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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  A cheap rack for the removable top. - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Vahan Ishkhanian - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car... beatifull styling. Most dealer personnel are very little help, as they collectively know very little about this car. The rack for the removable hard top is a joke. I have gone through two. One the dealer could not make it work the second would not work for me. I have had the car almost half a year and have not removed the top due to this problem.

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  I LOVE IT!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By blhjr - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had a smile on my face every day since pulling out of the dealership. Ive owned a lot of vehicles in my time and this is amongst the best.

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  Fordz Awesome - 1990 Ford F-150
  By HurleyXP - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck in sept of last year. I love this truck she had 120,000 miles on her when i bought her and ive put about 30,000 on her. She can climb mountains and she can offroad. I have had so much fun in her. She is also one of the most reliable trucks that I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the alternator in the time that I have had her. She starts every morning and takes me to work. I love my ford!!!

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ron - August 18 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this truck overstock in January. Needed Yellow for my business. This is a loaded 4X4 in shocking yellow and I think its great. Bug shield and step bars really set it off. Engine could be stronger but the weight due to extra size makes it worth it. I do feel and hear a not so subtle drive line rumble at about 62 mph. Other than this it is a very smooth and comfortable truck with a capital T.

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  One Bad Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By blucobra03 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I read all the stories about this car before actually driving it and I have to say they cant come close to the exhilaration felt when accelerating. Ive owned everything from a 70 Boss Mustang to Chevelle SS and Trans Am, but this car is just plain muscle. When thrown in with the creature comforts of A/C, Mach Stereo and CD player, its just as much fun as anyone could hope for. Ive even owned a 2001 Z06. It was a nice car as well, but its a different feeling when you get behind the wheel of the Cobra. SVT finally got it right folks. I applaud their efforts.

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  zx3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kenny s - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car alot. Its fun to drive and handles really well since I had it only 6 weeks. I would definetly recommend this car for somebody who wants to spend between 14 and 15 thousands for a compact car.

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  Reliable car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By CVF - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a 99 Taurus Se and I am very pleased with it so far. Very roomy and comfortable.

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  Ford Tuff - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Metro - August 18 - 10:00 am

  First new truck I have ever owned. I have to say I am very happy with it. The seats could be better, with more lumbar support, the turn signal needs adjusting. The gas mileage is as stated on the sticker at 16-19 mpg. No rattles or squeaks. Very quiet with plenty of power. I live in the Sierra foothills and drives beautiful on the road, highway or on off-road,and pulls my yard trailer, loaded nicely. I have the 3.0, automatic with 4.10 limited slip. I paid 17,300. Plan on having it for many care free years. Its very tight all around. I appericate how far the industry has come.

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  First On Race Day (FORD) - 1991 Ford F-350
  By Ben French - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best truck! The 7.5L V8 is very powerful (for a gas engine) and very reliable. the truck can easily take a beating and tows our 29 foot Nomad fifth-wheel travel trailer with ease. The Trucks vinyl seating is very tough but is somewhat uncomfortable. The truck is a F-350 SRW Crew Cab Truck, one that I would suggest to any one.

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  STAY AWAY - 2015 Ford Focus
  By annoyed focus owner - August 17 - 11:19 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year and I have hated every single day with it. The car looks nice and has some nice features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel, back up camera and parking sensors, but the way it drives is absolutely terrible. This car does not drive like a normal car should. It is very very hesitant when you need to get up and go. Starting off it shutters like its about to stall. At first it was ok but it gets very annoying after a while and at this point I am looking at every option to get rid of this car. It also has a cheap build quality. I have had to had my rear passenger door adjusted because it was falling of the hinges. My drivers seat always comes loose and moves around while I am driving. Mind you this car is not even a year old. I have had to replace bulbs multiple times as well. I would HIGHLY recommend staying away from buying/leasing this car. There are so many other options and better cars for the money than this terrible car.