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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  Perfect SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Schwendy - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1996 Limited Explorer for a new XLT Premium 4x4 Escape. This mini suv is everything I could ask for and more. It handles much more like a car than an suv and with the 3.o liter V6 engine it is really fast off the line. Although they say its not recommended for off roading I often take it and has never let me down. I would highly recommend the Escape to anyone!

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  Everything in Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Think Modern - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is perhaps one of the best cars I have ever owned; smooth and quiet ride, fast acceleration, and great european styling make for an all around great car!

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  Surprisingly Great Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dawn Marie - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Focus out of necessity and have grown to absolutely love the car. First and for most the car is incredibly comfortable. I am 59" tall and I have plenty of room to stretch out. The speakers are excellent. It is the best sound system in its class! My focus gets wonderful gas milage (300 miles between fill ups). I have had no repair issues with the car and my miles are fast approching 36,000. Although I am still 4x4 lover at heart I would recommend the Ford Focus to any one looking for a new car.

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  So Far, So Good, Knock on Wood - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blue58 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 in 00 with 13k miles on it. It now has 75k miles and we just redid the front breaks, pads on the back and gave it a tune up. Otherwise we have not put a penny into it. The exterior is still holding up and we have the cloth interior with two little children and that has done fine also. Its paid off so I plan to run it til it dies. I hope to get at least another 75K out of it.

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  Glad to be rid of it - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rod - April 27 - 7:31 am

  The only good thing I can say is that the front seats were very comfortable. Reliability was the key issue. During the 6 years of ownership I spent about 50% of the purchase price in repairs. At the time I traded it the EGR needed to be replaced, the A/C was leaking, the differential had problems, and the left door light switch was bad.

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  The best all around truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By superbee - April 26 - 11:50 am

  This is the best all around truck I have ever driven or owned. The suspension of the truck is great. Fully loaded with tools you cannot even feel it.The ride is still smooth. Put it this way, I love my truck!

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  Last Ford Ill ever own. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Tom - April 26 - 7:07 am

  I loved the truck for the first year, then it all changed. The paint is peeling, the spark plugs got stuck in the heads, the fuel pump went bad, the rear slips and whines, it passes everything but a gas station, and Ford will not stand by their products. I would like to trade in the truck for a Tundra, but the trade in value is too low.

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  F150 Heritage 5.4 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By sx5mustang - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Previous F 150 owners. Have only had the Heritage Package Truck for 1 month. Everything great - 5.4 Triton engine exceptional.

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  fun truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Dallas Driver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is new, but so far I love it, looks, drivability, features. On three fillups my gas mileage is 17mpg. I hope when the rings seat this will improve. So far I have not found any assembly problems or glitches. It is easy to drive after 25 yrs of K5 Blazers/Tahoes.

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  my dream - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sticman - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Since wanting a GT since I was a kid.. This is everything I wanted.. The seats fit like a glove and everything fits my size perfectly.. Red lights are great.. The open highway is even better... Plenty of power to enjoy.