon got smashed. I know its now 10 years old but has been a great car for the last 40K miles. Only major repair was alternator at 90K. It is NOT a cheap fix. I fit well into it, and I am 64". Much noisier than my Honda, but most of that is road noise and wagons are just noisier than sedans. My only major complaint is that mileage is below expectations. 26 mpg for city driving with lots of freeway. I can tow a 450 lb. trailer and still have 500 lbs of cargo capacity. I like the looks. I love the utility. The paint has held up well. I have used the integrated roof rack several times. Glad I had one. The center arm rest/storage bin is a cheap piece of junk and mine, like so many, is broken, too. But the engine and drive train have held up well. Shocks are not very robust and need replacement at 92K . I plan to drive mine for many more miles. I really like this car and have same affection for it that I had for 2 Volvo wagons and one Honda wagon.

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  WILL ALWAYS LOVE IT! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By g8torgirl - September 17 - 4:45 pm

  Im the original owner and primary driver-its been flawless other than a new A/C in 2003 ($750). Live in FL, but have driven it often to/from/in NC mountains and it was great w/the manual transmission, made it tons o fun. Decent mileage for an SUV (22/19 mpg). Oil is changed every 3,000 mi. Had 3 sets of tires-Goodrich lasts longest-Goodyear the least and the most flats (too soft). Replaced one out of round wheel ($450) under warranty. Minor leaks in back fixed windows. No rollovers (driver error in my opinion & Im a woman). Exterior finish and wheels are still shiny (we wax). Bought vinyl liner for cargo area and excellent mats--a great investment. My previous vehicle? Manual88 BroncoII

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  03 Lightning = Great Buy - 2003 Ford F-150
  By George - September 17 - 4:35 pm

  Year 3 of owning my Lightning. It is daily driven for most of the year. She gets into the occasional spirited acceleration now and then. Picked it up with 25k on the clock, now have 73k. I take good care of it, pretty much looks and runs the same as the day I got it. Only issue Ive ever had was the starter going around 50k. Beyond that plenty of tires (my fault haha), and recently rotors and pads. Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  Great car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By 3.8guy - September 17 - 4:22 pm

  For the money you cant beat it. Ive put 35000 miles on it since Ive had it with little to NO trouble aside from regular maintenance. 85000 on it now and still going strong. Very practical car for daily driving, but also good fun when the mood strikes. So far Ive been able to get 31mpg on the highway and about 17/18 in the city with a 5 speed trans. Not bad for an 8 year old sports car.

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  2010 Mustang GT with 3.73 rear axle pack - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Joseph - September 17 - 3:14 pm

  I got the GT (not Premium) with 3.73 rear axle package which came with better brakes and sportier stability programming. My 08 335i was repurched by BMW due to repetitive faulty high pressure fuel pump. So got a Stang to ride out the economy. The engines power, torque, and sound are more fun than a 335s. Handling is shameful however..very loose and bouncy front to back and side to side. I find it necessary to spend $2k extra to upgrade the supension from 2005-FR3 package..which lowers the car and tighens things up. I hope that helps. Steering feel is light and dead numb unfortunately. Steering wheel is also to big.. Still, Engine makes up alot..Very Fun Car!

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  Great American car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Very good choice! - September 17 - 10:56 am

  Bought my 05 Focus in 06. I have put almost 100,000 miles on it with no major problems.I did have to replace the rack and pinion and wheels after hitting a very bad pot hole (Michigan...)Ford did have to replace the CD player twice, but no problems since it was out of warranty. Drives and handles very nicely. Comfortable and roomy interior for a compact. Great mileage. I average 30 in the city. This is an outstanding vehicle for its class and price. Good design well worth every penny which is more than can be said for most cars.

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  Great for 12 years - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By randy - September 17 - 6:39 am

  I bought this truck new, it was inexpensive and all the more truck that I needed. It was a bit of a challenge in four wheel drive( tough turning) and had very little off road hill power,in my back yard. The engined revved all the time, when stop at stop signs etc and would not idle down, I believe this cause this truck to really use the gas. I had to replaced five idler pulleys because of the screeching from the engine compartment.I changed the oil every 3000- 5000 miles. The truck had 79,000 miles 9-16-09 and without warning the engine went. It was a good vehicle but low mileage and its now JUNK.