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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  chucks chioce - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By charles bryant - September 8 - 10:00 am

  slow off the line, not much power needs a 8 cylinder, other than that, it is a pretty good truck. i like the looks and the styling of the sport trac. perfect size.i dont like the where the cruise control buttons are they should be where they are on the g.m.s on the turn signal switch. the sun visor should have extensions like the g.m.s

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  handling gets better each year - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mestra - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Toyota 4runner, 2001 explorer,2002 explorer and now a 2004 explorer and each year the handling gets better and better. The Explorer feels more stable and secure with every years new model.

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  I like to be in Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By robert hunter - September 7 - 8:06 pm

  I like the stick shift. The transmission is smooth and aids with fuel economy. The heater and AC are great and easy to control. The rear seats are a little cramped for big people but I rarely have anyone in the rear. Ill buy another Focus when this one has a lot more miles on it.

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  road locomotive - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mijon - September 7 - 3:30 pm

  Several trips from Lansing, MI, to Portland, ME nonstop, one driver and one tank of diesel (with a tailwind). Visibility and leather driver seat make driving a pleasure. I weigh 240# and get a backache driving luxury sedans in $40-50k range in half the time. Rock solid diesel never misses a tick at 98000 miles (but would not consider gas). Pulls better than my F350 crew long box diesel because it weighs more. Biggest problem is non support attitude of FMC. No satisfaction on missing rear sway bar, 2002 only. If Toyota or Nissan built a diesel SUV, bye-bye Ford.

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  X-Mas - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dingo1999 - September 7 - 12:00 pm

  The new Mustnag is such an eye catcher. Everyone turns their head to check this car out. If you are thinking about getting one, go test drive it today. That is what sold me and my husband. He ended up buying me one for Christmas.

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  My 2004 F-150 XLT Lariat SuperCab - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Kenneth M. Wagner - September 7 - 8:50 am

  I have owned six other F-series trucks and this new F-150 is by far the best. The level of electronics is a huge upgrade from previous models. The ride is superb, and the fuel economy for a vehicle this size is good. This is my first super-cab. The styling and increased space is great. The vehicle is a little on the heavy side, but it does not seem to affect the fuel economy much. It should be interesting to see what kind of reliability it has in the long-run. It was truly a good purchase experience, being able to build your style truck with the options required. Some of the new standard features on certain models is welcomed. All in all, quite a vehicle so far!

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  Go alot to have it fixed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Randy - September 7 - 7:12 am

  Fuel pump fails ,erg fails ,power windows brake easy , cant open the door

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  A Super Fun Car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Kym - September 7 - 3:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 Ford Mustang Convertible for a couple of months and I am having such fun! When the top is down it turns everyones head. It has no fear of increased speed and is a dream to drive in the hills and on long trips to the ocean. Its just perfection. It had an exhaust leak when I purchased it -- though it wasnt detected by the dealerships "top-notch" service team. The local oil-changing place heard it and the dealership had it repaired. Apparently it is a recall or it is just a common problem. Other than that its been the most fun Ive had since I gave up the keys to my minivan. LOL

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  Buy one or lose out. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Dee Dee Callahan - September 7 - 2:58 am

  After buying the Expedition I will not own another type of vehicle. Its great for everything we do camping, sports, hauling (trailers & quads), traveling. I can not say enough.

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  American Icon Mustang GT Convertible - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Ben Leone - September 7 - 12:50 am

  This car is a real looker, you would swear it had eyes. Mine has the roll bar it is killer to look at. Then the light turns green, pure exhilaration, you have to behave because 0-60 in 5.7 seconds can get you in deep quick. I have ridden in more comfortable cars but admit that if I want comfort I will take my Mark VI. This Ford product is tops to drive and own.