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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  My Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By chainmail - August 21 - 2:32 pm

  My Focus has given me excellent driving pleasure for 6 years. When delivered it had a small oil leak in the transmission casing. The dealer replaced it and I have had no trouble

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  1994 Aerostar - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Jeff - August 21 - 2:32 pm

  This has been an amazing work horse. The van now has 208,00 miles and going strong. I have had it serviced every 3,00 miles, but has had only one tune-up after 12 years of service. The vehicle is hard on brakes and starters. Now in its retirement years, its used primarily for trips to the hardware store. Compared with other vehicles I have owned, the Aerostar has been the most dependable of them all and the cheapest to purchase.

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  excellent value for the money - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By JAM - August 21 - 2:10 pm

  The 2006 Ford Freestar is a excellent value for the money. Saved about $5000 off price with Ford rebates and dealer incentives. Excellent value for under $20k with SE appearance package, Advance Trac with reverse sensing and dvd entertainment system. The only thing is the 3rd row seat is low to floor. Ok for kids. The interior has great styling and storage space.

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  13 years of lil red - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Dave Stewart - August 21 - 1:58 pm

  This Ranger was purchased new right off the truck. It had 9 miles on it in 6/93. Its now 8/2006 and it has 185,674 miles and still going strong. It still has the original motor and transmission. The V6 3.0 is great, the only thing its needs is a new paint job, no rust on it.

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  Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By T Klotz - August 21 - 1:53 pm

  Very good reliable vehicle, until at 60,000 miles a "faulty" fuel pump had to be replaced, as well as the clutch. The emissions light came on, but only a switch was required to fix it bought extended warranty, but only has covered the fuel pump so far - the car has been hit three times from behind and the bumper and whole exhaust system had to be replaced. Car paint is still shiny like a brand new car, interior is holding up well, as well as electronics - may consider buying another after this car is paid off, will have to see what other problems it has down the road.

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  Great Alternative to SUV - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jim Marentette - August 21 - 12:07 pm

  I think the Freestyle is a great alternative to a SUV since I do not go off road or need to tow. It is very comfortable and the smooth AWD is just what I need here in the mountains in Durango, CO. I recently took a 5,000 mile trip throughout the mid-west and the vehicle performed marvelously. I do not understand the knock on the engine I find the power quite adequate on the highway and in the mountains. 23 miles/gallon is much better than 15-18 on an SUV, and we must start thinking of conservation. I think the Freestyle is a Volvo in disguise with perhaps less power and craftsmanship.

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  I just wanted a new truck! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By landlord - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving a Toyota Tacoma and it was fine but I wanted a larger full size truck. I gave the Toyota to my daughter and went truck shopping. I test drove a reg. cab Tundra but every thing on a Toyota is now an option-I am surprised they come painted. I found the F150 with the eight foot bed to be what I wanted. As soon as I saw it I knew I would be buying that truck. The one I bought had the trailer towing package installed-I didnt have to spend a weekend putting a hitch on it. It also came with limited slip axle, may never need it but its there if I do. I took it back to have the dealer install the factory type cruise control.

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  TERRIBLE MILEAGE - 2004 Ford F-150
  By GARY ADAMS - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED FORD TRUCKS SINCE BEGINNING TO DRIVE, ALTHOUGH THIS IS THE FIRST FULL-SIZE TRUCK I HAVE OWNED IT IS BY FAR THE BEST ONE YET. INTERIOR RIDE AND LAYOUT IS AWESOME ALTHOUGH A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE FOR MORE THAN 6 HOURS AT A TIME, BUT WHAT VEHICLE ISNT. MY ONLY GRIPE IS THE MILEAGE IT GETS--I CAN ONLY GET ABOT 297 MILES TO A TANK OF GAS, OR ROUGHLY 13 MILES A GALLON. THAT GETS EXSPENSIVE AT 1.85/GALLON GAS PRICES. ALL IN ALL IT IS A GREAT TRUCK WITH A " SUPER-DRINKER " ENGINE.

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  best trucks - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Doug the thug - August 21 - 10:00 am

  best truck I have ever had, it rides & is as plush inside as a continental.

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  gt premiun mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mary latorella - August 21 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive .love the style.our ford dealer in our area is great.get many great raves about my car