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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  Cadillac of all trucks - 2005 Ford F-150
  By JAY STEINER - August 15 - 8:28 am

  I had Dodges and Chevys and they were ok. But this truck is great. This truck is everything I hoped for. Outstanding performance. I want to drive it every day, but want to conserve the mileage. Love the quiet ride. I ride in my sons RAV4 and it generates more noise than a semi. The sound deadening is an awesome feature. Because of the horsepower and the lack of engine or road noise I have to use the cruse control to keep from speeding. Had to go a second dealer. The first lost the deal over a $150 set of running boards. Pull a boat that weighs in 7000 lbs. dont even know it is behind you. I like the 5.4L Great reliability. Highly recommended.

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  Great little car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By kls - August 15 - 12:10 am

  Ive always owned GM products but decided to try a Ford. I wanted a smaller car because of getting better gas mileage. I was surprised at how stylish the 2009 Focus is. It handles great and gets good gas mileage and is very peppy for a 4 cyl. I do miss my remote start that came standard on my Malibu, the sun visors are very cheaply made, outside temp & compass should be standard on all cars.

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  Coolest looking sport truck on the road! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Steve - August 14 - 8:20 pm

  Just bought the 2006 Ford F150, 4WD STX "Flareside" and this truck runs and looks great! Jet Black all around. Looked at all the others, Tacoma, Tundra, Ridgelines, Nissans, but when I saw this truck on the lot, the deal was done. This truck runs extremely smooth, has a great stance, and is more solid than a pickup should be. Great sport truck for a great price, especially with the new incentives Ford is giving now.

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  New owner - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By coastie72 - August 14 - 8:12 pm

  I am very pleased so far. We had an Explorer before but this is a neat vehicle that would sell more if Ford would advertise it more.

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  Good family wagon - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Soccer Mom - August 14 - 9:07 am

  An excellent vehicle for family life. Loads of hauling space, third row seat lets you haul up to 7 with seat belts for all. Amazing turning radius makes for easy handling in parking lots. The big V8 option gives plenty of power albeit with low gas mileage

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  Great Small Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By jturner - August 14 - 5:43 am

  Purchased for use as a well rounded, American made, economy car. Im not a fan of GM, Toyota seemed too bland, Honda seats were too low. Other cars also seemed too high tech, which is fine, until the warranty is gone. Weight to power ratio is great, fun to drive, low maintenance. Its sporty, but certainly no sports car. However, if I wanted a hotrod, I would have purchased a hotrod. For what it is, the car is very well put together.

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  Not a bad truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mike - August 13 - 8:00 am

  The 2005 really is an improvement in ride and quietness over the 2003 I traded for it.

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  hot rod - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jo - August 13 - 4:06 am

  This is the best Mustang since 1988. I am now on my third Mustang and I love this one the best. It is very comfortable, great looking and sounds very much like a true muscle car. The only bad thing is that it should be at least a 5.0. They are suppose to go up with power; not done. But it still a fast hot rod.

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  Now That the Tire Flap Is Behind Us... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mountain - August 13 - 2:00 am

  All things considered, Ford did a pretty fair job of making things right during the Tire Crisis with Firestone. We have new tires, and we enjoy our Explorer. Its still a truck, though, no getting around that - just tromp on the gas, and youll get the point: little acceleration, big noise. Still its pretty, has a large interior, and our Limited Package is extremely comfortable. It is a great "utility vehicle," and its good with long hauls.

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  No More Windstars - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Glembi - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Minivan started off great. At 10,000, both automatic doors stopped closing. Got constant engine knock. Lots of minor things happend but all covered under warrenty. At 40,000 miles, things really started to happen. CD player ate a CD and would not give it back. $300 to fix. $400 to replace. Upper manifold gasket went. Another $500. At 50,000, six seals around the bolts that attached the lower manifold to the engine went. Another $500. This week, the heating system deflector door went. $300 to get behind the dash. Another $350 to replace the part. Never have I owned a car that had as many problems at less that 60k miles.