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:

• 

  The Best By Far! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By mike - October 30 - 8:33 pm

  Were a growing family family of 5. We wanted safety, plenty of space, towing capabilities, and a touch of luxury. We love our 2001 7.3 turbo diesel Limited Edition. We have peace of mind knowing that our family would be well protected in an accident. The excursion is very roomy and accommodates our family well, including our Great Dane. Towing a 16x7.5 enclosed trailer with ATVs inside is no problem for this SUV. It rides and drives great! The turbo makes it respond quick and not sluggish. Wed highly recommend the turbo diesel. We get about 17-18 mpg around town and about 22 mpg on the interstate. Finally, the tow package, back up sensors, and leather interior beats our old Tahoe hands down.

• 

  nice car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By becheurh@yahoo.com - October 30 - 3:11 pm

  Nothing wrong .I hade 64000 miles on it

• 

  2000 XLT Ranger Is Very Reliable - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Julie G. - October 30 - 10:47 am

  I drive an average of 45,000 miles per year in my 2000 XLT 2WD Extended Cab Ford Ranger. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Regular maintenance and service is all that I have invested in this truck and my Ford Ranger just keeps rambling right along. XLT with all power package makes everything easy to use. Good stereo too. I would certainly recommend a new Ford Ranger to any one looking for a comfortable and durable ride that can put in a good days work and still clean up nice too. A perfect light truck!

• 

  Happy with my STX - 2004 Ford F-150
  By STX in North Dakota - October 29 - 1:43 pm

  GM owner all my life. Had a VW Jetta before this truck. In the shop more than a 3rd of the time I owned it. I now have this truck and a GMC Sierra SLT. I would say that between both of the trucks I would rather drive the Ford. More comfortable inside with STX package than GMC with leather and all the goodies. I would rather tow with the GMC, way more power. Both get equal MPG when not towing. Styling is better on the Ford. For an extended cab the Ford has more room for my sons car seat in the back. The 4.6 motor is definitely underpowered for serious hauling but works great for commuting and hunting/fishing. Pulls a small boat/camper with no problem. Would not tow more than that.

• 

  great vacation auto - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By vanwyk5 - October 29 - 1:10 pm

  We just completed a family vacation with our new 500 - what a great car! We averaged 28.5 mpg and the kids (3) were comfortable considering we were in the car for 38 hours. The seats were very comfortable; I drove for eleven hours one day and did not have any aches and pains. We had three large suit cases and a full size cooler in the trunk and room to spare. The only complaint was driving in the mountains - the lack of lower gears was a problem because I was riding the brakes a lot. Otherwise this would make an excellent replacement for a minivan.

• 

  Ford fun for family - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Tammie - October 29 - 11:53 am

• 

  Thanks Ford! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Darin - October 29 - 11:20 am

  When we set-out to replace my reliable old Camry (170,000 mi), our first thought was an Accord since we already own and love our Honda Odyssey van. After a number of test drives (Accord, Subaru and Ford), we just couldnt get over how much we liked the Fusion. The car has been so well thought-out from the ground-up, that there is no question why it secured the MT COTY award for 2010! After 3 Hondas and 2 Toyotas, were sold on the Fusion. Hoping for years of reliable service (the true test).

• 

  Fast, Sporty, Fun and Affordable!! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ron C - October 28 - 4:30 pm

  What a fantastically enjoyable car. Turns heads, great performance and handling, super gas mileage, and great ergonomic layout and comfortable cabin. Most fun car I have owned in years.. Not the same old, same old uninspiring Hondas or Toyotas that fill the cookie-cutter neighborhoods. Great value for this well laid out, great performing and solid vehicle. Ford has really pulled together the strength of Ford, Mazda and Volvo on this offering. Ive had only for one very exciting month, but really love this car.

• 

  EXCELLENT WORKHORSE - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MATT - October 27 - 10:02 pm

  Owning this truck has been very good, Mine is a basic no-frills model but compared to the competition this is an excellent choice, Skip the Hankook tires if you can, poor winter traction. The paint on front of the box behind the doors on the bottom is prone to early chipping. 4.6 engine is sufficient for most uses, 17 mpg avg. If you pull trailer a lot the 5.4L engine is a better choice, even if unloaded mileage is lower, around 15 mpg avg. Floor shift 4wd is simple and easy to use. Auto transmission shifts flawlessly. A/C is good, as is the heater. The 8 foot box is very deep, you can get to your GVWR quickly, with dirt, rock or whatever. At max load there is no sway or unexpected surprises.

• 

  Worth the wait - 2009 Ford Escape
  By GopherM - October 27 - 7:30 pm

  No hot rod, but plenty of pickup for a 4 cylinder. The ride is slightly firm but very comfortable. Handles much better than the 08 and the interior is very quiet. The 6 speed transmission is very smooth. Getting great mileage already. The Sync and nav system are fun and the stereo is killer. Very roomy. Sits high and has great visibility all the way around. Ive looked over every inch I can think of and the fit and finish seem flawless. I have read some criticism about the front disk, rear drum brakes and you would think it has disks all around with the very effective braking I have experienced. Its not a sports car but it is great for a small SUV.