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:

• 

  Im convinced- Ford builds a Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By GaDawg - April 22 - 1:49 pm

  I must admit- I was an "import" guy since I started driving 20 years ago. My last cars have been Infiniti and Lexus. But, I wanted a truck and shopped them all- Nissan, Toyota, Dodge, GM- and Ford got my business. Its been 6 months and this truck has been absolutely rock solid. This truck inspires confidence both on and off the road- and can haul anything without hesitation. Plus, its a great highway vehicle- quiet and smooth. I got the FX2 sport, and I love the looks, cool- big stance, but not overdone (like the Tundra), classy, and purpose built. Now I know why Ford is the #1 truck in the USA- they earn it. I would definitely buy this truck again.

• 

  I Like It - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - April 22 - 12:19 pm

  Im 67" and 270lbs and I fit just fine in this car. I could not have the sunroof, but I got everything else. I put lots of miles on this car and I have not been sorry I bought it. The 4cyl with a manual has plenty of power. Yah its nice to have 300hp like the Mustang I traded in for it but as I pass gas station after gas station I can live with the power it has. I used to drive Toyota and Chrysler but now Im a Ford guy.

• 

  Nice truck for couples - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JJJohnson - April 22 - 9:27 am

  I traded my F150 in for the Ranger hoping to get above 20 MPG in which I barely get 19 with the 3.0. Other that than this is a nice small truck which handles well. It pulls my 14 tandem trailer with ease.

• 

  Great value for the price - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - April 22 - 8:56 am

  Im amazed at other reviewers complaining because they bought a used vehicle and it had maintenance problems. If the hood wont stay up, replace the supports for $20. After a decade or so they might have worn out. Overall, other than the radio, this is a well designed vehicle which when properly maintained will last and last. The V6 has almost as much horsepower as the V8, but gets almost the same milage as well, so you might as well get the V8 and its increased towing capability. Mileage will depend on how you drive it, Im getting 20 MPG combined, and I know of one man whos getting 30 MPG (mostly highway).

• 

  1997 Thunderbird LX V8 - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mark - April 21 - 11:27 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. Ford has shown reliability with this car. No problems with almost 79,000 miles. 4.6 Liter V8 is peppy when you need it, but the gas mileage is only OK (I average about 15-18 mpg in the city). Two of the most favorite things about this car is the auto headlamps (never have to touch) and the moonroof. This car will outlast any Toyota or Honda on the road today!

• 

  2002 Explorer Review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TJ2509 - April 21 - 11:00 pm

  A vast improvement over the previous Explorer in Ride abd engine performance. Visibility is improved, and instruments and accessories are better arranged.

• 

  Poor quality - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ford - never again - April 21 - 3:01 pm

  Seems like this car knew it had passed the 3 year / 36,000 mile mark and started to disintegrate. Catalog of problems, many electrical: in-dash CD changer wont eject, rear windows open & close when they feel like it, electric sliding doors: one opens occasionally & the other wont close completetly, steerng motor howls like a werewolf.

• 

  love the vehicle, hate the brakes - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jimmiej48 - April 21 - 11:48 am

  Love the vehicle. Lots of storage room and comfort. Awesome on long trips with the kids if you can survive the cost of fuel. Still gets at least 12 in town and sometimes as high as 21 on highway. The biggest complaint to date though, is the brakes/rotors. With less than 57,000 miles on the truck, the brakes have been replaced twice and the rotors now three times. Would be understandable if we were crazy drivers!

• 

  Needs a Heart Transplant - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Chemazda - April 21 - 8:20 am

  This car is driven in Germany, so immediately its at a major disadvantage. Its clearly designed for American roads, where Im sure its capable and probably very comfortable. However, on European roads its lacking in acceleration, feels like a tank, doesnt fit into parking spots and feels generally out of its element. It cant keep up with cars that have half as much power on the autobahn, and makes a miserable racket trying. The engine drone under acceleration gets annoying fast. Ours is driven harder than probably any other Freestyle on the road, but it lets us know that it doesnt like it. Minor issues fixed under warranty include brake lights that stayed on and outside temp gauge.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Sean - April 20 - 11:45 pm

  I bought my GT a year ago with 160,000 miles on it. I was warned not to get a car with that many miles on it, but i proved them wrong. The filler neck grommet leaked If you buy a 4.6 be careful if it has a plastic intake manifold. They tend to crack where the coolant goes through it by the coolant sensor, but that wasnt even hard to replace. The cupholder are horrible and the interior does seem to squeak . Also my window motor went. It does not handle like a European car but it goes like hell in a straight line. But I have 186,000 with relatively few problems. Very reliable.