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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  Nice utility vehicle - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RWiggler - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Over all a good vehicle and value. I have had no major problems with this vehicle so far.

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  Good travelin car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Nathan - January 11 - 6:23 am

  Bought an 03 Crown Vic LX Sport for the trunk and low-tech V8. Im young and wanted the sport for the console and more aggressive look. Have had only minor problems (brakes) in 70K miles. Did have to replace the AC control unit ($900) when it went out at 60K. Best mileage on a tank was 23, mostly highway. Tires are a little pricey. Also seems a little hard to control at speed in the wind.

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  Last of a breed - 1997 Ford F-350
  By Brian Dunbar - January 10 - 12:15 am

  Purchased used in July of 2003, this pick-up has been very reliable for me. Ride is typical for a truck with a live front axle and one ton suspension. The 460 V-8 averages 8 mpg in the city, 12 on the highway. Twin fuel tanks allow a 500 mile range, but a fill-up from empty can drain your bank account faster than a weekend in Vegas. Everything is still working on this beast and no rust has developed despite living in a region of the country where the roads are heavily salted in the winter. The low range in 4WD is extremely low and has taken me to places where I would never have taken a 1/2 ton 4WD pickup. Overall I have been very happy with this truck!

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  My truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Tina Ashworth - January 9 - 6:20 pm

  I like the reliability and fuel economy. However, I notice that tire traction could be better and the styling is a bit dated.

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  I love it! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By JEM - January 8 - 12:24 pm

  We have had this truck for over 3 years. Only had to have it in once for warranty work. Just had to adjust power window on the drivers side. Love the comfort inside, especially on long trips. This is our 4th F150 and I cant wait to get our 5th one with the new make over! It is the best selling vehicle for a reason. Most dependable ride I have ever had.

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  Ford Shelby - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Paul Minter - January 8 - 11:33 am

  A Brit, lived in US for 8 years, could not afford a Mustang in UK, bought a new GT in 06 & just loved this American Icon, traded for GT500 in July 08 & wow!, Heres a bit of plagiarism from the UKs "Top Gear" auto review TV program "Floor the throttle and the big V8 talks to you, roaring and whistling, the gearbox rattles under load and the axle whines and moans. This engine is pure theatre, bellowing its barely contained rage as the rear tyres bend and twist in search of grip." actually this was written when the GT was launched but is applies to 500. Owned some tasty European sports erotica from, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Lotus. America be proud of this beast, no one else could make it.

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  Its a work truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Scott - January 7 - 11:30 pm

  Its a big work truck, keeping it under 2,000 rpm will greatly increase your gas mileage! Mine had 20 inch rims had to get 18s cuz the ride was too stiff but other than that great truck, I love the key pad entry , I just lock my keys in the truck

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  Junk, junk, junk - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By KP - January 7 - 1:06 pm

  Multiple problems since day one. Trunk leak, 4 visits to fix cruise control nonfunctional - bad servo wiper motor broke swaybars rotted in first year heater fan broke - bad resistor. Its too bad, was a great deal and drove nice, good looking and comfortable. Not great in the snow though because of wide tires. Repairs all under warranty, but will only fix during the week requiring car rental they dont give free loaners. I thought Taurus reliability went up? This car is junk quality. They build it with cheap parts. We will trade in as soon as warranty is up. So much for a good deal. Back to foreign cars.

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  F-150 XLT Extended Cab 2WD - 1994 Ford F-150
  By MoKan driver - January 7 - 12:22 am

  We have had this truck for 8 years drove it as a courier vehicle for the first 3 years. Has 244,000 miles on it and still runs well. Starts every day even in extreme cold. Has been a very reliable vehicle.

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  freestar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By BOBR - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle for a first time buyer of van and ford product