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:

• 

  this is the one - 2001 Ford F-150
  By truker-lover - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt a big pick up truck fan but when purchased this I dont think Ill ever go back to a normal truck. If your reading this and have never drove one you will not be able to understand until you get in this thiong and actually feel the power and smoothness.

• 

  Ford trucks rock - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ryanz - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck. Chevrolet looses. Drag races and looks. Fords are better and especially this one. Faster, much better looking and more dependible.

• 

  ongoing project - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Susanne563 - March 7 - 9:46 am

  We bought this truck because we needed a vehicle to easily tow a boat and a trailer. We only have 74,000 miles on it and so fat the suspension had to be repaired 2 times, the torque converter, the instrument cluster, the mirror, the window, the stereo and now the transmission again and the head gasket nothing -- but problems. I would not recommend this truck to anyone a true lemon. We only put 22,000 miles on this truck the head gasket should not go this early. Always did the recommended service and oil change. Ford needs to seriously improve quality.

• 

  Good 4 the price? - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Robert - March 7 - 2:14 am

  Good for the price. Good gas mileage for its size. Great room around trunk, in front and back seats. I get an odd rattle/humming from under the hood. Cons: hard seat for traveling, poor expected resale value doesnt ride, handle or stop as well as top competitors, and a few times acted like it stalled when quickly accelerated.

• 

  Great City Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bob - March 6 - 9:53 pm

  Tight car! Solid, no rattles, more than adequate power and handles well! Love it as city runabout, easy entry, exit, parking and great visibility all around. Hatchback can carry BIG loads, like a mini SUV! Over 30k miles, no problems yet. Have a loaded automatic, sunroof and all extras yet it still doesnt have a rattle it - wife loves it too - Just leave the Town Car in the garage and use the Focus in the city!

• 

  My Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Doug - March 6 - 9:27 pm

  I bought my Ranger only because it was the best deal at the time. I have kind of lost the "look at me" appeal of a vehicle to the more practical side of things. I have owned just about every make of pickup on the market. Without a doubt so far my favorite has to be the one I have been driving for the last eight months. I go out of my way to compare my truck to any Toyota. Gas mileage could be better.

• 

  Detailed Review - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By vicenac - March 6 - 4:20 pm

  I am moving up to this car from a 97 Accord. I see that most other buyers are scaling down from SUVs. To me, my new Freestyle drives like a truck. The suspension is stiff (but OK) and I can feel the weight of the car when turning, although I could take corners at least as fast if no faster then my Accord. I used to drive a Volvo 740 and this Ford seems to be an enlarged replica of that. Controls on dashboard are in the same place etc. Power. When I first drove it it seem with no life at all, and I wanted to give up. My wife got in the drivers seat and she found the power! It takes off slow from a standstill but after that feels very powerful. If you floor it on the freeway the CVT downshifts

• 

  Long-term Taurus - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Snake Charmer - March 6 - 3:56 pm

  Car was issued to me as a company car in 1995. Aside from the catfish front end, it looked pretty good. The interior was comfortable, and everything was a bit better than expected. My ratings are based on this being a Taurus, not my Corvette. The sample defects were fixed fast (wind noise, soft shifts), and the car has been safe and dependable for 120k miles so far. Total of about $1200 in unscheduled maintenance, far better than my Hondas or Mazdas. In fact, overheating in the last Honda cost that much, and never was fixed. Good, cheap transport for a long time. Teenager drives it now, and doesnt hate it (hed rather drive the Vette).

• 

  Great car needs more quality work inside - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By neflstang - March 6 - 11:00 am

  The car has been a pleasure to own. It rides really well especially compared to previous years for the Mustang. The interior is a little cheap even for trying to be retro looking. Upgrade to the leather seats. They are much more comfortable. Overall, the car is just what you would expect from a Mustang and it really turns a lot of heads while you are driving it.

• 

  So So Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By JK - March 6 - 9:17 am

  I bought my Expedition because I got a great deal on it. Interior is reasonably comfortable, however the exterior styling is poor. I previously owned a Yukon XL which got better mileage, had a more luxurious interior and had a better exterior appearance. I have a two year lease on my Expedition and will lease a Yukon XL Denali when my current lease expires.