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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  Dont buy Fords! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Tiffany - February 6 - 10:00 am

  You dont wanna know. Any repairs are very expensive.

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  Will never buy another Ford. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kgd102 - February 6 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Explorer is the biggest piece of crap on the road. I baby the thing too but it just has problems go wrong with it left and right. The Ford service is even worse than the Ford vehicle itself. For that Id rather walk than ever buy another Ford.

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  Mustang kicks *** - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By joey - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a better car in my life. OK, sure, Im a little Mustang bias, since my last car was also a 1991 Mustang, but I wouldnt keep buying the same car if it wasnt satisfying me. The ride is smooth. The power is supreme. The look is dashing. What more could you want?

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  Ford Explorer 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ballestero - February 5 - 8:23 pm

  I have this Ford XLT 4x4 since 2003 and never had to repair anything. I currently have 80,000 and all Ive changed is tires, spark plugs and serpentine belt, oil every 3,500 miles. I can not ask for anything better...great truck. I feel very safe when I have my family with me. I believe that some things happened because of driving style and care of any car. My only problem is a development of squeaky noise in the front end and Ive found what was, nothing of inportance, easy to fix. It is the lower control arm bushing that dries with the weather, WP40 did the job

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jose Angel - February 5 - 1:55 pm

  Lots of room, beautiful interior 2-tone design with faux-wood panel and brushed aluminum accents, chrome stick shift for the automatic tranny. Its just a fun machine. I have a DVD system and a huge back seat for all the kids to watch movies or just zone out, and with the wireless earphones I dont have to listen to their movies. I can plug my Ipod to the DVD accessory panel, and listen thru the radio. The sound system includes a subwoofer. And when I drive, I be truckin through traffic near the top of the food chain! The 4WD is great for snowy weather.

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  900 problem free miles until 901 - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Jim Wright - February 5 - 9:53 am

  Found car dead on sunday 2/03/08 called Ford for road side asst.they arrived little over an hour could not get car out of park.Tow driver told me there was nothing they could do for me and left.Called road side asst. again and was told because it was sunday nothing they could do for me and to call dealer on monday.They left me stranded with no way to get home.The anti-theft system shut the car down.

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  This Ford Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mindy Mullen - February 5 - 8:57 am

  Bought the truck from Palmetto in Miami, with 20,000 miles on it, untitled, salesmans demo. We are very rough on interiors. (Kids,dogs,motorcycle dirt)and after 120,000 miles it is still in very good condition, no rips. The paint is still almost perfect and very shiny. The seats are very comfy for grown-ups and kids...full back seat. Back seats fold down, some storage behind seats. Good ride. One of the best vehicles we have ever owned.

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  Awesome Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By PaulThePianoman - February 4 - 6:41 pm

  I bought it used with 30k miles on it. I have 81k now with no problems. I did all the standard maintenance. I hate to sell it but I need I need more seats with a growing family. Was rated a best buy by Edmunds when I bought it and they were right

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  In love with my Shelby - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By jill green - February 4 - 4:10 pm

  I love this car. I owned 4 others over the years. This is one great car. I have to be careful because you dont realize your doing 80 or better while tooling along. We took a trip to Vegas in her and she cruised along like a dream. I dont know to say but this little red is a keeper.

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  Best Truck - 1992 Ford F-250
  By mud4x4 - February 4 - 2:08 pm

  I have been a Ford nut for many years and owned many Fords, This 92 F250, 4X4. has been a super truck to own and I wouldnt trade it for any of the other makes. It has hauled family & friends, huge loads of cargo in the box and a fully loaded tandem trailer without any problems at all. Starts in below zero weather every time. The only reason I didnt give the truck 10s everywhere was is there is always room to improve in anything! Ill drive this truck till I cant drive anymore and then still give it to the kids for their use! Love it. Thanks Ford!