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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  explorer sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By regwaw - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The exterior is great. The interior is ok. Nice engine

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  Mostly happy, but want 3.0 Liter not 4.0 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Bluesideup - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Im generally pleased. Gas mileage with the 4 liter is 16.5 to 17.5. Having come from a Toyota 4WD, Im used to 22mpg, and would have prefered the 3 liter engine. Unfortunately, Ford stopped offering the 3 liter in 4WD. No problems in 8 months, but the heater/AC still smells. Fords bedliner needs rework on the rear slots for 2x6 partitions. The rear ones are completely enclosed by siderails and stiffener ribs. If the 2x6 is short enough to clear the ribs, it will also fall out. Changing the oil filter is a pain. Bucket seats are great. Upgraded stereo better than expected. No recirc option on the heat/AC. 2002 model.

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  Dont Do it! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By OceanDancer - February 12 - 11:51 pm

  This car is not worth the money. At 120k I have put $1400 in front end work. It eats up rotors. My valve cover gaskets are leaking. My heat decided to stop working this week. My lights dim when I brake, interior lights wont shut off, this is just a few of the numerous electrical problems. Two words for this car, money pit!

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  5.0 - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By isaias5885 - February 12 - 9:17 pm

  This was supposed to my project car. I own a 2005 Scion Tc also. Since I bought the Mustang I havent driven the Tc. This 5.0 is amazing. Just a full tune up and I was having the time of my life. Im never selling this car.

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  Original Owner, Great Value Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Bad da Bingg - February 12 - 8:56 pm

  I bought the 4.6 L V8 4x4 XLT when our kids were just small enough to fit easily in the extended cab. Now that theyre grown and gone, the truck keeps on doing truck duty. Those are boat hauling, camping, motorcycle transport and skiing. This truck has needed brakes and shocks but nothing else beyond routine maintenance. I look at newer trucks and laugh at the pricing and fuel efficiency, my truck still compares nicely.

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  Bad Tranny - 1999 Ford F-150
  By chuck - February 12 - 7:54 pm

  This is a well designed and solid built truck. Every thing is tight and working well after ten years. The only problem and it is a big problem is the transmission had the famous Ford shudder when trying to lock up. I have bought two new Ford SUVs but after this I will not buy another Ford after such a fatal flaw. If you have not had the shudder yet, it is coming.

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  Great car, bad seat design - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Pd - February 12 - 7:33 am

  Drivers over 6 3" should consider another vehicle. The power seats tilt back when they go down so you sit leaning back which is very uncomfortable. With the moon roof you loose about 1.5" of headroom so tall people will have their head rubbing the roof. I thought I could live with this but the car must go!

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  Difference between Silverado and Ford F150 - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Frank - February 11 - 10:21 pm

  Let me first say that Im not a truck guy. I rented a car in Orlando and was given a Silverado for 2 weeks. I throughly enjoyed the truck. The instrumentation was simple to figure out and the rearview camera was huge. The ride was very comfortable and the front seats were very roomy although the backseat space was too tight. Parking is difficult due to the size. A week later I was given a Ford F150 for a week. WOW what a difference! The Ford was cheap feeling and looking inside. It took a masters degree to figure out the instrumentation. The back up camera was minuscule and useless. The truck was easier to maneuver then the Silverado and the backseat room was huge. Even with these pluses it the Silverado features and ride far out weight the Ford F150.

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  Last One - 2002 Ford F-150
  By shumate1819 - February 11 - 4:54 pm

  Absoulutely the worst truck Ive owned, two transmissions and one transfer case. Interior seats are not comfortable. Sliding cupholder broke the week I bought it. Ive had nothing but trouble. Even the blinkers work only when they want to. Ive owned Chevys and Dodges and this is the worst. Ive only owned it for a little over two years. I can only imagine what I would have done if it was new.

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  2002 Ford Taurus LX (3.0L V6) - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Wilson - February 11 - 4:16 pm

  First new car for the family. Have now 106,800 miles on it. Besides regular maintenance the only item that has failed was the starter at 106K. Other than that is been just regular oil changes, an a tune up at 106K. Easy to drive, comfortable. We have taken it on many long trips and has always performed very well. We get about 26 miles per gallon on the highway, about 23 in city driving.