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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  pill of junk - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sadigirl - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is falling apart cosmetically. The passenger side seat sits against the door and ford does not know how to repair it. The leather rubs against the door panel and is quite annoying. Both windows have had problems, and the radio along with other minor repairs. It has been to the shop at least once a month since I have owned it. I regret ever buying this pile of juck that has lost so much value.

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  SVT Lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 1FSTSVT - May 9 - 2:00 am

  this truck is by for the best truck you can get for the money. 380 hp for only $32000, i mean the srt-10 is 500hp but almost $50000.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dexley74 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my ST for 3-weeks now and I love it more everyday (except for the scratch I put on it :( This vehicle is a blast to drive, I cant wait till summer when I can open the moonroof, and open all the windows including the rear. My only regret is I didnt get the upgraded stereo. I have the basic CD player with 4 speakers which is ok, but would like a little more now. I have the bed extender and hard cover which makes this vehicle even more versatile. It can haul plenty including my bikes and other recreational equipment. All the conveniences of an SUV and a large enough bed to haul/carry what I need.

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  Really miss the 4 doors. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By blnewt - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Almost from the day we bought it we regretted not putting a bit extra aside for the 4 Door Explorer. Needless to say, we just traded our Sport in for a 2004 Explorer XLS, and are very happy w/ the decision, just so much more vehicle for the money.

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  Love My Focus ZX3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dave Madrid - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have the 2.0L Zetec/5spd manual, and I must echo everyone else, it doesnt impress you with power. Although I do get 30mpg on the highway regularly going 75mph. Its very spacious inside, well thought out ergonomics, superior driving dynamics, above average stereo, quiet on the highway, and plenty of power items. I dont have much to complain about.

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  Affordable Downgrade - 2004 Ford Focus
  By MR.B - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I would still recommend the Ford Taurus as a well built, safe car, but the Focus is a well built smaller more affordable car. You need to get the top model in each style to get the larger engine (2.3) which makes all the difference. The standard sound system with MP3/CD has great sound. A moonroof is great but the sport package is not needed.

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  Build to last - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Armbruster - May 9 - 12:49 am

  I bought my Ford Ranger when it was one year old in 1995. My truck had 40,000 miles on it then. 10 years later it has 227,000 miles on it! I still love this truck. Last summer I replaced the transmission and thought of getting another vehicle. I didnt need to here it is another year later and it is still driving fantastic. Through the years I have replaced one water pump (at 160,000 miles) 2 batteries, the clutch at 190,000 miles, the oxygen sensor, brakes, tires, and the faulty emergency brake recall item. I cant think of anything else. (oh, I did replace the serpentine and timing belts as a precaution at 120,000 miles). A FANTASTIC vehicle. This is my third Ranger and I will buy another.

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  FORD - Fixed of repaired daily - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Thom - May 8 - 9:38 pm

  Simply put, this car is not worth the 50+ grand. At first glance, it has a nice appearance. Not as grand as its Navigator brother, but still impresive. However, after having this car for some time, it becomes a pain. When youre not trying to maneuver this huge car in traffic and parking garages, its sitting comfortably in your local repair shop having its newest problem fixed. Front door leaking air, power mirrors without power, loud road noise that become greater with time, occasionaly weird clunkling that confuses both us and the dealer. Also, even though this car has a massive engine, its slow to accelerate. and its transmission is sloppy and gets confused shifting gears.

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  Ford 4x4 F-150 Extended Cab - 2002 Ford F-150
  By paul hilton - May 8 - 8:45 pm

  This truck gets 13-15 mpg empty. If you put a 21 foot camper behind it, it loses gas mileage and power. It struggles with a heavy load. but the quality is great! Need more power and much better mpg. The remote key should be able to unlock the doors when the truck is running.

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  Still Rolling - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By StillRolling - May 8 - 5:11 pm

  Van has 271,000 miles on it. Still drives well, extremely reliable. Only minor repairs. Nothing exciting about the design, but very practical with lots of storage. Gas milage is very good, considering it is a box.