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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  Love it & will buy my 3rd one soon - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By southcross - August 13 - 10:55 pm

  This is my 2nd Expedition and I love these trucks. Im about to buy a 3rd one. This one has been a rock - totally dependable and solid. I feel safe on highway or in town. Had someone turn in front of me recently on a highway and the brakes did exactly what they were supposed to do - again, its solid. Put the Michelin LTX/MS tires on it and the ride is great. Ford has treated me right all along - with the 1st one and the 2nd one. It stinks on gas mileage, but it does everything I need it to do. I love this truck.

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  Long Live the Beast - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Forest - August 13 - 10:15 pm

  We bought our 2003 Excursion Limited 6.0 diesel new in September 2003. It does double duty as the company truck and the family hauler. We tow our 34 10,000 lb trailer on long family vacations. Estimate that we have towed the travel trailer at least 30,000 miles since 2003. Everybody is comfortable on long road trips and we have plenty of room left over. We did one ski trip to Colorado with only the truck and 6 people (and all equipment) on board. Went 75 mph and got over 18 mpg for the trip. Truck is very stable in slippery conditions. It is a bit clumsy around town, but heck--it is a truck. Too bad we may never see such a vehicle sold for the American family again.

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  Biggest Mistake - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Biggest Regret - August 13 - 9:59 pm

  Loved exterior so much compulsive buy. Biggest Mistake I ever made. Friends had been driving Fords for years no problem. mine Blew spark plugs. Dealer wanted 3000 to replace heads. Luckily private mechanic repaired for 800. Only prob, it kept happening. 3 of 8 cylinders blew over a year so in all 2400. Trans problems too. I have to say it never stranded me and I put 147000 on it in 3 yrs. With blown spark plug engine ran and got me to safety.Replaced rear Bearings, and Brakes froze in "applied" position. This warped rotor, melted brake lines, and ruined pads. 700 in repairs. A PLUS though after going offroad and air borne into small river (knee deep in water upon exit)it never tried to flip

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  PROBLEMS PROBLEMS - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By SBASTIEN - August 13 - 7:59 pm

  When I first bought this vehicle all was well. It was the low price that lured me in, but within a fairly short amount of time problems began. All electrical flashing cab lights, doors not opening, battery not charging, check engine and brake lights on at all times. Vehicle doesnt always start and is very unreliable. I like the interior and exterior of the van, gas mileage too, but very unreliable. WIll NEVER buy a Ford again! :(

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  Great value for money spent! - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Richard - August 13 - 7:14 pm

  Exceptional summer toy! I have the 6 speed auto with paddle shifters, not the 6M. Also have the performance package with bigger brakes, suspension and summer tires. (A second set of winter or all season tires is a must have because at below 40 degrees the Pirelli P-Zero summer tires are hazardous to your health! Recommend Pirelli P-Zero Neros ) Acceleration is scary fast especially in the sport mode, and drivability is exceptional. Its heavier than its Camaro counterpart, but much less skittish. Solid, dependable, easy- and fun-to drive. This Mustang has all of the luxury touches that my Lincoln MKZ has (back-up camera, heated and cooled leather seats, navigation, sound system, dimming mirror, memory seats and mirrors, etc.) With the top down its what youd expect; with the top up its as quiet and luxurious as the Lincoln. The "auto press" consistently gives this car bad marks for a buzzy engine and its infotainment system, while ignoring its value and dependability. IMHO they are wrong. If you are looking for this type of car, you must consider it - lest you spend thousands more for a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, or wind up disappointed with a Camaro of Dodge. Drive it - you will be surprised (read amazed).

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  Very Nice Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By smithbt5 - August 13 - 5:56 pm

  This is a very good truck. The handling is the best I have seen on a truck. The ride is very controlled and comfortable, but a little stiff. There very little body roll. Crash test ratings are excellent and even the resistance to rollover is good. The acceleration from a stop is adequate, but not as good as you might expect from the horsepower and torque ratings. Acceleration seems better when passing and merging. I love the deep bed and very large console storage space.

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  Nice Truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By steviewonder 20 - August 13 - 4:22 pm

  Great ride, very comfortable and quiet. Got the 5.4 engine as I got a great deal on an advertised package, and the mileage only 1 mpg less. Getting about 14 mpg in the city, about the same as my old 97 f150 4.7 v- 8. I noticed in consumer reports, they mentioned the truck engine to be a little loud, and the ride a little rough. Wow, I would have to disagree. This engine and tranny is silky smooth and quiet, everyone comments on that who has been in the truck. I test drove some other trucks, but this one really feels luxurious.

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  HAVE A CRACK UNDER THE REAR WINDOW??? - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bakemama - August 13 - 3:29 pm

  I see so many people posting about getting a crack on the body below the rear window, sometimes under the rear wiper. I had that on my 02 Explorer Limited in 05, but had it fixed asap as it was a recall issue. So if your dealer says they cant fix it... thats a bunch of bull. As for my Limited, I dont have it any longer, and wish I still had it! I have a huge commute and couldnt afford the gas when it went up to $5 a gallon, so traded it in for a sedan. Am now looking to get rid of the sedan and find another Explorer. The limited trim and features were excellent and I converted more GMC/Chevy and import guys that hated Fords with it. Also worth noting, never had any mechanical probs with it

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  Love me some Ford Truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Mark - August 13 - 10:41 am

  I laughed when I read that another guys wife sounded off about buying American. My wife did too as I was considering the Tundra or Tacoma but never got to the dealer. I did test drive Dodge, GMC and Ford. In every category from deal to doors I like the Ford at least a little better. GMC was a strong consideration and felt more refined but I wasnt looking for refined. I was looking for some big & bad truck and I found it in my black XLT 4X4.

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  So far Im impressed !! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By gqlefty - August 13 - 10:26 am

  Thanks to web-sites like this one, my selection process was easier to make. We downsized from driving an Expedition for the last 10 years. Havent had it long but so far this SEL has made the change an easy one and my wife loves it. Especially the GAS bill !! My son drives a 99 V6 Stang and it has been bullet- proof. So I lean towards driving another Ford product. Ford has done their home work on this one and has a winner for a small car. Ford must be reading these reviews because my SEL has 3 headrests in the back seat(2 would be enough) and an inside trunk release which earlier models lacked. Will report back in about 20K miles to update my review. All for under $19K, Im very impressed