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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  GOOD - 2003 Ford F-150
  By BILLY BOB SPIKER - September 14 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICAL I EVER HAD.

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  Fun to drive, interior needs improvement - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By namaral - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This machine will blow the doors off of just about anything on the road, short of a Ferrarri. With very minor modifications, the robust cast iron V8 block will take a significant amount of more boost. A smaller pulley, free flowing cat back exhaust system, and new air filter will have this pony up around 500 HP. My only complaints are the shoddy trim quality and dated design of the interior, and the "blender-like" whine of the supercharger. Overall, a very fun vehicle to drive and its certainly a head turner. Ford has grossly under stated its horsepower at 390 HP, which is actually near 430 HP.

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  # 3 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By victor cavagna - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I have 2002 edge plus i towed a 6x12" uhaul to my property load and also bed of the truck good test for torque climded 4000in 4th in the auto and also the 4wheeler of it is asome

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  Aftermarket - 2003 Ford Focus
  By pwallace01 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I used to drive a mustang and let me tell you. This car handles and responds to driver input much better. Anyone can take this car and drive it fast through a corner. The only downfall i see from the factory is that it only has 130HP. The aftermarket, however, is plentiful. You will like this car.

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  A Great One! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JusTrusty4 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive had a couple of problems with it, but over all its the best car that Ive ever owned. Its the perfect height to see the road without feeling like youre going to flip over any second and with the windows down (all 4 go down all the way!) and the sunroof open it might as well be a convertable. Also the engine is very powerful and I never feel like Im driving a truck becuase of the awesome pick-up. This is also one of the most spacious cars Ive been in and even adults dont find it particularly uncomfortable sitting in the 3rd row.

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  2005 Ford Escape XLT - 2005 Ford Escape
  By b scott - September 14 - 7:13 am

  Fun to drive, plenty of horsepower, more than enough head and leg room for six footers and taller, reasonable gas mileage, responsive steering and handling room for four with golf clubs and made in America.

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  Bad Toy - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By Korndaddy - September 13 - 3:35 pm

  Ive always wanted a Bronco since I was a little boy. I finally had a chance when my wifes car broke down and we had to get another car. I bought me the Bronco and let her have my 2005 Subaru haha. Great running car. Plenty of room, fun to drive. Mean looking. I had to take it in because the anti lock brakes light was on, just dirty, needed to be cleaned.

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  A Good Vechicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By rebel204 - September 12 - 6:10 pm

  Excellent performance, good handling, decent ride.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Suze - September 12 - 4:50 pm

  So far Im getting about 34 to 35 mpg on standard 5-speed. It seems wider and is higher than my Escort wagon, which I prefer. I think it is a good value compared to others on the market. For me, if its not a Ford, its not a car.

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  Fits our needs - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Richard - September 12 - 4:47 pm

  This has been a good truck. It hauls all 6 of my family members and gear plus a 24ft travel trailer. The door actuators have failed a couple of times but thats all. Wish they still made them.