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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  Disappointed - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Big White - November 5 - 5:41 pm

  Im very disappointed. I Have 13000 miles and had to have my transmission replaced. Ford would not replace with a new one so on a 1yr old car I now have a rebuilt transmission. The service I received from the dealership was the worst experiance Ive ever had. This is the second time Ive had it in for stalling reasons. I will never buy another Ford car. I DO NOT feel confident driving this SUV.

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  We Like It !! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Clarke George - November 5 - 4:48 pm

  With 1,233 miles on it, we left for a 3700 + mile trip from Whidbey Island, WA through OR, NV, AZ,CA and return. Ave. 24+ mpg. Turned heads everywhere. Beamer & Lexus drivers give it a 2nd look. Lots of comments. Fun to drive - good acceleration, stiff suspension & tight steering. Corners flat and hugs the road. Quiet inside w/very little road noise. Came over Donner Pass, westbound on I 80 in a snowstorm, early NOV 04. Sipped tires by Les Schwab - never slipped or broke loose. We pack the trunk like a suitcase - use small overnight bags in & out of the motels. We like it more every time we drive it.

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  LOVE MY NEW AUTO - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By J Tudor - November 5 - 4:33 pm

  I like everything about the auto. It is the first new car Ive ever owned. When I took my test drive it was like a good fitting coat. It felt good.

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  260,000+ Miles - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By ATVer1992 - November 5 - 3:17 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2001 with 204,000 miles on it. It was a Southern truck in great shape. Now I have over 260,000 miles on it and its still running and looking great. As far as I can tell, it still has all original components. I did have to rebuild the rear axle (bearings, seals, ring and pinion, and I threw in a Positrac). If you maintain it right, it will run forever. This truck will take whatever you throw at it. These trucks are a rare find, so get yours and keep it like new.

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  Love it - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By zolman - November 5 - 6:26 am

  It was the only truck that would fit into my garage, have the capacity to tow my trailers, fit 5 people and have all the interior refinements I wanted. I get between 22-24 MPG highway driving so thats better then what it is rated at.

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  (2002) sport trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ashstone - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, best in price range. Multi-use, love the backseat room and the plastic covered bed. Looks great, runs great and fun to drive. Some minor paint defects (primer flakes under clear coat)that needed fixing so check closely when you purchase. Comfy seats, and ride, absolutely love it! Fun truck and useful for the long term buyer. Will keep this truck for yeeeaars!!

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  What a blast - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Gerry L - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive waited a while to get this truck and it was worth the wait. Easily the most fun vehicle to drive. To have a truck and a sports car what more can you ask?

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  dont buy one - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By two4x4s - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Transmisson is awful, makes loud noise when you put it in gear and will roll a foot after you put it in gear and ford says it is fine. would be a great van but not worth the risk

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  Nice Car...fun to drive! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kondich - November 5 - 2:00 am

  So far I have only put 1,000 miles on this car in a little less than a month. I have been very happy with this car having previously owned a 2000 Ford Contour. This Focus ZX5 is getting better to drive each day as the engine continues to break in. I would also like to add that this car handles very well.

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  Relibility Problems with Ford. - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Michael Cazeres - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for a little over 2 years, with 22,000 miles on it. My local dealership recently had to replace the transmission, a very expensive propositon if it wasnt under warranty. Other problems: air conditioner rattles, problems with the fuel gauge, accelerator pedal, noises from loose fitting parts. Ford also said they would not cover a rental car while they fixed this problem, even though it is under warranty. Not a good idea to bring repeat business! Anything amazing to say? Yes, I got a good deal on it, but other than that, I would buy a Japanese vechile next time.