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:

• 

  bad ball joints, cam tensioner etc - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By boatman188 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used in 1999, with 3000 miles. Great veh. for towing our boat. But disappointed with Ford. No help with costs of replacing auto cam chain tensioner at 40K mi., ball joints both sides at 60k mi.,and intake manifold gaskets. Ford did provide new tires of course to replace the Firestones. Why such poor front suspention joints?

• 

  Happy AZ Lightning Owner - 2003 Ford F-150
  By redfred - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle can get you in trouble due to easy to exceed speed limits that this blows right past. Get lots of looks and comments from strangers when they see it. Mileage around 13-14 m.p.h. mostly highways (city highways - rush hour can impact negatively). Have seen mileage as low as 10 m.p.h. - improved my driving after that.

• 

  XLT Crewcab w/5.4L - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Tom - August 4 - 7:46 pm

  Bought this truck new with the 5.4L engine with the 3:55 positrac rear end. The Dodge is faster, and the Chevy looked bad in the front end, and the Nissan only offers a grey and beige interior, yuk. The truck has not been to the shop for anything other than oil and filters. I now have 15,000 on the truck and am getting 15 to 16.4 mpg driving mostly highway to and from work. It will pull my boat just fine, but the boat is about 2700 lbs, so anything will pull it. The seats are very firm, maybe too firm. I have a hole in my front left part of my drivers seat on the seat cushion. The cause seems to be a sharp piece of seat frame right below it. This is the only thing I can say that isnt good.

• 

  Great Car - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Ron L. Johnson - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 1995 F-150 4WD. It has the 5.0 V8 and lots of power. I love this truck and would tell anyone to get one just like it. I love to drive it and there is penty of power.I also tow a 16ft boat with it and it fells like the boat is not there. Ford did great with this model so go buy one

• 

  ppppeeeerrrrrffffeeeecccccttttttt - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By jmo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Well at first I was somewhat hesitant to purchase this vehicle.But as a few people have said that the ride and the comfort was much nicer then I had expected. I just like to say that it is one smart buy. And I spent half the money I was expecting to spend.The Audio system is a little poor, but that is a quick fix. Other then that it has been a great car for camping, going to the beach as well just cruising.

• 

  pretty good - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By saleen - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Well ive owned the mustang since ive bought it some time ago,And i have to say ive enjoyed it alot and have no problems with it that i can recall.It does not ride very smooth but whats the point thats why u buy a sports car for excitement,right?

• 

  F150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By John Beasaley - August 1 - 3:46 am

  Front drivers seat not real comfortable, but overall a good truck.

• 

  Lossing Intrest in the Cobra real fast! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gts2k1 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2k3 cobra with 1156 miles. From day one had nothing but problems. First Ford had to replace the third member in the rear end. Car constantly pulls to the right. Now the car has another vibration, not as bad before the third member was replaced, and a annoying reverd sound either from the engine or tranny. Ive had the car for two months now and it has been to the shop (ford service) 5 times. Im just about ready to let the car go back.

• 

  Nice SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bwwray - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a good truck for the money, compared to other makers. Nice interior design and easy accessibility. Responsive steering and smooth ride.

• 

  So far, so good. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By cowpie - July 31 - 2:00 am

  15k so far and only a couple of minor problems. Has great acceleration for a v6 and we get 22-24 mpg. Wife loves the heated seats, backup beeper and the moonroof. Enough room in the back for the kids.