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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  Gone downhill - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Craig Zeigler - June 9 - 10:56 am

  I bought this truck to replace my 2004 4.6L with the hoped of getting better fuel economy while towing. I have a 22 travel trailer that weighs about 6000 pounds when Im traveling. On a trip from Sarasota Fla, to Disney in Orlando, I managed 8.5MPG at 65MPH. The truck is really straining to go any faster than that. When I arrived, I had a pungent oder of overheated transmission. On the return trip, I slowed down to 60MPH and managed to get to 9.1MPG. On the way back the cruise control keeps disengaging itself after about a hundred miles. When I arrived, I checked the transmission fluid, and it smells burned. My dealer says there is nothing wrong.

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  The original Zoom Zoom - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By mrbodangles - June 9 - 10:26 am

  This car has had around 75k miles on it over 16 years. Its a dependable car and fun to drive, with around 33- 37mpg regularly. Even after a t-bone collision (passenger side) and the loss of the front right wheel bearing this car soldiers on. I drive it roughly 180 miles roundtrip every weekend and it continues to impress. Muffler was replaced recently for the second time, car windows are a little sticky after usage in Maine winters. People keep asking to buy it from me, I suspect its the stylish lines and the amazing handling - I can U-turn where SUVs fear to tread. Also has enough power to travel the Blue Ridge trail withouth breaking a sweat. A good and reliable little car.

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  Oscurito review - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By oscurito - June 9 - 9:21 am

  I owned this for 2 and a half years, I have no complaints about this truck. I only did its regular maintenance as oil change, tune ups. The only thing I could complain about is the transmission, it slips a little when you are on the stop and go within the city but once you are on the highway your ride is very smooth!

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  I Love It! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Valenzuela - June 9 - 9:16 am

  Replaced my aging Toyota of 20 years with this new Ranger. Would have bought another Toyota but the local dealership was HORRIBLE. Had an excellent buying experience with Phil Long Ford. Told them the TMV price I was willing to pay, and there was no hassles. Truck is excellent. Decent power, with a good ride. I will have to take it in for minor warranty with the rear doors, as they seem to be picky in closing securely, especially when it is extremely cold. I plan on staying with Ford.

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  Nice Truck but typical problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David - June 8 - 11:50 pm

  As everybody else has stated the truck is quiet, smoother than a car, safe and very sharp. I pull a 27 Baja boat and the 5.4 triton has no problems. Everybody compliments on the looks inside and out. Problems: At 30,000 miles all of the brake pads tore apart and had to be replaced, then at 35,000 miles 4 fuel injectors failed (Thankfully it was still under warranty). Which is frustrating because the dealer said Ford knows this is a problem but will not recall it. When we first got the truck we had it in the shop 5x for a whinning noise in the 4X4 when it got below 25deg, they finally fixed it but really could not tell me why it was doing that. The interior sold us on this over the comp

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  Better slalom time than the 1995 Corvette - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Dean Midlick - June 8 - 10:44 pm

  Even though my Probe GT was totaled about a year ago it was by far the funnest car I ever owned. It was a true sports car with better cornering times than the Corvette, comparable quarter mile times to the Mustang GT and when those secondary throttle bodies opened up at about 6000 rpm and the torque steer kicked in talk about exhilerating. I wish Ford would bring it back. Great gas mileage and performance. Perfect styling to compete against the foriegn market and easily affordable. Truly a great timeless car.

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  2.3 PZEV ZX3 Focus 5 speed - 2003 Ford Focus
  By shopwrd - June 8 - 10:36 pm

  This car has been great. 63,000 miles (owned since new) and the engine has yet to sputter with hesitation. Average low 30s mpg and the highest Ive got so far is 41mpg from San Diego to San Jose. More than adequate power and it has never had one problem!

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  Great Vehicle, Stellar MPG - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mikey533 - June 8 - 10:20 pm

  I have been watching the Escape Hybrid since it came out in 2005. I have read a lot of reviews, and knew to wait until after 1000 miles to check MPG. Also, have read enough to know that cold weather drops MPG, but that is the cost of living someplace cold. I set the cruise on my 35 minute highway drive to work at 70 for the first month and averaged 32.5 MPG. Second month I set the cruise at 65 and it jumped to 34.5. Add in the city driving and I get around 35.5. I had to rush home one day, and it really does move like a V-6 when you stomp on it. I rode in a 2006 a few times before, and again after, buying mine, and the 2008 is quiet. Engine rev noise only when it is working real hard

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Darrell - June 8 - 9:36 pm

  Great truck so far, I have people always telling me how great it looks. Only problems is when I had a trailer hitch installed they had to remove the anti-vibration device to install it.

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  Convinced, happy owner - 2006 Ford Focus
  By dimes4slim - June 8 - 3:36 pm

  Being that our other cars are luxury or sport vehicles, I wasnt sure how I would adapt to my new commuter car. Two and a half years into my ownership, I have had zero problems. The Focus is reliable, very comfortable, handles well and gets a consistent 28 mpg in normal driving. It may not have been so fashionable when I bought it, but now that gas is $4+ per gallon, it is the envy of all of many SUV owners. The seats are great on long trips, and the 5 speed manual puts a smile on my face. With the rear seats folded down, there is a credible amount of hauling space. Simple, sporty, reliable, and economical, with great handling as a bonus. Im convinced that the Focus was a wise choice.