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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  Ive had better. - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By DalNLS - December 15 - 12:46 pm

  Nice car with tan leather Arizona Beige paint is beautiful. The 12 valve "Vulcan V6" is an absolute nightmare for passing power.

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  Perfection - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By clayton-thomas - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The brand new Ford 500 has all the amenities of a full size luxury automobile. The ride is impecable. The supportive seats craddle you in ever twist and turn in its extremely lavish interior. The 500 is also very practical with its amazingly large trunk. This fuel economy is perfect for a car of its size. Hands down Ford has created a fantastic car that the whole family will love.

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  Satisfied - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Scott Moore - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive throughly enjoy this City version of a truck. Meets all nddes of my busy family.

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  2004 ford explorer sport trac 4X4 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mcr3020 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have driven both explorer and sport trac and love both. T do not find any truck like ride with the sport trac. I found it to be great for soccer moms. Plenty of room inside. Rubber floors easy to clean and wont get ruined from mud and cleated shoes. The bed has just enough room for groceries or duffly bags and book packs. And a Kid"s bike fits great> They must of changed the undercarrage because I drove 2002 4X4 Ranger and this doesn"t drive like it did. I loved the Ranger but needed more room. I think someone needs to ride in the newer make.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JohnnyFordBoy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I recently picked up my new F150. Its a superb truck that rides like my 2002 Explorer. Drive it nicely and you can get about the same gas mileage too. It packs a punch and the comfort of the interior is undeniably the best around. Seats are perfect and the the fit is perfect. Great truck..... The back end of the new F-150 is actually higher than a 2000 F-350 Dually 4x4.

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  2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD Good so Far - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By rdgalley - December 15 - 10:00 am

  To date I have put just under 58000 miles on my Explorer. It has been very relieable. The problems I have are fairly minor. The transmission whines a little on the shift from 1st to 2nd. The cam chain tensioner makes a rattling sound under load, and the trim panel around the radio is peeling. Other that those items I am happy with my Explorer and hope to keep it until 150000 miles.

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  Under-rated great car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bob - December 15 - 2:03 am

  I switched from 16 years of driving SUVs, and the tall seating position, huge amount of usable space, and luxury made this an easy transition. I dont think it is under-powered, I think it is fine for daily driving, and it handles great. I recently had to merge onto a busy interstate in an area with no merge area, and was really surprised how much get up and go it has when you floor it. The interior is really comfortable for a tall person (I am 6-1 and have plenty of room). Everyone who has ridden in it has loved it - its too bad so few know about it. Overall this has been a fantastic car. I would buy one again without hesitation.

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  GO FOR THE 04! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By STEVE - December 15 - 1:41 am

  With this 05 Mustang craze, you can steal an 04 right now! This V6 is quite spry with the 5-speed. Very good off the line. Drove the Automatic, only felt slightly quicker then my 03 Chevy Malibu. This car handles excellent, hopefully it wont be too terrible in the winter. Looks very sharp, interior is basic, but it works in an old muscle car sort of way. Not bad every day transportation, I put a five year old in the back, he does not care, but backseat not a good idea for larger people. Traded in a boring Hyundai Sonata for this, dont miss it at all, BORING! This is a great mid-life crisis vehicle, love driving to work every day.

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  My last Ford product - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Kurt - December 14 - 6:41 pm

  My first vehicle was a Ford Mustang purchased back in the 70s. I owned a Honda and then a Toyota that I put over 200,000 miles on and its going strong for someone else now. I tried a Ford Ranger in 1994 purchased new with poor results. I dumped it before the warranty expired. The 1998 Expedition averaged one trip to the garage each month. I put countless thousands into it and traded a big loss for another Toyota. I would really like to buy Ford products but Im not willing to dump money and worry when the vehicle will break down next. Ironically, my new Toyota is built in Indiana.

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  Piece of junk! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By calfano - December 14 - 6:18 pm

  We bought this as a 1 year old car. Got extended warrenty through 7/04. Three weeks later transmission went at 68,000 miles. Is in shop as we speak for the A/C problem. Constant alignment issues. Front end replaced. Back windows dont work. My dealership did pay for half of the transmission, but I was still out $1,200. My husband and I will NEVER own, drive or even ride in another Ford again. I dont care what kind it is. I have spent more than this is even worth! Ford, wake up and smell the coffee. Renaming it a "Freestar" doesnt fool anyone. The car is a piece of junk!