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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  Could not ask for more - 1993 Ford F-150
  By jim patterson - February 29 - 2:00 am

  I have 190,000 and have little to no problems. 96,000 I rebuilt the Tran due to pulling to heavy of a trailor. replaced a raidator, orignial water pump just becuse. Also a master cylinder. I have a V8 5.8L at 180,000 checked the compression and found only a 2-3 pound difference than spec call for. I have used PROLONG OIL aditive every 40,000 and to date use no oil at 3,000 miles. In a 190,000 I have spent maybe 4,000 in repair including all maintance.

• 

  great truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By gary mullen - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck over the last 5 years. The only thing I have had trouble with has been the brakes.

• 

  2000 stang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By adalejrfan - February 28 - 10:00 am

  wish i had a v-8 but the 6 with a 5 spd is still pepey and fun.first ford i ever owned.would buy another but a gt

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  Mediocre - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Vibula - February 28 - 10:00 am

  While the features have greatly improved over the 2000 lack luster interior design. The Taurus has great dependibility. The quality of interior materials used are sub-par I believe a little more effort and this could be better fixed. The clothe seats shed, and the automatic gear selector console is made of cheap plastic the seperates from its molding under heat. Ive noticed a irritating buzzing at highway speeds, it sound like a bee buzzing against the glass. I think something has come loose outside.

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  5.0hhh my god - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By frank brady - February 28 - 2:00 am

  just about the best car ever built!

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  I love my truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By K62cuby - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck in winter but winter in Charlotte NC is usually 40-60 degrees. I purchased the expedition because I am a steel sculptor, I dont like putting rusted steel in my acura. Well I thought that was the expedition was good for...wrong. Later on that month we had one of the worst ice storms in Charlotte history. While all the cars and 2wheel drive trucks were sliding all over the road me and a couple of hummers were doing just fine. The size and the power of the Expedition is its selling point, and I cant see why any one who has to deal with snow on a constant basis would have one. It is a great buy and I am glad I have it around.

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  Respectable - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By MrMattin2024 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with over 100,000 miles and it has not had any major problems. In the past year I replaced a bad thermostat ($7), a inside door handle ($12), and recently an air idle control sollonoid is going out ($104). The fuel economy is my biggest annoyance, at 15 mpg for most short trips around the area. But, it also has gotten a little over 20 mpg on some longer freeway trips. Overall, its not a bad vehicle. Also very sure-footed in snow in 4x4 mode.

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  Beware of brakes! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By megan teut - February 27 - 7:53 pm

  BE WARNED! This is a great car, but what the dealer wont tell you about is the "brake" factor. Ford uses a softer rotor that is designed to wear with the brake. So, every time you get your brakes done you also need new rotors. Even worse is that the brakes only last between 17,000 and 20,000 miles. So, if are going to purchase a Focus, be prepared to spend an additional $500-$1000 almost every year for new brakes.

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  Great work truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By couleeman - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great work truck. You cannot kill it. I have the 300-6 with the 5 speed, and put on alot of miles on a year with no problems yet.

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  Need more ponies - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By ranger 1 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Ford ranger XLT 2.3 16v with a 5 speed manual. The truck drives fine but the only thing lacking again is horse power. The vehicle has 143 horse power but feels as though it has 115 horse power.