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 New 05 Mustang love affair - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jack Parker - April 12 - 1:40 am

  This is my first new car since 1983 and it was worth the wait. Ford really got it right. Great performance, great fun, looks, personality and value. Two GTs for one Corvette. I love Corvettes but I just cant pass this Mustang by. I like the fold down back seats. Just cant find much to fault anywhere.

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  After a year of driving - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Olympia, WA - April 12 - 12:49 am

  Really a great car for a 5-speed manual. I drive 30 miles each way to and from work. Handles great on the freeway as well as in town in those hard to park spots.

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  Nice car for its time good first car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Bonka - April 11 - 5:17 pm

  Bought as a winter car with ~132,500 miles. Black on black, loaded and auto. Cousin of the Mazda MX-6, prefer styling on Probe, notably the GT version. Wide 16x7 5-spoke wheels and body accents (spoiler, side skirts, door caps, front bumper) make this a nice looking car. Reasonable power from V6 but weak in the low end. Nice interior layout. Great handling characteristics (weakened by the cheap tires). Stiff suspension. Steering response a little light. Common problems oil leaks which I have (vc gaskets, oil pressure sensor). Automatic is terrible. Hunts for shifts. Requires cooler for longevity. Back seat for looks only. Deep trunk but high lift gate.

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  Best Lil Truck 4 Me - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By This1wrkd - April 11 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased my 4WD Edge new in 2002. Its going strong in 2006. Ive been all across the country, and commute from Houston to Crockett 3 times per month. You may think its a chick truck, but 4 wheeling is terrific, and it carries everything an artist/remodeler needs (for a chick). Ive owned a lot of vehicles, this one is just plain fun!

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  rims/tires - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gene - April 11 - 11:45 am

  Ford does not stand behind product. Tires leak air as much as 15 pounds per week. Have been to 3 dealerships 6 times and they refuse to acknowledge rim problem as others and tire dealers have told me is the problem. Ford wants to glue the rims to tires and void tire warranty. Every tire leaks different amount of air, have kept daily log but they still refuse to acknowledge rim problem.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cdo - April 10 - 6:41 pm

  Beautiful car, beautiful ride. Ford finally got it right.

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  The Best - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Steve - April 10 - 3:04 pm

  This was hands down the best truck I have ever owned. It had its typical repairs you would expect from a 12 year old truck, but it ran strong and reliably until it decided to spontaneously combust. The engine compartment burst into flames after sitting for five days and not running at all. Other than the fire it was a fantastic vehicle and will be sorely missed.

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  worth the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By b-l-z-a-bob - April 10 - 10:00 am

  One great car for the money. Especially with the 2.3 engine. Ride and handling for a car this size is excellent. Performance for this engine, even with an automatic is great too. Brakes are sufficient, and seem well balanced. All controls in the car are well placed too. Driving position is very comfortable, and Im over 6 foot. Car does well at accomodating four adults, and can handle the extra passengers (power-wise) very well.

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  LVMITRK - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JACKIE49 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD FORD TRUCK. THE OVERALL RIDE IS VERY COMFORTABLE. I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE GRILL AND SIDE WINDOW. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BETTER FUEL MILAGE, BUT LIKE THE POWER. THE TURNING RADIUS IS VERY GOOD, AND HANDLES LIKE A DREAM.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Sharp - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think its a nice truck. I dont know how its getting all of these 10s by other reviewers. I guess people feel better about a the truck they bought if they give it high ratings on everthing. One problem Ive already had to take it in for is an oil leak. Another problem, which isnt a big deal, is that it seems like everyone in Texas has the same d@mn truck that Ive got. But overall it is a nice truck.