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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  FIX OR REPAIR DAILY (FORD) - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By maryann - June 20 - 1:24 pm

  I thought I was getting something that would be comfortable for my family and I BUT... This vehicle has been nothing but TROUBLE. After buying the vehicle I had to replace the speedometer that cost me $1700. Oh and that was only after I bought the car and owned it for 3 months. Ok, so a year goes by and guess where my car is at the dealership once again with a problem they dont know! I can no longer tell how fast I am going because that dont work and how many miles my vehicle has. Oh and the ABS light is on and the air conditioning is no longer working. Check engine light on and they say it is an O2 sensor Ford Motor has had lots of complaints and wont recall it

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  Vehicle surpasses my expectations - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jason in Milw/WI - June 20 - 8:26 am

  I truly enjoy driving this vehicle. Used to drive a four door sedan, which had a decent amount of room and with the traction control, it was a great winter vehicle. This hybrid has greatly surpassed my expectations, and Im only a week into driving it! Comfortable ride on the bumpy/potholed roads in my neighborhood. Weather conditions we experienced with the recent snowstorm and the handling of this vehicle quickly convinced me this was the right purchase. This vehicle feels more in contact with the road and accelerates better than I had anticipated. Overall, Im very pleased with this purchase and whats even better, the wife is fast growing accustomed to riding in it.

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  The Sun is Rising in the West - 2002 Ford Focus
  By svtrollin - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow, my supercharged zx3 barely nosed out the stock svt. Thats when i knew i had to have one. This car handles as if you are on a rail, not only that it will pull you away from the curb a lot faster then those eastearn pocket rockets.

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  the best truck i have ever driven - 2004 Ford F-150
  By rcwfox2002 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  my truck has fx4 interior with grapite and chrome black leather seats i was debating this over a navigator and i just fell in love with this truck ford did a great job on this truck really on all of their suv and truck lines after i have driven this truck you wont find me in a cheap GMC product EVER

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  MY F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DARREN BROWN - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN AN 02 F150 2WD XL FOR THIS 04 F150 4WD XL AND I STILL CANT BELIEVE THE IMPROVED COMFORT AND RIDE OF THE THIS TRUCK.4WDS ARE GENERALLY A ROUGHER RIDE THAN THE 2WDS.I ALSO LIKE HOW FORD TWEEKED THE INTERIOR CONVENIENCES SUCH AS CUP HOLDERS AND ETC.,VERY ERGONOMIC.I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS TRUCK,THE ONLY BAD THING I COULD SAY IS I WISH IT ENJOYED THE TASTE OF GASOLINE A LITTLE LESS.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By brian christopher - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I had a 99 Lariat I Loved, but learning of the many improvements, I had to upgrade. I orderd virtualy the same truck, but adding sun roof,heated seats, and audiophile sound. Oh, even the same dk. toredor red w/gold.The 99sold to quickly and Ive had no buyers remorse. as usual, the dealer was great.

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  Fun and Conentional - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SareBear - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Im a college student and several times a year I am in need of a vehicle that can move me from apartment to apartment. Also important to me is a comfortable ride for my 3 large dogs. With the Sport Trac, you have it all. With the tonneau cover you can put anything at all in the bed. Once the seats in the back are folded down, the dogs love standing back there and stichink their heads out the rear power window. This is my first SUV/Truck and I absolutely love it!

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  truck - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By dave badwolf - June 20 - 2:00 am

  i think its got alot of space inside.plenty of backseat space and really quit ride for a truck.

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cmg2001 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After growing up in Detroit, I never thought I would buy a foreign car. I have finally had enough. After driving this car for 3 yrs and 90K mi, I am finally putting an end to my frustration. Hwy fuel economy of 23- 25 mpg/ 250 mile range - no power with the automatic transmission and recall after recall after etc... If you really want to see what a mistake this car is all you have to do is try trading one in, Hold onto your shorts. For me the answer is toyota or honda or mazda and finding somewhere to park down the street when i visit my parents. PS I am on my fourth set of tires with rotation and alignments done regularly.

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  Green Blur - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By weldermaniac - June 20 - 2:00 am

  You will get what you pay for. This is not a refined luxury auto, it is a pony car. For around 20k you will be hard pressed to find anything with the power and fun of a v8 stang. Yeah it will step out on you if give her a little nudging but will return quickly. Just dont expect to drive this thing in the snow