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:

• 

  Exploder - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By JayBird - March 30 - 2:10 am

  I still have my 91 Explorer along with 2 others just like it.. The vehicle is great! Its large for passengers, road trips, camping out, and off roading. It has 205,000 miles on the body. I rebuilt the engine at 193,000 miles and since I have owned it I have only replaced the mufler, alternator, headgasket, ball joints, and automatic 4x4 hubs. The vehicle handles fairly decent. lots of power for a 4.0L V6. Ride comfort is incredible! Massive amounts of intierior room! Off road it handles pretty good but its not recomended. You will lose $869 in hubs so please anyone who owns one change the hubs to manual locking ones. The whole spindle unit and all cost $256 total one time price!

• 

  I love my Stang! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Gitano - March 30 - 1:06 am

  I purchased this car with 1,500 miles on it back in late 02. I saw it on the lot, and I wanted it right away. I did want a V8 instead of a V6 for the power and bragging rights of having a V8, but it was $8,000 more for it. I still love this car though. Its now 07 and I have 54k miles on it. I have had no problems yet. I am happy with the way it handles, and of course I love the look. Drivers side door when I open it squeaks now, but wd-40 takes care of it. No biggie. I definitely would get another one again, but that wont happen since I dont like the 05+ look.

• 

  Best Truck Ever!! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - March 30 - 1:01 am

  I am 18 and this is my first car. I have the manual tranny and it is great. It is ten years old and has never broken down. It gets great gas mileage which is good because I have to pay for everything in my car. The engine is good and has a nice kick but if you dont have the manual I think it will not be as much fun. I do take it off road sometimes, but only on small easy courses. It handles fine on and off road. Overall great first vehicle or farm vehicle, which is what it originally was used for.

• 

  Buy Toyota - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Sweets - March 30 - 12:56 am

  DVD/CD player is much to be desired, cannot hookup iPod or Palm, DVD does not support dual play. Blind spots like crazy, mirrors not heated, engine sits too far back in chassis, thermostat does not work correctly, how can it be 66 all the time? Dealer does not have a clue, typically Ford Junk Found On Road Dead.

• 

  So Far, So Good - 2007 Ford F-150
  By JONJON - March 29 - 9:46 pm

  It runs well, very comfortable. I love the captain seats and the interior room. The fuel economy could be better, average around 14.5 mpg on hwy and city. Vehicle has good power but is a little sluggish compared to expectations.

• 

  4 years and Running - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jesfam - March 29 - 9:23 pm

  I like everything about this van. After 4 years the style is still current with other van designs.

• 

  Be careful with rear brakes - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rick Martinez - March 29 - 8:30 pm

  I had to have the rear brakes replaced on this vehicle at 20,000 miles. I have also read on other forums where people are having to replace them over and over. Ford will not help with this because brakes are only covered for 12,000 miles. If you do not know, rear brakes should not fail at anywhere close to that mileage level. Original tires are also almost shot at 25,000 miles.

• 

  I Love It - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - March 29 - 5:46 pm

  Bought our Explorer brand new (our first new car) and have loved it ever since. We have even pulled our camper for one year; it weighs 5000 pounds. Works great for my wife; she does daycare and it has plenty of room to haul anything we need. We just love it.

• 

  I love my T-Bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Wayne Shafer - March 29 - 3:39 pm

  When I was a young man in my 20s I owned a 1955 T-Bird and sold it thinking I would buy a 57 T-Bird but I married and started my family, so needless to say the T-Bird sport car went out of my price range. I always missed my small T-Bird and was thriled when Ford brought it back in 2002 and I was able to buy the 2005, 50th anniversary edition. I love its looks and the way it handles. It feels so good sitting behind the wheel as I drive down the road and notice those second glances. When another T-Birder and I meet on the road most of us flash our headlights and wave to the other wearing a big smile. Do I love my T-Bird? You bet I do!

• 

  Best Looking Truck on the Road - 2004 Ford F-150
  By gatorgratto - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I shopped and shopped and shopped. I read every review and did all my homework. The new F-150 is the best looking truck and the most exciting truck to own based on its heritage and its present overall features. It may not win a drag race but it will turn some heads.