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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  2000 Ford Ranger 2.5L 2WD - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Brian Duty - November 23 - 5:18 pm

  Ive had this truck for about 10 years, she had around 50k miles when I acquired her. She now has 200k miles and still runs like new. Im not a Ford or Chevy or Dodge person, I firmly believe that how well you maintain a vehicle is far more important than who put the parts together. Sure Ive done a lot of maintenance (fuel pump, timing belt, alternator, shackles and hangers) including all of the regular stuff (tires, regular oil changes), but that is to be expected. I would still feel comfortable driving this truck across the country, more so than most vehicles ten years newer. Ive invested a lot of money into things such as premium audio with bluetooth and European smoke headlights and a brushguard just to make her feel new again and caught up with the times. Im also a really big guy, tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds, and I have tons of room in the drivers seat and the seatbelt fits with plenty to spare. Shes hauled anything Ive thrown at her, far more than she is rated for. Pulling a trailer results in a pretty slow speed since she only had 119hp from the factory, especially trying to go uphill, but she has never once overheated. I had a 2004 Durango Limited with the Magnum 5.7L V8, and Ive had a 1987 Mustang 5.0, so I do miss the raw power those muscle engines bring, but this 2000 Ranger is my favorite vehicle that I have ever owned.

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  Approaching 250k - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chris - November 23 - 8:03 am

  Very impressed with this car. Great versatility and reliability. Very few problems

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  Great economy car - 2011 Ford Focus
  By James Smith - November 22 - 7:32 am

  This is a great economy car. It does a lot of things well and is very easy to drive. With Traction Control and Anti-Skid, weve never had problems getting around in bad weather. Includes blue tooth phone and 6 air bags...just a very nice small car. It has been very reliable.

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  Best fun car Ive ever owned - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Jim McLawhorn - November 20 - 10:36 pm

  My 89 Probe LX, was a dream to drive. It was the only model that had a Ford body and Mazda drive train, and was the best fun car that Ive ever owned! I dont know why others had poor gas millage, but I got 37 mpg "consistently" on the highway. In town it was close to 30!!! The drivers seat was great. I could drive 5-600 miles in a day and never get tired from driving. Boredom was another thing. The only problems I had was the window regulators broke. One just over 1 year, and the other after 1 1/2 years. Dont know why the passenger side broke. It almost never got used. The other problem was the dash computer cover broke from the heat in Florida. I could lay the back seats down, they never got used, and use the back are to sleep in. Wish I still had it!

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  Great car - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By mike Deskins - November 19 - 9:28 am

  One the fun cars to drive i have ever had , an im 65 yr old love the car !! Fox body cars were built for the guy who like s to drive !! Well be a collector one day soon . Mike

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  2008 xl with 4.2 v6 - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Nick - November 19 - 1:26 am

  Purchased this truck with 195000 miles, so far Ive replaced a serpentine belt, fuel sending unit (something everyone should replace, they are known to fail) and a fuel pump. Interior comfort is amazing for a base model truck, large seats with good arm support. Only issue I find with the interior on this model it only has three cupholders. MPG is very good for a full sized truck with the v6 and manual 5 speed.

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  What I needed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jorge - November 16 - 11:48 pm

  Bought 2010 Ford fusion in 2011 with 12K miles. It is now 2015 and vehicleh has 160,262 miles on it running strong no check engine light. Oil changes every 7,000 miles (save $) spark plugs not required to be changed until 90K miles (saved $) break pads not changed until 130K yes! 130,000 miles still had plenty of life to them only changed them because I had bought everything already. Getting 29 avg mpg and 32 on the highway. Not all is perfect 1 tire air pressure sensor went out at 80k chose not to fix it. Valve cover seal replaced at 120k cost me $60 and 45 minutes of my time. 87 octane fuel (cheapest $) my Ford fusion is what I need. I also drained&filled transmission fluid at 100K &150k. A/C still perfectly cold for this Texas heat. I forgot to mention the "check fuel inlet" message common problem fixed it by cleaning area and placing a $15 gasoline locking cap.

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  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Samantha - November 16 - 9:11 am

  I purchased my 2006 ford fusion about 5 years ago with 60,000 miles on it. The car got me there and back a few places in Michigan. The only thing I have replaced on my car is tires, breaking, window regulator and oil changes. My check engine light comes on but i never had any problems with the car. The shifting in the car when it takes off fast because not coming to a complete stop it jumps or when it is cold. I have noticed that the 1st gear RPMs go to about 4 or 5 before shifting to 2nd. I have one slow oil leak that i have been putting Pennzoil high mileage oil in it to keep the leak slow. I changed the transmission fluid and it still seems to run the same. With Michigan weather good tires would be good to have but it gets through snow alright with cheap tires. The door handles are cheap and break and peal. My mileage now on my car is 135,000 and it still brings me there and back to different places in Michigan. It is a very good car that doesnt need much maintenance besides oil changes, tires and breaks. Very good car.

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  Powerful Titanium 2L - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Gerry Partida - November 14 - 10:58 pm

  We bought our Edge 4 weeks ago and we have enjoyed the car immensely. Today I drove our Edge up to Big Bear Mountain which is 30 miles and an elevation climb from 1500 feet to 7200 feet. I was concerned about the power of the turbo 2L engine, but I am happy to report that our Edge powered up the mountain equal our better than my V6 Acura TL. We have been able to get 30+MPG on the freeway and average about 24 MPG combined. Love the remote engine start this evening with the outside temperature at 20°F. Looking forward to our next trip in 2 weeks on Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Morro Bay. We will update on the car after that trip.

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  Best Ford in the world - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Juan - November 14 - 10:16 pm

  We purchase the F-150 with 140,000 miles an know is over 220,000 miles an never rely had a problem only part we had to replace was an alternator, tires, and wiper blades. The F-150 still very original even has the original battery. The 4WD was amazing she could pass through the snow, and mud with no problem. Got amazing gas millage for a pickup, we could over 8 hours of driving without having to think were to stop for gas. Has the strong running 5.4(330) which is fun to drive around if you get what I mean. The box is pretty good size not to short or to long there is more space then some of the newer replacement. The F-150 was decent at towing you just may loose the good mpg other than that you will pull just find. We still have the F-150 but after 9 years of running strong she blew a sparkplug coil. We took it to get fix with our local mechanic and he end up making a big hole on the engine head so we now looking for an engine head to get it up an running.