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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  Talk of the Town - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By DPB - October 22 - 3:40 am

  True Mustang fans can tell anyone, hey if your not a mustang fan keep your comments to yourself. Since I purchased my Shelby most people always ask "is it fast"? My first response is to say no, a 1976 Pinto could trash this junker. So I give in and say ya 500 hp can make anyone grin. People always want to compare cars. If you like Vettes buy a Vette, if you like Vipers buy a vVper, etc. All cars are different in shape size hp, torque, etc. Thats why living in America is so rewarding. An average Joe like me can build his credit up and buy what ever he wants with in reason. Point to my story, Shelby Gt 500 holds true for being first once again, so here comes Dodge and Chevy trying to out do Ford.

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  My Favorite car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By big scott - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Most dependable car I have ever owned. Still has original spark plugs in it and still gets 33 mpg!

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  truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By trey cope - October 22 - 2:00 am

  best truck for the $

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  WARNING! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By TNTStang - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Not pleased, 50000kms and have had 2 blown trannys, 1 front end suspension, 1 computer module, rusted step bars, 2 passenger balljoints, And I pamper the thing, no off roading, and I drive like a granny. Never another Explorer. Also a clunk from the rear that the dealer cant fix, apparently it is normal, it is not, I have driven others with no clunk.

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  nothing to write home about - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By rokko - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is ok, had problems with the tape cassette early on and the engine light went on too. The brakes seem to be too low. The buttons for the A/C, rear defroster etc, are too small and the green lights you cannot see when the sun shining in the vehicle. The front doors do not shut all the time.

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  LOTS OF FUN - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dick7622 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  the 04 focus is,without a dought, the most enjoyable ford compact Iv ever driven [& Iv had a lot of them]! I rented one out west and found it to handle super on flat desert as well as through the high country. I literly fell in love with the car. I was very pleased with the price and the rebaits. Iv grown even fonder of my focus since Iv been driving it on a regeular baseis.

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  My Dream SUV - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Mom Of 4 CA - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Im a mother of 4 small children. I have an expedition also but it just is not big enough for traveling with our two dogs. The Excursion fits all of us plus grandma and the dogs in the very back and bags in Thule box the roof. Lots Of Room for Everyone. YA! YA!

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  97 Ford Taurus trash! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By ArthurR - October 21 - 2:00 am

  LOOKS ARE DECEIVING! FREEMONT FORD VERY DISHONEST! Have not bought a Ford since! Nice car, BUT transmission goes out at 40K as per transmissions shops used to say it was the #1 car in for a new transmission. Brakes notorious for going out at the same time as well as a # of other expensive mechanical problems. Dealership was very irresponsible and tried to always shrug off warranty responsibilities as well as recall which cost me a 30 day rental car. Stabilizer bars bent and dealer said they would cover it under warranty if their was no sign of them hitting any object. When they realized no sign of them being hit by an accident etc.. they then refused to cover it. I bet FORD is now begging.

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  A Great Compact Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By 4x4RangerGuy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great! 3.0L V6 is incredibly reliable, and powerful enough for all basic tasks. Off Road package really helps when four wheeling. Front grille looks tough, just like a Ford should be. Rear hops around a little bit, could use a little more weight. 4x4 works seamlessly, but is overcomplicated, expensive to repair, and not incredibly strong. Auto tranny is alright, could be beefed up a little, but it keeps the engine in the right RPM range. Mileage is great with the 3.0, and it is an incredibly reliable little engine. Overall, Great truck!!!

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  Great SUV, Hybrid or Not - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Phillip B - October 20 - 6:13 pm

  I have had my Ford Escape Hybrid for about 6 months now and have driven it in all conditions - plus a coupe of trips - one from Atlanta to NYC and back. Got great gas mileage and the Nav system worked without a hitch (we affectionately call our Nav system Dora). Just keep the cruise on 55 for the best freeway driving and change your driving habits to get stay on electric power as much as possible in intown traffic.