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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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cheesehauler - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I Ordered my Escape from the factory so I could get exactly what I wanted. I drive my Escape everyday, mostly city driving. I get between 18 and 22 mpg. Average since purchase: 18.62mpg because of mostly city driving. I use my Escape on Hunting so I do quite a bit of off roading. I live in Wisconsin and it is great in snow. The ride is nice with the leather and the payload is great for hauling cheese! I did alot of research before ordering my Escape and, at the time, I believe it was the best truck in its class.

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  Stuck with a lemon in oregon!!! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gizzy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this from a local dealership in Oct 2001, it was their fleet car and had 35000 miles. Right away I had major problems. 8 months later it has been in the shop 7 times, almost $8000.00 in repairs (almost all covered by extended warrenty) Transmission replaced at 42500 miles. No used car lemon law in oregon. Never again will I own a WINDSTAR!! make sure you look at national highway safty website and go to any search engine and type windstar problems and see how many you get.

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  2000 Taurus Comfortable and Safe - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By ElizabethAnne - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. I have had no problems at all. Ilove my power seats I can adjust them so I can see out very well.

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  DEPENDABLE - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Maureen - February 17 - 9:36 am

  This is my fourth Explorer, 2005 Limited - tried and true! Did not look for any other models when replacing my 2002 Ford Explorer Limited. The only improvements that I would recommend would be the gas mileage, a cell phone and possibly navigation system. It does take Ford slightly longer to get with the updated designs and features. With the success of this model they should be the cutting edge of technology in the automobile business. My other car is a 2005 BMW 745IL.

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  Awesome Vehicle - Mediocre Marketing - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jackie - February 16 - 10:54 pm

  With over 43,000 miles, our Freestyle has been extremely reliable and well mannered. It can easily accommodate 6 adults with keep them all comfortable with room to spare! The seats are comfortable it has an excellent heating/AC system. The powerful factory six disc (cd & MP3s) quite simply, rocks! The seats are very comfortable on long trips and if you can keep it under 60mph you can even knock down 30mpg (24+mpg at 75mph). The Volvo chassis is VERY tight but the suspension is forgiving on rough roads. It handles curves with authority (no tip over warnings on the visors). Auto rags have criticized its performance, but the CVT affords an 8 second 0-60 with 200hp - OUTSTANDING!

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  What a head turner - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jamie R - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  About once a day some stranger stops me to ask me about my Mustang. Its fun to drive, has great power. I have an automatic and it accelerates and shifts quite well. Best part of car is that you can customize it beyond belief. So far no problems other than a rattle with the covers to the child safety seat bars in rear dash which is easily fixable. Changing the oil is extremely easy compared to import cars and it only needs regular fuel. Car comes with a lot for the buck and interior is nice although it scratches easily as others have noted. I highly recommend this car to anyone in search of power, ability to upgrade to performance parts, and driving fun. Good fuel economy for the power.

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  Really Neat Time Machine - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Lake Speed - February 16 - 3:03 pm

  This vehicle is a great value and takes me back to when I was a kid. Ive always admired the Mach 1s from my youth and this one delivers on par with the original. Superior car on the road and always gets attention. My wife digs it too!

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  One of the Best! - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Derek in OKC - February 16 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned this truck a little while now and it has been nothing but a blessing! The overall quality vs. the money paid in incomparable. Out does Chevy and Dodge on base model pickups. Highly recommend.

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  Most Fun for the Dollar - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Rheude - February 16 - 12:00 pm

  Start-up sound makes you swoon. Exterior styling is perfect. Interior comfort (front seats only) is impeccable. Performance is fabulous. As you can tell, this car is all about emotion. I drove it to Florida in late November with plans to stop halfway for the night. But the car was so much fun to drive that I kept going. Twenty hours later I reached my destination and still wanted to keep driving. Of the 51 vehicles that have passed through my hands in the last thirty-five years, this is the most enjoyable. Note: With only 8300 miles, and being stored during the winter, I cannot truthfully report on longer-term reliability.

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  AWESOME TRUCK! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By MIKE - February 16 - 8:34 am

  This truck is so much fun to drive and has a lot of room for a single cab.