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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  2004 F-150 4x4 Ford Truck V-8 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By joesmoke - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I would not have bought a Ford. I drove this truck and liked it. The same day I drove a G.M.C. and Dodge. The Ford people told me a lot about the truck. I Drove it again the same day. I bought the truck the same day and am glad I did.

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  HIGH MARKS - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DONALD JONES - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A TOYOTA MAN WHO WAS LOOKING FOR A STRONG TRUCK. I DROVE THE NEW TUNDRA TO PULL A 5000 BOAT, I SAW THE ADD ON THE NEW F150 AND THOUGHT THE BODY DESIGN WAS BETTER LOOKING THAN THE TUNDRAS. SO I DECIDED TO GO DOWN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND DRIVE ONE, IT MET MY EXPECTATIONS AND THEN SUM. IT IS THE NICEST DRIVING TRUCK THAT I HAVE EVER HAD. THE BOAT THAT I TOW DOESNT EVEN FEEL LIKE ITS THERE, I HAVE TO KEEP LOOKING IN MY MIRROR. KUDOS TO FORD, THEY DID SOMETHING RIGHT WITH THIS NEW F150. I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GO AND TEST DRIVE THIS WONDERFUL PIECE OF MACHINERY.

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  Gotta luv it - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tysride - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Just picked this leftover 03 ZX5 SVT up last week. Tested just about every car in this class, except GM. Less $ than Mini S, better handling than Matrix XRS, less $$ than WRX, better mpg than V-6 Stang and more room too. I traded a 96 GT convt for this and dont miss it one bit. This is way more fun. Ill wait a year before I bolt on the Jackson supercharger, then itll be even more fun.

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  Minor problem but overall great vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bill s - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have had is a rear axle that whined like some of the "Fords & Chevys of old". Ford is replacing the rear axle form one the dealership had in stock. I believe there must be an ongoing problem with this part because I do not believe a dealership normally has a specific rear axle sitting around in their parts shop unless they expect to change a certain amount. Cheaper than a recall? Other than that this vehicle is a true pleasure to drive and the workmanship and fit and tinish is far above average. I would highly recommend one of these vehicles, but listen closely for that axle whine.

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  Ford SUV - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Mike - December 1 - 9:40 pm

  Been a Ford fan my whole life this monster of an SUV has never failed me what so ever. For the size its got good mpg, and it can have plenty of people in them at once. It can tow just about any thing a truck can as well, which is good for me because I love to go camping in a camper and take my boat places.

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  Sufficient transportation - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Ray - December 1 - 7:58 pm

  I just purchased a former loaner car from the dealer to replace my Grand-Am that became more of an liability than an asset. The Taurus rides smoothly and comfortably. Most people who have had this car say positive things, so I hope my experience is just as good. I originally wanted a pre-owned Focus, but when I test drove the Taurus, I fell in love with it. Hope to get a long life from it.

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  Great family truckster - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rich Anderson - December 1 - 2:39 pm

  We have had our Freestyle for almost a year and a half now and still think it is wonderful. It is easy to drive, has plenty of room, and returns mileage that one does not expect in such a spacious vehicle. Yes it is a wagon, and like generations before, that is what works for families.

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  Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Stan - December 1 - 10:05 am

  I was looking for a large SUV with a flat cargo bed without any gaps such as the 2005 Tahoe. The brochure of the 2007 Expedition showed such a cargo area, but when the truck arrived, I found a large gap on the floor between the second row seats and the rest of the back when everything was folded down. I was about to void the purchase agreement, when the dealer agreed to have a custom flap fabricated to cover this gap. I am shocked that Ford would misrepresent the product in their brochure. Hence the poor rating for interior design.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Balosc - December 1 - 9:06 am

  The car has been great all round - plenty of storage, surprisingly good acceleration (as it does not have to change gear) and amazing how much stuff you can get in the car for a road trip. Great for dog trips and hauling mountain bikes inside. Even fuel economy has been surprisingly good on long trips.

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  Never Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Karen E - November 30 - 1:01 pm

  Worst, most unreliable vehicle ever. We are looking at cars and wont even consider Ford after our Windstar experience. Nearing 50K miles needed new transmission. Interior lights and locks dont work properly. Noises galore. Check engine light perpetually on - need to clear this for third time at 60K. Clunky metal squeak from rear of car. Windshield cracked twice above rearview mirror which kept falling off. Tires went bald at 20K. Nightmare.