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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  GT MUSTANG - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JESSIE - May 24 - 4:03 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR FOR THE FACT THAT THEY FINALLY MAKE THE GT WITH DECENT POWER

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  Heads Up - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By John - May 24 - 3:39 pm

  Ive had a lot of fun with this truck. But heads up on a few of the things listed below. I have owned it for 5 years and now have 120 thousand miles on it. I guess I cant be too hard on it.

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  Disappointed by another FORD - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Disappointed - May 24 - 9:31 am

  Worst car I ever owned, by far. I could have bought a brand new car with all the money I spent on repairs and every time I think this is it, what else can go wrong, mechanically this is now a new car. I drive the car lightly on open roads to work. I am fanatical on maintenance but this has not stopped the never ending repairs. Engine, transmission, water pump, alternator, fuel injectors, radiator, heater core, air conditioner, window motors, Every electric gizmo you can think of, the whole front suspension, whole braking system. I cant think of any mechanical or electric component that has not been replaced. Yet my wife loves it because its pretty. Arrgh!

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  Exceeding max MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave - May 24 - 8:10 am

  After being shot down by Massachusetts car dealers, I purchased my Focus SE in Salem NH. As advertised, the car had a mileage range from 29 mpg to 41mpg. Sticker average was 35 mpg. I found that the 5 speed manual transmission outperforms the 4 speed automatic. With 80% highway driving at 2500 RPM, just over 65 MPH, I average 41 mpg, easily. I once had this car performing better in the mileage catergory at 55 MPH. I actually attained 42.6 mpg. This is the reason I purchased the car. I am totally satisfied with it. Its also fun to drive. I wonder if Ford will Offer a 6 speed manual transmission in future models.

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  bought a headache - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By bought a headach - May 24 - 1:20 am

  Always wanted an Explorer until I got one. Where do I start -- every little curve you make it sounds like the front end is gonna fall out. The CD player works when it wants to other times it says CD error. The radio stations change themselves. The door, after the drivers side has been opened, keeps unlocking itself. Rides like a horse & buggy. Some times all the windows will roll down. Had to replace driver side door handle two times. Driver side seat latch broke so you have to sit the same way every time you drive. IÂ’m 5, my husband is 62. He was driving when it broke so very rough drive for me.

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  awesome truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By kristo - May 23 - 9:01 pm

  Great truck, best looking truck on the market, moves through deep mud with ease. Very cozy ride, new suspension is sweet. Tailgate is light as a feather also since the tire bumpout is in the bed it seems smaller than previous model which equals more bed space

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  This is the worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By klfrunell - May 23 - 5:27 pm

  We bought this car less than 90 days ago, used. We had it inspected thoroughly prior to purchase. We have had it towed 4 times since purchase, diagnosed twice, and each time the mechanic has said there is nothing wrong, and the car starts for them, we bring it home and it wont start again. The mechanic today said--after keeping the car for 2 days and trying to get it to fail-- that this model frequently will not start for no particular reason. He had one earlier this week with same problem, and sent it back to owners not knowing what was wrong. We picked it up, drove it home, and it wont start again. This is not at all a reliable car. Never again!

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  its the best - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By catpooch - May 23 - 10:00 am

  one of the most reliable trucks i have ever owned

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  So far so good - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Craig P - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We love the truck, It is quiet,strong and comfortable.We haul animals and lots of other thing and it handles whatever we throw at it. When its time to clean up, it also serves as a very nice vehicle due to the interior improvements!!

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By OvalOs - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this Ford after being diehard Chevy people. We really like the interior design and spaciousness. Its got plenty of power to get to highway speeds quickly and to pass with no problems. Its an awesome truck!