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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  Sport Trac Owner impressions - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dks000 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  For such a big truck outside it seems little inside! We didnt want a full size crew cab truck and the mini crew cab trucks were too little. Its very comfortable and suitable for a 400 mile family vacation trip and still easy to run to the mall with. Gas milage is OK for this size and weight truck. The added weight is helpful when towing trailers by being more stable in cross winds. The price was lower than other trucks we considered and with good expierence with an old Ranger pickup we jumped on this truck. (I mean bought it!)

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  My Opinion - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By onen5 - May 13 - 5:06 pm

  I love this car, and wouldnt trade it for the world. Like every car it has issues. I had problems with the struts, the gas tank, and the heater. But if you love to drive, youll love to drive this. I cant vouch for the automatics or the V6 cars, but the GT with a stick (wrapped in leather) is a sheer thrill to drive.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Steve - May 12 - 6:40 pm

  Great car! Comfortable, roomy, spirited and very reasonably priced.

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  experienced owner - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By RICHARD PATE - May 12 - 5:14 pm

  My second Expedition and it is better than the last one. The whole family loves it on the road. Smooth and comfortable with all the extras and conveniences. Gas mileage is expected to reach 19 or 20, equaling my previous one. It is better on gas and cheaper on insurance than the 2004 Tahoe I traded and very much more comfortable.

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  Love My Taurus - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By love my taurus - May 11 - 12:01 pm

  I have had my Taurus for almost 13 years and had no major mechanical problems with it until the past year with 146,000 miles on it. I love everything about this car from the trunk space to the seats, to the radio controls on the dashboard. I feel safe driving this car. I have been hit twice in it with no real damage (cracked bumper & hood damage). When the insurance company tried to total my car, I said nay and had it fixed for $200. I know I will cry buckets when this car in finally unfixable.

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  1st impressions - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jhasam - May 11 - 9:49 am

  Purchased used 2002 SuperCrew with 35000 miles in 04/06. So far it has performed flawlessly. Gas mileage on the 5.4 is in line with published amount. Very comfortable ride.

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  Thunderbird loyalty - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Drunaus1 - May 11 - 9:33 am

  Excellent machine and very reliable, usual Ford which will let you know symptomatically that something is wrong before you get stuck, pretty much maintenance free (except for oil changes) until about 150,000 miles, would recommend air intake, O2 sensors, upper control arms and spring (expected in the northeast for the mileage, roads are terrible), traction control feature a must for this vehicle for performance and northeast climate. Will need reliable mechanic for some things as mentioned above, not for old school mechanics there isnt a distributor so you have coil packs. I recommend the 4.6 v-8 with all the toys, do it right, only complaint is the location of the cup holders in the center console.

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  very nice affordable car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By GerryS - May 11 - 8:36 am

  After extensively shopping even the Mazda 3 and Mini, Im very glad to have "moved down" into my ST. Very responsive and fun to drive for a car that costs thousands less than even the Chevy Cobalt. Well built (so far) with few downsides. Could use more 12v plugs (has just one) and the cup holders are for use in desperation only (good luck getting a jumbo drink to stay in place), but it is after all a small car. The trunk is HUGE and quite functional and the top end trim package (leather, sunroof and traction control) round it out well. Overall Im very happy with it.

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  Nice car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Davey - May 11 - 8:11 am

  I bought this car because of the great price I was offered. It had 50k on it and had sat a lot. I did have to replace some gaskets as could be expected. I have since replaced the exhaust and intake (by choice) and it is an excellent vehicle. The model I own has every amenity available. 1993 Car & Driver car of the year, road tested against the Integra and other models of its class. Although, new my vehicle listed for $30k and the Integra for $20k.

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  Many Time F-150 Owner - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Greg Morell - May 11 - 4:51 am

  This review is specifically regarding my 2014 F-150 Supercrew FX4 Ecoboost w/ 6.5 bed: Like previous F-150s Ive owned, this truck has been nothing short of a fantastic vehicle. This is my second Ecoboost F-150 and I have had zero problems and have been nothing but impressed with its torque, engine response and reliability. Granted, Ive only put 62k on it, and I typically trade every three years, so personally cant vouch for long-term reliability; however, as stated, Ive had two trucks w/ eco and absolutely no problems. Not even an ECM update on either truck. I still have original tires on this one at 62k and have replaced front rotors and pads. The truck is max tow and it has pulled and hauled fairly (actually really) heavy loads without complaint. In fact, the truck is a beast when towing! All-in-all, based on my experience, its a fantastic, all purpose vehicle! If the F-150 isnt the best dog hauler, its got to be one of them! No problem fitting my 225lb Mastiff and 100lb Chesapeake in the back seat area.