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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  THE PROBLEMS - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By THE BUYER - April 16 - 10:00 am

  SHIMMY IN FRONT END BETWEEN 72 AND UP MILES PER HOUR. AFTER 4 NEW TIRES DEALER CANT FIND PROBLEM. WIND NOISE FROM MOON ROOF. RUBBER BOOT AROUND SHIFT LEVER IS TEARING 3 PLACES. I DONT SMOKE AND AIR COND HAS TERRIBLE SMELL FOR 30 MINUTES.

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  Wish Id bought another Suburban - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jerry in TN - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Outside body cladding at bottom of doors rattle which is very noisy at 70 mph. I fixed with duct tape because dealer doesnt know how to repair. Already had 4WD go out after only 5000 miles. Good looking truck, lots of towing capacity, but Ford needs to work on quality. My next truck will be a Chevy.

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  Ford expedition eddie bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Justchillin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Big difference in size compared to explorer. Definitely very roomy. Handles like a big box on wheels. Smooth acceleration.

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jsetapart - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I could not have asked for a better- looking, more comfortable, rugged truck. By far the smoothest truck Ive ever had the good fortune to set foot in.

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  awsome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By raw - April 16 - 10:00 am

  the best truck ever made

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  the siver beat - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By montoya - April 16 - 10:00 am

  comfortable seating and roomy

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  Love My Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Linda Walls - April 16 - 9:13 am

  I drive the Ford Five Hundred only and its a lease but its going to be MINE. This is the sweetest car Ive ever had and Ive had many including other Fords, but nothing stands up to this. I have 15 grand kids and they love to drive my car. They say they love the style and comfort. And they have many makes and models between them. This is the car for me. When I drive I go on 900 mile trips and my husband is so relaxed in our car and he has a bad back and knees so you can see were the comfort is. Oh yeah, it was a Mothers Day gift from my husband. He has always been a Chevy man but we both own Fords. He has the 2004 350 dually and loves it. We tell everyone about our car and truck.

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  Why the 300c, when you get Fuel Economy - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert StJohn - April 16 - 5:30 am

  The fuel economy is no hype. Its right on target. Legroom in backseat is like a limo. Trunk and cargo space is almost as spacious as the Taurus Wagon (Ive had 3 for over 200,000 miles) Little storage spaces are convenient and well placed. One minor drawback is that it has trouble accelerating onto an interstate ramp up hill. It is a small price to pay for the fact that Ive gotten 31.5 MPG on the highway.

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  Old Faithful - 1994 Ford F-150
  By jim - April 16 - 12:00 am

  This was my first pick me up truck. It is a very basic truck, no AC. The twin I beam suspention is hard on tires but we all know that.It has never left me stranded. Replaced the first batery after 11 years, alt, starter, slave cyl, and clutch. But I was never stranded or had to call a tow truck. Ill keep this truck till the wheels fall off. Found On Road Dead?? 166K and nothing rusted out either

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  Fords new F150 is SUPER! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jwindle - April 15 - 9:00 pm

  I traded in my relialbe 1998 Ford F150 for a 2004 SuperCrew Lariat and I love the new truck. The interior of the Lariat is head and shoulders above the competition. I looked at Nissan and Chevy trucks, but they just didnt compare favorably with the new Ford. I get about 1 to 2 MPG better than my 1998 F150 and have had no problems to date.