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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  Taurus/500 - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Don - February 7 - 2:58 pm

  I had a 2005 500 AWD which was an excellent car. Bought it used , ex rental, I drove it until 2008 and never put a penny into it except normal services. During that time I got 30mpg on the highway at posted speeds. If you put your foot down the mileage dropped like everything else on the road. Best big car I have had. In 2008 I had promised myself a new 500. When Ford changed the name I pretty well gave up until I tried it out. The car is not much different than the 500 except the trans and engine. Otherwise the Taurus is a 500. I have the sel AWD which handles better than anything else I have including a 2007 F150 4X4. This truck I leave parked during the winter and drive the car. Best car yet

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  Best truck ever owned - 2009 Ford F-150
  By AL - February 7 - 10:53 am

  I have owned Chevy, Dodge, and this is my third Ford. This is the finest truck ever owned. I am 6 ft 3 and over 300 lbs and this is the most comfortable vehicle ever owned. Great handling and ride. Good looking vehicle also. Ford really did it on this one. My wife who doesnt care for trucks comments on how quiet it is in the cabin at highway speeds. Love this truck

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  Build Ford Tough! - 1990 Ford F-150
  By Aaron - February 7 - 10:01 am

  I inherited this truck from my grandfather after he passed away. I got it in 2005 and it had less than 50k miles on it. It just now hit 93k. It had been babied until I got it and since has been used as a daily driver. I would say that this is a highly reliable truck. Mine has the 4.9L I-6 in it, which is the better motor. Although it is not easy on the gas, better than the V8 though, and alittle underpowered for serious hulling and highway use, it is a great everyday, in-town driver. Mine is in great shape, and only recently starting to show rust. I still have people checking my truck out and commenting on how nice it is. They dont build them like that anymore! A+ Ford!

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  New but liking it - 2008 Ford F-150
  By dunc - February 7 - 7:25 am

  Still new but I like the look and feel of this truck. Towed the snowmobiles and hauled them fine. Doesnt have the get up and go like my old Titan, but the Titan was proving to be a repair nightmare and seemed like something was always wrong with it.

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  Reliable as an 85 Hyundai - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Justin B. - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 Mustangs, a 00 V6 which had no problems, and a 01 GT which was towed 7 times (in 1.5 years), had the T45 trans replaced (trans seized at 50, which shattered the clutch. It felt like Id jammed the brakes on at max strength, Im lucky I wasnt in traffic. Warranty was denied cost me 4500), the car refused to start 5 times (in 4 of the cases the engine wasnt turning over, battery only died once), torque converter failed, a fuel pump gave out, brakes (disks) needed to be replaced. Also note the steering wheel can lock in such a way that a pin blocks the key from turning, if this happens to you try turning the steering wheel until it lets you turn the key.

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  great compromise vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By blksmk - February 7 - 2:00 am

  i didnt plan on buying an escape...but, im glad i did good mileage, a lot of room, excellent quality, and fantastic traction this vehicle does it all well other vehicles is considered were subaru wrx,vw jetta, and jeep wrangler the subie seemed low on content, the vw seemed to lack quality and reliability, and the wrangler was too impractical

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  Fun in my Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By wrk109 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  You should see the looks from the big dogs when I drive along in my escape. Ive never had a vehicle like this before. I can put the rod holders on the top drive on the beach, and go surf fishing, or fold down the rear seat and fill it with hunting gear and head for the mountains. I get to do this with all the comforts the Escape provides, and I still get over 20MPG. Beat that big dogs!!!

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  2001 Ranger XLT 2WD Short Bed Standard C - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mugrb - February 7 - 12:03 am

  Bought this truck used. It has been a good runner - so far. Awesome on gas mileage. During this winter Ive been getting easily 24 mpg with 400 lbs of sand over the rear axle. Summer Ive been getting very close to 30 mpg, 28 to 29 is common for me. Tricky in the winter months being rear wheel drive. The rear end always goes to the right sending me heading into oncoming traffic driving up an icy slope. The 3.0 liter Vulcan V-6 is starting to get a bit noisy with being almost 110k miles. It rides quiet for a small pickup. Cruise control button on the left side is loose. The EGR system could be upgraded too a more reliable system.

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  Stay Away. Loaded with features, poor execution - 2013 Ford Focus
  By E Man - February 6 - 11:44 pm

  The "automatic" transmission gives a terrible feeling of no confidence, makes the car hard to drive and requires updates and warranty appointments. Weve had many excuses on fixing the issue including that our new transmission parts were given away to others, and then told we did not qualify for the warranty transmission repair. Even when fixed, driving this car is erratic and just not good. Other poor quality items likes interior water leaks and getting stuck from push button start make this a car to avoid. Pick any Honda, Toyota, Mazda and avoid these poor quality issues. We bought the car thinking it would be a great car for our kids, but it is not.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Owner - February 6 - 6:54 pm

  I would recommend this vehicle to whomever wants to be pleased with their purchase and price. I have had no problems with this car and love driving it. Ive gone on a few long trips and had a nice, comfortable drive. It rides very smooth. I get really good gas mileage 25 in town and 33 on the highway. Go out and get this car if you are questioning it.