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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  Great Compact Sedan - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Nate - December 6 - 5:00 am

  The interior is quite nice. The cloth seats are comfortable and the dash layout is uncluttered and easy to use. The radio controls have nice tactile feedback. The engine is peppy and unlike some other sedans in this class, the Focus doesnt feel underpowered merging or passing on the freeway. No regrets in first few months after purchase so far.

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  Happy Expedition Owner - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By CRExpedition - December 6 - 4:22 am

  First SUV that I have owed and it has been a great experience. Basically the only problem that I have encountered was the rear windows squeeking when opening they replaced the mechanisms (both windows) and the same thing happened. This occurs mainly during the winter months. Drivers window has a tendency to go up very fast during cold days. Also noticed a hummng noise in tranny when overdrive is turned off dealer says that this is not a problem and I have not had any tranny issue. I do not have the load leveling and my SUV runs pretty smooth, great on long trips, and comfortable. Get about 18-19 on highway, powerful motor (5.4), sometimes dont realize the speed Im going, good pickup for a big SUV. Love her!

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  Sweet truck - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By ronbs - December 5 - 8:31 pm

  This truck is so awesome. I have a Ford expedition, and this truck is faster, and drives way better. The turning radius is so small I love the way it drives and the fuel milaege is not bad for an SUV. I cant wait to take it off road, and have some fun in the snow with it. I wish they still made trucks like this. It runs great for the mileage, and hope it continues to do so.

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  97 Ford Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Hermann Lag - December 5 - 8:24 pm

  Bought with the intent of keeping long term. The truck was very reliable, good performance, reasonable efficiency. NO problem pulling a 3500 lb. trailer through mountains. Comfortable ride.

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  Reliable vehicle, great race car platform - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By KJ - December 5 - 7:17 pm

  I bought this car in 1996 and only had to replace the water pump at 80,000 miles. Other things needed work but were accidents like road debris, etc. When the car reached 103,000 miles, it was still running strong with no problems other than wear and tear parts like brakes and the clutch. But, I tore it down and now it still looks the same, but makes BIG power.

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  helpful hints - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By a - December 5 - 7:11 pm

  really great performance vehicle. loved it at the first sight. the design is sleek and perfectly built. great car i think everyone should get it. very reliable.

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  Comfortable gas hog, poor transmission - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Lewis Allen - December 5 - 5:02 pm

  Sturdy construction, good paint, terrific ride, nice visiblity, very poor gas mileage - probably due to the overdrive transmission which tends to "lockup" at about 45mph. Itll stutter and sputter until it gets up to 55ish. Lousy sound system. This truck really cruises the interstates though and is comfortable to drive. Air conditioner is pooping out (freon leaking?).

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  My First Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Chris - December 5 - 12:00 am

  I love this car. My whole family is jealous. My mom, who drives a Porshe Boxter, is always asking if she can drive it. It has good horsepower. Fun to drive.

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  Dreams do come true - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rick - December 4 - 7:22 pm

  I found my Cobra in June, 2004 after she was a showroom princess for over a year. Not only is the 2003 supercharged Cobra all the reviews say they are, theyre off the scale in fun to drive. Ive added a Bassani exhaust system (headers/H-pipe w/catback, 4" tips), K&N air filter, 2.8" supercharger pulley and Xcalibrator chip and now pull a true 428 rwhp. Its hard to get this in any other vehicle comparitably priced, and yes, my friends, it is a Ford. This car garners as much attention as my Harley does, and its show quality. Nice job, Blue Oval.

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  user - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Everyday User - December 4 - 3:10 pm

  Excellent, reliable, great towing, a must is diesel, we get 17.3 avg. for a very heavy vehicle with 9200 GVW. Had GM, Expedition,and Excursion is the best. Good ride on long cross country trips, and more comfortable seats than our Navigator which Excur. replaced. This is our only vehicle & wife is 54"and has no troubles.