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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  Nice truck needs better quality - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By GPWEBMAN - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I originally was considering the Ranger or the Mustang GT, but after a brief drive in a 4x4 4-liter 5-speed the Mustang was no longer a choice. Good ride, pretty comfortable, decent power from the otherwise rough-sounding 4- liter V6 engine. The rear doors are a nice idea but after a couple of years theyve started rattling over bumps and its quite annoying now.

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  Decent Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By David from Norcross - September 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 Taurus is a good family car. It looks nice and is roomy inside with a large trunk. On the other hand it is boring to drive. I am also disappointed that it has drepreciated over 65% since I bought it new. In retrospect I wish I bought a two year old Tarus instead of a new one.

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  41 MPG - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By sharkbait - September 6 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased my Fusion Hybrid as a Certified Used from Ford. It has meet or exceeded all expectations. I commute 35 miles one way to work; I have averaged 41 mpg since I started driving the Ford. It rides well, the SYNC system is handy, and climate control works well. My car has blind spot monitors that come in handy; the body style limits some visibility.

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  Inspect It Carefully! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By James S. - September 6 - 7:03 am

  The Bad: Our white 500 had massive problems with areas of the car not being painted (primer showing through) and with paint runs/defects. Lower front bumper, door jams, inside trunk areas etc. It also had problems with the sheet metal along the rear door seams and rear quarter panel being deformed. Theres also the issue of the notorious heat bubble that shows up on the center dashboard console that Ford will not currently fix due to a "pending solution." Next you have the gas tank strap recall that is also pending. The Good: The fuel mileage and cruising range are very good for a car of this size. Achieved 550+ miles on highway trips from the 20 gallon tank. Transmission is impressive.

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rahenige - September 6 - 3:11 am

  My first car from a US company (all previous cars have been German or Japanese, most recently a Honda Accord Hybrid). Ive had the car since Jan. 4, 2011. Fuel mileage started out at 28mpg due to cold weather and snow in the Boston area. Now that spring has arrived, the car averaged 39.0mpg for the last tankful (based on 513 trip miles divided by 13.2 gallons to refuel). Overall fuel economy is 34.1mpg (156 gallons for 5,330 miles). I expect this to continue to improve throughout spring, summer and into next fall. Power from 2.5L I4 is adequate, although not as good as the 3.0L V6 in my HAH. Handling is good, but again not as crisp as in the HAH. Fuel economy is about 50% better.

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  2000 Ford Ranger 4Door Extended Cab 4x4 - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By warriorman - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Would recommed this truck for thoses divers who do not want a big bulky truck this truck rides likes a compact car does!

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  Solid Compact Pickup - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By the duct-tape kid - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Was shopping for daily driver to replace 79 F150.Test drove Edge on whim and fell in love.Semi dual exhaust sounds great.The truck rides higher than base R,but felt more like a truck than base R.Stiff suspension. Makes XLT look wimpy.Basic pickup interior-vinyl floor/seats, crank windows, no power nothin. CD player helps.Only regret is it aint a long bed. Needed a dependable work truck, and smaller helps in downtown traffic. 3.0L motor isnt too punchy-doesnt get great gas mileage either. Motor weak on incline and auto tranny downshifts to compensate.

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  No Complaints - 2002 Ford F-150
  By lreitz - September 6 - 2:00 am

  No complaints. Gas mileage is not great, but I didnt buy a truck expecting it. Back seat is very roomy. Bed doesnt fit long items, but in my case more seating was a priority. More than 20K miles and I have no regrets...yet.

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  Happy but... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 1st F150 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  First time Ford Truck buyer. The quality of the interior is very nice (but cramped) along with a nice ride. However, to get a good truck with decent power, you have to get ALL of the upgrades. Also get the two tone paint, otherwise the truck just has a cheap look to it. Two weeks after buying this truck my neighbor pulls up in a full size Nissan!?! It had the room AND the power I was missing for much less. Please research what you are getting for your money. This is a good truck with a NICE interior, but power and comfort are lacking.

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  Very nice and fun car to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Brian Blum - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car better than the Civic and Corolla. The car is quiet and smooth. The 2.3 litre engine pulls nicely and is very quiet. The handling is very satisfing. The draw backs are the design for rear seat entry is confusing resulting in messing up the seat back angle adjustment. I also think the engine deserves a smoother gearbox which does not compare to my old Accords or the new Hondas gearboxes. I wish the hatchback had 6 inches more available for loading. It fits my bicycles but the length is tight.