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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  Fun for $2.50 a gallon - 2003 Ford F-150
  By stodd - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is by far the fun pedal of the new car market.After the new wears off, smoking burnout for the youngsters, (Im 54)its still a lot of grins, if you want for an everday driver FORGET it. Its like having a Street Rod without the work.

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  Just Got - 2003 Ford F-150
  By geslou - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Second super crew Ive had. Truck is very nice. Interior is a little plain.

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  Great truck - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Txfishermn - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Pulls like a truck should. Very little problems other than maintenance.

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  Awesome - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BuckSatan - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I got this car 5 yrs ago and unfortunatly Im getting rid of it soon. Its been a wonderful, relyable car since the day I bought it. Few minor fixes and maintenance along the way, but nothing thats not expected from a car that was 8-9 yrs old at the time and never had that maintenance. Its got 96k miles on it and I would definatly expect it to last at least another 50 if its taken care of. Outside of oil changes and tire rotations Ive probably had it in the shop for repairs twice. Pretty good in my opinion when I bought the car after it was 5 yrs old. It would be a definate good buy for a first time driver.

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  Its an old friend - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Sgt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used, and I have put over 60000 miles on this old friend. It has been a costly vehicle, cost 400.oo for third brake light, used even!!! Likes to eat brakes and really loves gas, but has been a great vehicle to drive, has never let me down in the snow! You cant make this vehicle slide in the snow. overall, I love it.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Knoffler - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a 10th Anniversary Edition with the all leather seats and red inserts. (prefer this over the fake suede) With only around $1,500 in mods ( Exhaust, pulley,chip,CAI,shifter) it puts down 450RWHP ~500 at the motor. The stock Goodyear F1s are useless, Drag radials are a must. With Nitto 315 555rs was able to run the 1/4 in 11.89 at 120.1mph with a mediocre 1.89 60ft. This car has some pull, anything below 50mph on street tires is gonna go up in smoke. If your looking for more performance than this slap on a Kenne Bell or Whipple and push over 625rwhp on the stock long block its fully forged to handle up to 700hp.

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  03 Mustang Cobra Convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By The Principal - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Take the Ford Mustang GT but add some real fun: buy the limited edition Cobra. Add zest: get the soft top. Want to turn heads : modify with a Borla exhaust system and hear it rumble! With 400 horses this Pony is the fastest sports car in America under $40k. Make those more expensive convertibles in the lux class disappear in your rearview.

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  Rear Axle Problem - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jsapie - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this used last week. Heard a whine in the rear end. Took it to the Ford dealer and they are replacing the entire rear end. They told me that a few have come back due to this problem.. Gas mileage is 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Engine is very quiet. Sometime you need to listen to see if it is running. I think the BF goodrich tires make the ride rough due to the tread design. The front rotors needed turned due to a vibration in the steering wheel between 40 - 6o mph. Purchase a Ford ESP extended warranty over the web from a Ford dealer for a better price. With all the equipment on this I think you will need it!

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  Working truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Blue collar guy - June 27 - 4:30 am

  I seem to be one of the few that buys a truck to use as a truck. I am more interested in the motor, frame, tranny, rearend than if it has heated seats or I can plug my IPOD in or heated seats.I haul with this truck an drive it into fields. down graval roads an in the snow. The truck does very well doing all these things. An I feel its the best bang for the money. The frame is very stiff no flex an the truck likes to work. If you are looking for a truck that you are going to use as a truck this truck will serve you well. I am getting around 18mpg an that ok with me its a truck not a little car. I have 3.73 rear gears in this truck for towing an hauling.

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  Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Kevin - June 27 - 3:10 am

  Handling, gas mileage is great.