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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  hot red - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By aa1977 - December 15 - 8:01 am

  I love this car, too bad there isnt more hp, but its great! Its cute mine is red, people love it, they always want to race with me. I have a 5 speed, and I must say, its not bad on gas at all. I was thinking of buying another but I like the 2005 Infiniti G35, which will be my nice buy because its faster! Highly recommended.

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  Excellent built vehicle. Flawless towing - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 03fordtime - December 14 - 7:09 pm

  I am the second owner of a 2003 year Expedition. This truck is all stock except it has 20 inch rims in the summer. It tows my 30 foot boat with a weight of about 11,000lbs including trailer. Drove 13 hours with it and no problems at all. This truck really is impressive, nothing has failed on it yet at 100,000 miles. Awesome build quality. Cosmetically its great, engine runs like new. Vehicle is very safe and the stability control is an amazing feature. Could not be happier. All the friends love it too. Would recommend to anybody.

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  Excellent Minivan/SUV replacement - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By dzdncnfzd - December 14 - 1:31 pm

  We have had our Freestyle for over a year now and we are still loving it. With the exception of the rear brakes wearing out prematurely we have had no issues. There seems to be a lot of negativity regarding the amount of power the engine has but I have not had any complaints in this regard. Ill be honest its no sports car but then again this is a family car not a bachelor/mid life crisis mobile. The calls for a larger V8 engine in my opinion would kill one of this cars strongest points, its gas mileage. I challenge anyone to find a vehicle with as much interior space as this one that gets as good of gas mileage.

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  Well rounded vehicle - 2000 Ford F-150
  By forkd - December 14 - 1:27 pm

  This is a truck with a luxury car ride. It is quiet, reliable and attractive. The engine, while not the most powerful, is quite powerful enough. I upgraded to a K&N air filter and the throttle response improved dramatically. I have changed the front brakes 4 times but that isnt too crazy. When the stock tires wore out I upgraded and the handling is incredible. The only problem I have is if the roads are icy it, like any pick up truck, has a tendency to slip and slide.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Buckeye Fan - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I am impressed with the entire vehicle. Ive only had a couple of small problems and one big problem with Fords National Customer Service. I live in Columbus OHIO. This past winter it snowed 24" within a week. I had no problem getting through 2 to 3 foot drifts. This vehicle will boogie through snow. It rides great. Ive never had this much fun driving a vehicle. It fits great in my garage unlike my previous F150. People who rag on power, bed capablility, and overall truck performance. Buy a truck (F series), this is a SUT.

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  good car for the money! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By D V Clark - December 14 - 10:00 am

  went to trade 99 honda accord ex in on anouther accord ex v6 coupe dealer would not work at all on sale went next door got white v6 premium coupe auto.ride is better than 99 accord but not as good as 03.03 accord v6 auto has better pick up for sure.interior build quality of honda is better.but got 3000 rebate 500 cash back 1500 more trade in 1000 off sticker.sold!!

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  Fun car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mikey444 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 Mustang Convt for one year now. Its a fun car to drive. I love having a convertible. Great exterior design, but again interior design. Lots of aftermarket accessories available. The car itself gives me a mediocre driving impression. Strong V6 though. However, it has poor wet weather traction. I would recommend it to someone who like a an affordable, fun, nice looking couple/convertible.

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  Ford Explorer V8 - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Grover - December 14 - 8:23 am

  Just bought the XLT with the V8 fairly loaded. Traded up from a 2002 XLT. Very happy so far. Had to hunt around NJ to find a XLT with a V8 and the 2007 appearance package, which makes it look a lot cleaner. The new V8 is awesome, quiet with a little growl when stepped on. Very smooth acceleration. Would not buy the V6, just too slow. Extremely quiet and confident ride. Also, the best thing about any Explorer that nobody talks about is that the seats are very comfortable. Perfect seating for cruising around with your arm hanging out the window on a nice day. Like a real truck.

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  funnnnn - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Gabrielle - December 14 - 2:43 am

  The car drives like a big heavy American car. Nostalgia like a Moms car but is hot and sharp at the same time. It feels very safe and is exciting the way it holds the road and has pick up like most V8s. The dash could be a little more Mercedes-ish but I like the chrome and design. Great speakers and upgraded music system. Pretty bad on fuel economy.

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  Great Value - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By pete - December 13 - 11:40 pm

  Ok, so this isnt the most exciting vehicle in the world. Still, it does just about everything well. Enough power, Comfy seats, decent handling, good controls. Who would have thought you could get a car with 16,000 miles on it with leather for 12 grand? Ford - Im very impressed with how well this car does most things. 2 beefs - the stereo blows (bass anyone?) and how about ABS brakes?