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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  Im luvin it - 2006 Ford F-150
  By flareside - November 16 - 8:40 am

  The truck looks fantastic. I have gotten so many comments on the looks it isnt even funny. Everybody loves the looks of the truck. It drives so smooth and it is a blast to drive. I cant keep my wife from driving it everywhere. She just loves the truck and it is easy for her to handle. It rides smooth even on rough surfaces. I have the black with the chrome package flare side. Its great and Im Luvin It!

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  best car ever - 2005 Ford GT
  By roygardo - November 15 - 5:37 pm

  when i first heard this car was coming out, i almost jumped through the roof! Ive read about the GT40 since I could read and now its finaly here. I think everybody should drive this car at least once.

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  Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Bud - November 15 - 2:23 pm

  My wife love to drive the Freestyle, she like everything about it. She drove a Freestar for 5 years SEL over 150,000. What I have a problem is the seat. I thought should be a little better. The passenger seat should be like the drivers seat. Also Im 6 foot and with the seat back theres not much room for a man behind me. Also gas mpg is not what I expected.

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  2nd van in 5 months - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Bob Folger - November 15 - 12:03 pm

  I have three young kids and rely heavily on the automatic doors and the seating for my kids to be able to get in and out of. The first two months of ownership we had repeated automatic door issues! It would open on its own, or not close when the button was pushed etc... The electronics on this vehicle I beleive are poor! The couple of months our van was in the shop more than at our house. Finally Ford broke down and gave us another van! I am writing this review because the problem just started again on the other psgr. door. We are on our way in to get a loaner. I am very surprised to see the high reviews of others but encouraged that maybe the two lemons that I got are just a fluke.

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  Trucking with style - 2010 Ford F-150
  By C. Harper - November 15 - 8:18 am

  Good year for the F150 last year of the reliable and dependable 5.4 liter V8. Repairs have been limited to mostly routine maintenance. No concerns but was always serviced by Ford dealer. Mileage is poor at about 15 in town and 18-19 on road if kept below 75 mph, Interstate speed limit in most of the state. Very good truck, towes great.

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  Cobra convertible - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BStrong - November 15 - 3:19 am

  The Cobra is IT for domestic production sports cars. Corvette? I dont think so. Certainly not when you compare price to performance. BUT, it is what it is. That is, a Mustang in seriously enhanced clothing. It buzzes and rattles and could be better refined inside. BUT, drop the top and point it to the open road, and interior annoyances dont seem to matter as much.

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  06 Explorer a dissapointment - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jock W - November 14 - 7:40 pm

  Ford missed the mark on their redesign. The Explorer acts like the V6 is unable to get it moving without putting the peddle to the floor and it still only get @ 13 mpg. The new second row seating will not let MOST child booster seats be installed correctly. I only found three and none of them were seats I would have chosen. There is no room in the drivers area to put anything. The put a little area for cell phone or whatever all the way on the on top of the dash but it is too small and too hard to use. I would not buy it again!

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  reveiw - 2005 Ford GT
  By Grinbaum - November 14 - 5:56 pm

  it is the tightest loooking car i have ever seen

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  The best car I ever drove - 2005 Ford GT
  By JDuarte - November 14 - 4:15 pm

  the car proves that ford is and has allways been the best. .

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  200 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 1FordMan - November 14 - 3:54 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife in the fall of 2002.I have replaced the tires, brakes and oil. I have not experienced any problems at all with this vehicle.