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 Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MoeMan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I love This Car

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  First SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By hondo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This Ford explorer sport is my first SUV and first 4wd vehicle. The sport puts the driver in a commanding driving position.The handling is nimble and turning radius is very tight for a vehicle of this size. Build quality seems excellent and I havent found any real flaws or defects so far. The 2dr sport was a perfect choice for me and my wife. Our son is grown and we havent yet had a rear seat passengers. The 4dr explorer is simply way more truck than we need or want. Its very smooth on the highway. Quiet and stable, very comfortable and effortless to drive. Mileage runs about 15 in city and 19 highway.

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  Ford Freestar Limited - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Jerome E. Welsh Sr. - November 1 - 9:17 am

  I have owned a Ford Windstar in the past, so I was familiar with front wheel drive. The handling response is great, its peppy when needed, and gives a feeling of confidence. I find myself trying to increase my gas mileage by driving carefully. Side air curtains are a super plus for my grandchildren.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2004 Ford F-150
  By automaticj5 - October 31 - 10:59 pm

  I LOVE THIS truck. Much improved over an already great 03 F150. I like driving my 04 F150 better than I did my Cadillac that I traded in for it. Lacks a little in the "fast" category. But I didnt buy it to race. Love the design, very quiet inside.

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  F150 Regular Cab 4x4 XLT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mike - October 31 - 7:58 pm

  I love this truck... Ive had a 89 F150 XLT, 97 Expedition, 2001 SuperCrew and now the 04 F150 XLT and I cant rave enough on how good this truck is. Towing is a dream, power is excellent, brakes are great, steering is tight and responsive. Only problems were a warranty recall on the rear axle, and a recurring dead battery since year one, which is a bad battery, but Ford wont replace it. Im going to try one more time, before our Minnesota winter to get them to pony up. Did the K&N filter and cut off the stock muffler for a Flowmaster 3" 3 chamber SUV series muffler and this thing sounds great without droning at any speed. I still get 15 mpg avg summer and 13 mpg avg winter! I drive it hard.

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  Bought New On Tues Broke Down On Thur - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By machguynj - October 31 - 2:23 pm

  Horrible experience. Bought this car brand new on Tuesday. 36 hours and only 115 miles on the odometer I am broken down on the road. Car needs a new rear (gears are shot) and a new transmission. Dealer would not provide a loaner car without paying for it. And roadside assistance took over 3 hours on a beautiful sunny day in NJ. How does a brand new car have soooooo many problems. It is unacceptable. The car is going to take 2 weeks to fix. And in case anyone is wondering it is not driver related. This happened at highway speeds in 5th gear. Horrible sounds and smoke coming inside through the vents. Will never buy a FORD again.

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  Lemon of a car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Angry Jim - October 31 - 8:29 am

  In one year, 6 weeks in the shop. Transmission valve, EGR, main computer, rear brakes (twice in 50K miles). Couple that with Fords poor service and you have a very angry and disappointed customer. In right now for the second set of brakes, called in advance to check, yes, they have the rotors. Show up at 7:25 for a 7:30 appointment. Their service driver doesnt start till 8:00 then he didnt finish his breakfast till 8:15. Then they called me at 9:15 to tell me they really dont have the rotors. They have had my car for days at a time for warranty repairs and tell me they can take me to a car rental place. Never ever again will a blue oval sit in my driveway. Absolute junk.

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  Great family car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Pierre - October 31 - 8:17 am

  Having tried SUVs and wagons before the Freestyle, I must say that I/we have found the perfect car for our family of 4. Great trunk space (even with 3rd row up), excellent comfort, handling, safety features and overall a very decent look (not your usual soccer mom van). My kids love it, my wife as well. We traveled across country with it once and had ample time to enjoy the ride. It is a terrific car. Regarding the reliability factor, I had a small problem with the AC compressor which was noisy but my local dealer fixed it under warranty. We have never owned anything but Japanese cars before and we are crossing our fingers with our first Ford!

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  3 years in my 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shadma5 - October 31 - 4:16 am

  I bought in the spring for a road trip with my brother and our wives.Plenty of room and economy was good. Above 30 MPG on the western planes going plenty fast. Had one warranty issue, transmission shifting hard and erratic. Also had a recall on back brakes. Now with 90k am having loud suspension knocks when on rough pavement. I do like and will look to upgrade to the new Taurus next year

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  2004 F 150 Lariet 2wd - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Steve - October 30 - 10:11 pm

  I bought this for me and my wife took it and I only see it on weekends. It tows a 7000 lb travel trailer with no issues even over mountain passes. Great truck.