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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  Fun & Practical - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Brent - June 14 - 9:13 am

  First Impressions - The first time I drove the Ford Focus Wagon was in 2003 as a rental. I was really amazed how fun it was to drive and so eventually we needed to buy a second car and it had to be capable of long trips that allowed our new dog to come along for the drive. Second Impressions - Our new 2006 Ford Focus Wagon ZXW SES is even better now that when I first drove the Focus. Not only is it extremely fun to drive, but its fully loaded with options that some car makers dont even offer. The engine is peppy yet fuel efficient, the drive feels sporty and the visibility is perfect. Plus we can drive in comfort with leather heated seats and our dog has his own room with a view.

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  My Little Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By CLO - June 14 - 9:03 am

  This truck has lived through being driven as a first time vehicle by my three sons. Each one has "rearranged" the body, but the little truck has always come back. This last time, my youngest son drove it into a tree. Lucklily he wasnt hurt, but the tree is dead and my little Ranger may be totaled due to the cost of the damages. I really enjoyed this truck and it has helped me build a business over the last 7 years. Its tough having 3 sons - the Ranger has been much easier to live with.

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  Solid - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By hams - June 14 - 9:00 am

  We bought this van because we got a great deal on it and we were looking for a reliable vehicle for our daughter to drive with a good safety rating. Weve had good luck with Fords in the past and currently own a 99 Windstar with 108K and a 95 Explorer with 118K. We fully expect this baby to give us another good 100K.

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  My new ford Expedition Platinum Series - 2016 Ford Expedition
  By carol minarcik - June 14 - 2:09 am

  Only owned this vehicle for 3 days....I rated as I see it. The new sync 3 at first glance seems very easy compared to the My ford touch, however very disappointed in the navigation. The music will not stop playing when navigation signals are given. Very disturbing and confusing if your relying on the navigation. Dealer was only able to set for navigation voice to be louder then the music, however listening to the music while driving and using navigation gives a very muffled sound for music. The only fix for this is DO not listen to music if you are needing the navigation signal.....(very sad) With this I had to give both navigation and entertainment a very low score. Actually like the My ford touch better. My second disappointment is they list cross traffic allert, but that is only for the back. No crash alert available for the front like in the Ford Edge(which I did own for almost 6 years.) I gave the purchase price a low score as instead of purchasing a new vehicle like I expected the vehicle had 488 miles on it, which the dealer did not give anything for the mile usage.....could say its my fault as I did not question the mileage at purchase time. Instead of ordering the vehicle the dealer just called and said they found one with the specks. I requested. So if this happens make sure you ask the milage of the one they found. As far as cargo space there is plenty, however really no place to store jumper cables, 1st aid kits, etc. I just had to put everything in a bag and let it sit in cargo space. Hope this helps if your looking to buy the new 2016 Ford Expedition in the platinum series.

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  I would get one if I were you.... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Man - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2000 XLT V8 for my 20002 V8 XLT Explorer. What a difference..The interior while a little plain is much more roomy. The 4.6 V8 is much more smoother than the old 302 mustang V8. Over all I would stongly recommend one of these. My only complaint at the time that was I could not get the Mach sound system, and driving lights with a XLT. Ford must have listened to my survey, they have since made these two options available

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  Funner n My Ducati? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Goldmeister - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Well not quite, but this is a very enjoyable little commuter. Buy decision after a 15 minute test drive. Cannot do better for the $$. I did have trouble finding one, good luck on that. BTW this is our third Focus, no probs with any of them.

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  ford ranger review - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By jermsac - June 14 - 2:00 am

  the truck drives good and shift nice and has a good engine

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  Awsome Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By John Garza - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best, I have driven other sports cars before like the camaro whichs looks bad and is toooo pointy in the front, the firebird, which is nice but i dont like the seats or the inside, the Acura RSX type S is nice but to import like. None of them compare to the look, the feel and everything about the Mustang.

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  2002 Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WCH - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2000 Ranger V6 for the Sport Trac. Has all the room that I was looking for and the comfort to boot! Very nice leather interior, comfortable seats, high look-out view. Drives very well on the open highways, except on very windy days...then you get blown all over the place! Otherwise, decent ride for a truck. Gets LOTS of looks from everyone! Would recommend to anyone!

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  1 year review - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Taybjay - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Ok the gas mileage stinks. My buddies Ford Excursion Diesel gets better. The seats are rock bottom hard. (metal folding chair hard!) The wiper stalk always gets in the way when you shift gears in the automatic. And the throttle response is very rammy. But whos complaining! The steering tracks in a BMW fashion. Theres room in this small ute. The 4x4 tracks well in snowy conditions.