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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  GT Premium Convertible - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jason - February 21 - 10:46 pm

  Just like many others out there, Ive been salivating over the 05 Mustang since Ford first announced the new design. I just got my car (Silver w/ black leather interior) and let me tell you, its worth every penny. The dealer was telling me that Ford is overwhelmed by demand and buyers are waiting 6 months for delivery of their GTs. I would like to share with you that it is possible to get one. I didnt order my car in advance, but rather convinced the salesman that I was a serious buyer and to call me if a buyer who ordered one changed his mind when the car came in. He (to my amazement) called a week later. I was at the dealer within 90 minutes. They didnt even charge over sticker!

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  Great Truck!! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - February 21 - 10:35 pm

  Regarding the "low-rent" interior, I got a wood kit from the dealer and factored in to the monthly payment, which made the interior look "high-end" and very luxurious. This truck is great, with a much more flexible interior versus the other larger competitiors. The 2005 5.4L has a little more horsepower, which I would have appreciated over my 2004. Otherwise, no complaints (and this from a former BMW owner!). As a suggestion, an updated Nav system, built in Bluetooth and a cassette option would have been appreciated.

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  Super flag car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Terrys flag car - February 21 - 8:08 pm

  I own a flag car business and escort oversize loads from Pennsylvania up and down the east cost. I went right to Mobile One and Slick Fifty when I bought this car. I average 11,000 miles a month, ha and you think you have a long drive to work. Plenty of power, 40+ miles per gallon at high speeds, fairly comfortable, plenty of room and Im 6 ft. Great little car. I do use 5 speeds for my work. Automatic transmissions would not hold up to to the pounding we give these little cars. I had a 91 wagon and put 300,000 miles on it. Again, a great little car.

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  Happy with My Eddie Bauer! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By KCB - February 21 - 12:45 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 4 years and have had NO problems with it whatsoever. Despite the bad press, it holds the road well and it an excellent vehicle.

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  Its a Navigator Without the Bling - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By treidnote - February 21 - 12:31 pm

  Optioned up with air suspension, tow package, side airbags & AdvanceTrac, the Limited has all the features & functionality of the Lincoln at about $10k less - and much less of the look at me due to the monochrome paint treatment. Needed towing capability, and its been great right out of the box - new 300hp motor is stronger - but you have to dip into the throttle a bit more than you would expect to get at the power. Almost bought an 04 Eddie Bauer, but glad I waited.

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  Not Happy - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Joe - February 21 - 11:06 am

  I bought the car in 97 and hod no problems. Once it hit 75K, everything started falling apart. I.e. Oil pan gasket, driver side power window motor, starter, water pump, AC compressor, one engine plug wouldnt fire -- replaced that, interior falling apart -- leather stitching, dash board plastic cracking, and now the transmission is going out. I have spent $2500 on car in last 2 years. Has 112K now and I cant wait to get rid of it. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN!

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  The last Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By TJO - February 21 - 10:12 am

  Ive been driving Fords for 30 years, and this will be the last one. I only had one problem with this van in 96,000 miles. The transmission blew at 69,000 miles. I think this is inexcusable. I sent a letter to Ford and told them that if they did not chip in on the repair that this would be the last Ford I ever purchased. They did not respond. I thought the least they could do is send me a coupon for my next car. So my next car will not be a Ford, and this was their choice.

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  Should Have Kept the Windstar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By RB - February 21 - 5:00 am

  They should have made continual improvements to the Windstar and not taken away the basic and great features of it to upgrade a few others and call it a Freestar. I like the 4 wheel disc brakes, and side airbag upgrades. However, I do not like the cheap looking interior, no fog lamps, no rims (on same model), and NO center console.

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  Ranger XLT 2wd 5sp 4cyl - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Roger Vaughan - February 21 - 4:37 am

  Very good, reliable, comfortable basic truck. Kind of like pick-up trucks used to be. Not a huge, oversize gas and road hog. Wife says most comfortable seat she has been in. Gas mileage is great, always high 20s to 30.

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  Most Fun Ive Driven in Years - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By JonG - February 21 - 4:01 am

  Got rid of an XJ8VDP for this car. I own a 96 Red XJS that is supposed to be my summer fun car - BUT - This car gets more looks, comments and thumbs up than the Jaguar (mine is Yellow with the two-tone yellow black interior). SHARP. Best surprise was power and performance - way better than I expected and cheap to maintain. Plus now that they are going bye-bye itll be even a rarer sight. Not a practical car as far as 2 seater, shallow trunk.