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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  Great truck but weak A/C in AZ - 2006 Ford F-150
  By wm link - June 21 - 11:06 pm

  I am really impressed with nearly all of this vehicle in first 100 miles. Interior design is SHARP and beyond comparison...but how did Ford goof up the air conditioning (2004-06 design) over prior models? Ford A/C had been ICE cold...nearly meat locker rated for years. I rated the truck as 9 over 10 under the comfort, build design and reliability due to the disappointing A/C. The drive is quiet but performance seems lacking over my 1998 model with same 5.4 engine...yet has more HP, that I cannot feel. Is it a numbers game? So far I am recommending this truck with reservations on the A/C. I hold out optimism that the A/C can be massaged a few degrees cooler.

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  My Dream! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By 98GT - June 21 - 9:51 pm

  im currently 16 years old. i have wanted a mustang since i was 8 years old. i never even considered anything else. and im glad i didnt.. i originally was looking at a 2006 black mustang V6 with an automatic transmission and leather seats but i ended up buying almost the exact opposite. i have a white 1998 mustang with a V8, a manual tranny, and cloth seats and i still love it. this car is everything a teenage boy probably shouldnt have. but i honestly believe that u can get yourself just as dead in a V6 as u can in a V8. this car is what i always dreamt of. i love the smooth shifts, the mach audio, and how i can spin tires by barely giving it any gas at all. this car has the power!

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  My contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By tibbylover89 - June 21 - 9:34 pm

  This car was my first car. The first year there was nothing wrong with it. But ever since I got it inspected in 01/09, it has been stalling a lot, the a/c clutch went (500$), the fuel flapper went (500$), and I have spent about $450 having mechanics try to figure out why it keeps stalling. It still needs a transmission switch, and an O2 sensor. At only 90k miles, I never thought I would be going through so much trouble. So I got another car. The car had a decent preformance for a sedan, nothing compared to my 03 Tiburon. I drove it fast a lot, because it my first car. I was learniing to drive. It has no RPM gauge. So that may be why I am having a few issues. Overall, it was an ok car.

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  No More Fords - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Unhappy - June 21 - 5:38 pm

  As long as I was not putting too many miles on my Ford, it seemed like a decent vehicle. Now that I have been driving regularly the past six months major problems have occured. First the seat started rocking back and forth, then the transmission started slipping between 2nd and 3rd,now the real winner, the serpentine belt pulley on the harmonic balancer has separated and the belt coming off. Apparently all inherent problems with this vehicle from what I read on the internet.Dealer wants two arms and a leg to fix. Next car anything but a Ford, GM or Chrysler.

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  Great Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jay - June 21 - 2:06 pm

  Traded a 98 Blazer that got 16mpg. My Focus SE 5 speed gets 28mpg. Had the car 3 weeks and got rearended. Other than the trunk lid, car held up nice. Fun car to drive. Nice sound system. Wish it had a another power outlet or two.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By KevinDK - June 21 - 7:35 am

  The car just seems to fit me perfect. It reminds me of a cockpit actually. And man oh man does the car scream. I have loved Mustangs for years, and finally got one. Ford really does a good job with the stangs. A lot of people complain that its pretty "normal" when it comes to features and luxuries.. Well its a MUSCLE CAR, they arent known for being like a Luxury car. They have less gadgets and more power. People who by Mustangs arent concerned with such things, or gas mileage. For what it has, gas mileage is great however.

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  First Truck Owned - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Sass - June 21 - 6:58 am

  I purchased the vehicle in September of 93 and it is still running strong. I drive 70 miles everyday and haul my dogs on the weekend, so the truck gets little down time. The vehicle is scheduled for its first brake job in one week and has logged over 208,000 miles, mostly highway. The original exhaust system has a small rattle where the catalatic converter broke a weld on the shield last week, so the vehicle has costed well below the average. Outside of the normal oil changes and tire replacements, this truck has been major repair free, and Iam excited about that aspect.

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  SVT Focus a best buy! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By SVT4ME - June 21 - 2:00 am

  It handles like its on rails - yet you dont sacrifice ride comfort for handling prowess. The steering is tight and firm yet supple. The engine rocks - you wont win any stoplight drag races against a V8 Mustang or Camaro, but youll surprise a lot of Honda owners. And it has a nice exhaust tone, too. The six-speed is fun and works well, although occasionally the first- to -second gear change seems a little clunky, and the reverse lockout can be a little hard to overcome. Interior much nicer than previous Ford compact car efforts, although even with only 10,000 miles, already a little squeaky but turning on the excellent stereo cures that problem!

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RB - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fine auto, superb handling and ride. Great interior for my 6 ft frame with plenty of space for other riders and luggage. Terrific engine producing quick response and good highway speeds without effort. Very good mileage both around town and highway driving.The new edge design with a europian flair is outstanding. An overall excellent value for the price.

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  O3 Expedition - A Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By fordguy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchaed a 2003 4x4 XLT 5.4 on dec 31st of 2002. We have had the vehicle for around one month. I am extremely pleased so far. The truck handles like a vehicle half it size, it almost feels light. pressed hard into corners it has very little body roll. The build quilty is solid. Acceleration is good while braking is excellent, but the interior is really where this vehicle shines. It is massive, comforatble and extremely versatile. The fold flat 3rd row seat was the deciding factor over the Tahoe I was looking at. It puts the U in utility. If you are looking at full sized SUVs you owe it to yourself to give this truck a look - it is a gem.