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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  BEST EVER!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Peaches1374 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV!!! I LOVE IT!!!

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  Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By CuddlebearFl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It is a great SUV .....never though I would buy one....Love It

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  The beginnings of a love affair - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gary DelVecchio - May 20 - 10:00 am

  1st truck Ive ever owned. Was concerned about a move to a truck re. comfort and ride. Was very pleased with both ride & comfort. Wish it got a little better fuel economy.

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  The Ford F-150 Rocks! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Welder923 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I am a long time pick up truck consumer, I have owned Chevys, Dodges, Fords, and Toyota P/Us, out of all the P/Us that Ive had the F- 150 out does them all. It is a great vehicle for off-roading, going camping, fishing, and hunting. Its a great vehicle all round, I dont know what I would do without it. Id rather have this F-150 P/U then any SUV on the planet except maybe hummer, I wouldnt mine owning a Hummer H1 or H2, yeah they probably out do it offroad, but life isnt all fun & games. I would definitely get another Ford F-150 Extended Cab (2dr) Sytleside 8Ft. bed 4x4, in a heartbeat, if I had the money to afford a second one.

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  My Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MsAndrea - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a True Blue 2004 Ford Mustang. It is the best car that I had ever had. Im not just saying that to brag.

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  blue mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By admansurfin - May 20 - 10:00 am

  the top is a little load and it would have been nice to have the option of pass side power seat. rear windows from time to time need to be adjusted. this car though is the best bang for the buck when it comes to fun and power. word to the wise check insurance rates out before buying..

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  FUN FUN FUN!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By gustergurl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2002 Focus ZX5 and I love it. It is very confortable and runs great. Mine has leather seats, power moonroof 6 disk cd changer and many other perks. I think this is the best thing Ford has done in years.

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  Transmission Turmoil - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Bad Transmission 87K - May 19 - 6:42 pm

  I bought a 99 Windstar second hand. At 87,000 miles the transmission was replaced. Ford quoted me $2500. They ended up paying $700 of that due to my complaining. It is still jerking and snatching and I am too tired to take it back to the shop. As long as it gets me where I need to go, I will deal with it. Overall, Im disappointed! Im looking for a vehicle that is TOUGH and BUILT LIKE A ROCK! It was a roomy ride and my kids loved it, however, Im, ready to give this minivan the boot. Not to mention that the check engine light stayed on and no one could figure out how to get it to go off.

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  You dont have to buy a minivan! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chrisma - May 19 - 3:43 pm

  This car is your solution to not buying a minivan. Plenty of space. Plenty of toys. Plenty of power. If you want more power, buy a Mustang. If you want more gas mileage, buy a Focus. This car is a good blend of multiple needs (space, power, gas mileage, comfort, etc).

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  Car has gotten me through a lot! - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Jelly Belly - May 19 - 3:18 pm

  Ive had this car for two years now and it has been great so far. I bought it for $1200 with 156,000 kms. It now has 230,000 kms and its still going strong. The only problems Ive had with this car have been minor. Ive done regular oil changes. Tie rod ends have had to be replaced but the parts dont cost too much. Its gotten me to a lot of places. The experience Ive had with it is that its a reliable car. I mean its no luxury car by any means but it is a good cheap car. Never had any problems with it starting up in the cold weather either. Id recommend the Tempo for anyone looking for a cheap car.