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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  love my lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By kenmarriedguy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  i love to drive it and when you hear that supercharger whine it is a real rush

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  very pleased - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jimmy mac - July 22 - 10:00 am

  finest ride i have ever had. would not even think you are in a truck. interior is superb

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  stall tactics` - 2004 Ford F-150
  By cpohner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  other than the fact i have owned my truck for 2 weeks now, nothing to say but good things..only bad thing, which i hope is a glitch? the truck has stalled on me when i am coasting to a stop or completely stopped. at least 12 times in the 2 week period.had it in the other day. they could not find anything wrong. hope this is not a trend. otherwise hello lemon law. all in all its a great truck and hope the problem is fixed.

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  Exceeding epectations - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Toddo2636 - July 22 - 4:33 am

  My wife picked the color Kiwi Green. I traded in my F250 4x4 for this pip sweek. I havent turned back yet. We get consistent 34 MPG and have achieved 50 MPG on backroads average speed 25 MPH. I would like to see more driver features to affect fuel economy like electric only from the line. I use mine mostly for .5 to 1 mile trips just in time to get to electric. Also a plug in option would be nice. Hats off to all those supporting this awesome technology of regenerative braking.

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  awsome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By semitruker13 - July 21 - 10:40 am

  good car it has nice performance.

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  Comfortable Muscle - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By THOMAS MELLEMA - July 20 - 9:03 pm

  The 2010 Mustang GT Premium is every bit a high quality muscle car that I expected it to be. What it didnt expect is it has also been our favorite car to take trips across the country. This car rides very comfortably and after hours on the road my back and legs are still fresh and not sore at all. The exhaust sound is a muffled roar on the inside which I like because its not too loud, but at the same time its rather loud if you standing near it while it drives by. I like this too because others instantly know its a muscle car but I dont have to shout to talk to passengers. This car runs very smooth and has never given us any issues in 54,000 miles. The 5-speed manual is lots of fun and the only thing thats not perfect on this car as sometimes the shifter will get a little sticky between 2nd and 3rd gear. Other than that excellent car all around. By the way I get 24.5 MPG on long highway trips.

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  Reliable inexpensive Ford Explorer XLT 4wd SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By OBXNC - July 20 - 5:00 pm

  I bought this Explorer in 2008 with 88,000 miles on the 4.0 motor. I bought it from a friend so I know the service was regularly done. I had a full 90,000 mile service to include replacing the coolant, transfer boxes and transmission oil/filter, brake pads, etc. Cost over $1,200 but it was obviously well worth it. I now have 188,000 miles and other than oil changes/tire rotations I have replaced the battery and a fuel pump. Thats it. The motor burns no oil, the AC works great, the 4WD and all the electronics still work great. The gas consumption leaves something to be desired but as this is my surf fishing and Lab riding vehicle I plan on keeping it a good while. I originally bought it because of the good price on it and to hold me over until I could afford a newer 4 Runner, of which Ive had two. It has been such a good value Im going to see just how far it will go. Im personally very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Michael - July 19 - 1:20 pm

  I love this vehicle, it is the nicest riding truck I have been in yet. It handles well, and feels very stable. The 4.6 runs very smooth, and could use a little more low end torque for towing, but I will address that myself. What amazes me however is the number of people on here complaining about gas mileage. What did you expect? This is a 5000 lb. vehicle, and I see people gunning them off the line like a sports car. Thats what kills your mileage. If you drive it carefully, you can get 15-16 around town, and 20 or better on the highway. You cant forget what your driving either you want better mileage or you want more power, you usually cant have both.

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  MY EDGE - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By asnakebite - July 19 - 2:01 am

  This vehicle has been trouble free mechanically. The plastic bed rails were replace twice during warranty because they cracked. The second replacement set has remained good. This vehicle has stiff suspension, but it provides corning that is better than any pickup I have ever had, and I have had five. The 4 liter V6 is big power for this size truck, and gets 20 mpg with mixed freeway/city streets driving.

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  F-150 review - 2001 Ford F-150
  By George Ortiz - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride and power, poor turning radius, fair to midland gas milage for a truck with a 5.4 I guess it is OK. Comfortable interior