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:

• 

  Heritage Edition 2003 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jlwebb - November 24 - 2:00 am

  A Beauty of a truck. Gets stares from people that drive a $60,000 car. Roomy Up front, but not for grown ups in the back. Kids will be fine though.

• 

  POS - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jdwk - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is very useful, and is one of the few cars I dont mind riding in the back of. However, it has been terribly unreliable. It is in the shop every other month. While it has been relatively swift in the past, it currently is painfully slow and is getting less than 10 mpg! I just got it out of the shop again, and although the strange noise during acceleration is gone, it is still slow and I havent noticed an improvement in gas milage.

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By viceman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have put 28,000 miles on this vehicle already, and it has not been in the shop for ANYTHING. I change the oil regularly with Amsoil (synthetic). It has been a lot of fun and I enjoy the flexability. The only drawback is that the bed is small. I like the fact that it has a plug in the bed of the truck and the rear window is a power window. Overall I am very happy with this vehicle.

• 

  What a disappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Kenn Mag - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My NEW Sport Trac broke down 5 times in the first three months. Once it just died on me as I came onto a freeway. The mechanic first told me that they ran diagnostics on it and, "out side of the fact that it wouldnt start, there was nothing wrong with it." The finally got it running again. It also had a high pitch whine at highway speeds. Ford said it was a chain in the 4WD transfer case and that they knew of the problem but had no fix for it. Ford bought it back from me, thank God.

• 

  * - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bythesea - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable drive during long drives. All over fun to drive, dont care for the low gas milage.

• 

  Great car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By djeve715 - November 24 - 1:23 am

  This has been a great car for us. We have owned this car since there were only 4 miles on the odometer and the only repair has been the alternator and that was just this month. I have replaced brake pads once, that was only because I abused them. I am very satisfied with this car.

• 

  Excellence From Ford - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Willis - November 24 - 12:06 am

  I traded in a 2004 F-150 and got 2008 Limited Sort Trac, V8, 4X4, limited chrome and electronics. Ford couldnt have done a better job of putting a vehicle together. Great power anywhere you need it, I am am happy with my mileage compared to my F-150 V8 5.4. Getting 22mph on highway. Very smooth ride, If youre looking for something like this no other manufacturer can even come close to the quality and comfort of the Sport Trac.

• 

  Tough Safe Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dennis Schumaker - November 23 - 9:46 pm

  I owned a 2004 SuperCab that was a piece of junk. Many problems! I traded for a 2005 Supercrew Lariat. After 800 miles someone turned in front of me when I was going 45 mph. Air bag went off, and $13,500 worth of damage to truck. All in front of doors. I hurt my hand on the steering wheel when it spun out of control, but I was not injured severely. If I would have been in a Chevy, I would not have been so lucky. They might not be the fastest or stop the quickest, but I believe they are the safest! And they ride and look better than all the rest!

• 

  Bullitt Review - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Mario - November 23 - 8:14 pm

  Great cornering car with lots of power to accelerate through tight/high speed corners. I previously owned a 1994 Mustang GT and the Bullitt is clearly superior in all respects.

• 

  I love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Christine101101 - November 23 - 6:35 pm

  I love my Focus. This is the second one I have owned. I totaled my first and walked away without a scratch. They are safe, reliable, fun, and affordable. I recommend them to all of my friends. Great car, especially for the price. I have the 2.3 liter engine and it can really go!