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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  Yellow STX in TX - 2004 Ford F-150
  By henry - May 3 - 3:43 pm

  I traded my 98 XLT x-cab (great truck) for a 2004 bazing yellow STX x-cab, stepside that is loaded with goodies like, 3:55 posi, foglites, tow package, 17" alloys, factory tint, power pedals, factory running boards, sliding rear window, 6 disc in-dash premium sound, cruise, and carpet. I was used to the XLT pkg; in comparing the two, all this STX lacks is power windows and a tach. They both have a 4.6 v8, the `04 has 30 more hp hooked to a 3:55 posi, by far better traction.The`04 is heaver, yet much more responsive, safer and surefooted.The new F-150 feels more solid and confident than it did before. I always thought Chevy trucks were the most solid, well-built, until I drove both of them (`04). While the Chevy has better front seats,the Ford was more user friendly.

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  Happy camper - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Marjorie Mason - May 3 - 3:23 pm

  Great highway comfort.

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  mileage, and ride - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tonyd - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I live in Mass. I purchased this in S.C. while visiting our daughter. I traded in a 91 Crown Vic. I couldnt believe how quiet it was, and how comfortable the ride was and the front leg room. I am 61" (rear leg room I dont know). The front leg room was a lot more than my 91 and my other vehicle, a mint condition 86 Town Car. Driving it around the Hilton Head/Bluffton area in heavy traffic and the Savanna GA area, all heavy city traffic, the car gave me 23mpg. Coming home on the Interstate with the cruise set around 70mph the car averaged 28 mph; that to me is unbelievable, I still average 23 & around 27 on the highway and theres a lot of hills up here. I LOVE IT.

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  2001 SELTaurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By E Gossett - May 2 - 7:18 pm

  I was very pleased with this car until I had problems with the transmission. With only 31K, A small $4.00 bearing broke apart damaging the entire transmission resulting in $2500.00 in repairs. The transmission shop stated that they had other Tauruss with transmission problems for this particular year. This car has a nice appealing body style, however the curved door at the door handle dents easily when hit from other car doors. I mailed Ford Motor company a letter and asked for a response about my transmission problem, but they never did. Ford Motor company in my view, doesnt care about the value of their customers. I do not trust Ford Motor company, nor will I buy a Ford car again.

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  Best car Ive owned to date. - 2001 Ford Escort
  By F Bean - May 2 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car new at the advice of my brother, who is a Ford mechanic. He said they had yet to have one come in for any warranty work. True to his word, Ive owned this car for 5 years, drive the heck out of it, wrecked it twice, and it still is there for me every time, knock on wood. Ive never had to have it jumped or had it fail to start. Ive had my oil changed every 3-4 thousand miles and it looks like honey. Good girl car, as it is dependable and looks good too!

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  First American car in 22 years - 2006 Ford Focus
  By M. Koltz - May 2 - 1:31 pm

  I have owned and driven Toyotas for the last 22 years and experienced good value and quality. This Ford product is an outstanding value. The drive and feel are exceptional. Gas mileage is above average. I love the styling of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The styling moved me to Ford along with the fair acquisition cost.

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  A/C gone bad - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By A/C gone bad - May 2 - 10:00 am

  A/C quits blowing after several hours of continous use. After taking into the dealer the third time, they say they cant fix it because they dont know how! The Ford engineers are working on it. Thanks for telling me the first time I brought it in! Paint flaking off the front. Lock bar inside drivers door has broke three times.

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  mustang gt yes!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By locutus - May 2 - 10:00 am

  this is one sharp car. fit and finish are excelent. power is there although a little more wouldnt hurt. leather interior is 1st rate. steering is right on and the brakes are very good. this is my third mustang, and by far the best. (my first was a 1966)

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  Greatest Truck in the World. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Van Langford - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The Ford ranger has an amazing compatability with any one in the world, this midsize truck is one of the greatest to buy.

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  Very satisied - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bhenderson - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 SuperCrew was an amazing truck; my new 2004 seems even better!