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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  Good Car, Questionable 5 Speed Transmiss - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By John_2 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this sport SUV for my daughter but learned to like it. Overall it has been reliable with some problems that others have noted: inside door handle broke off, gas gauge broke at 60K, air vents are shoddy, FM cassett died at 100K. Only big repair has been 5 speed tranmission- shifting 1-2 grinds!! Repaired but grinds again! Important to change trans fluid and use the RIGHT fluid. Stability better with big tires, no air bags scare me. OK for running chores but dont like using it on the freeway.

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  Ford Man - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By bviks - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Eddie Bauer version of this truck and I am more than pleased with the perfformance and the quality. The only negitive that I find with this car is the fuel economy.

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  RANGER REVIEW - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By RANGER OWNER - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is tough. The height to width ratio is such that roll is more pronounced that with wider vehicles. Torque curve is such that powering ahead is best in the 2000 to 2500 rpm range. The vehicle has good metal some of the newer vehicles of today leave something to be desired when it comes to skin thickness. The vehicle corners well. Its twin I-beam front suspension is such that outboard front wheel tuck is well mitigated because spring compression produces an opposing angle to wheel tuck. Its 4.0 uses no oil, and supplies ample power. Transmission is a manual 5-speed, which affords great versatility. Overall, I give the truck and 8.0.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ivette - August 17 - 12:56 am

  This car has definitely met my needs. Originally, I was looking for a car with a roomy enough interior (for our growing family), not too wide of a body (easy to park) and flexible enough to fit 7 adults comfortably. One of the most important things I wanted is that I did not want to feel as if I was driving a huge truck and I did not like the feel of minivans. I did my research and felt that this was the car for me. It has not had any mechanical problems so far and Ive owned it for 1 1/2 years. I like the smoothness of the CVT. Overall, I absolutely love my car!

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  The new truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Drjoe - August 17 - 12:36 am

  As my first pickup truck this one is great fun on and off road. It carries and tows anything I own. The interior is great. The exterior looks great. It even fits into my garage. The fuel economy is not good averaging 11.5mpg around town and about 15 mpg on the highway towing my boat. Overall I am pleased with my purchase.

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  Finally, a solid American car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Eric - August 16 - 11:26 am

  There is just nothing we dont like about the car. Comfort on trips is great. Plenty of power, unless you want a gas guzzler. Passing response is excellent, CVT is smooth and seamless.

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  Ford makes a great, durable truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Katie - August 16 - 9:26 am

  When I first went to the dealership, I was originally looking for a small car for my grandmother. I had gotten my license about a week earlier and had already put a down payment on a BMW, but when I saw the truck over on the other side of the lot I was thinking,” I bet I can drive one of those!" So we took it for a test drive and I was hooked ... the interior was beautifully designed, and it handled very well, I honestly was impressed, because I always thought of trucks as big, clunky hunks of work-type vehicles, but now I know otherwise.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By James A. Istwan - August 16 - 7:10 am

  This F-150 has performed well. Engine performance is crisp, the ride is nimble, and the driveability of the truck is impressive. The leather front seats are comfortable, and the interior lay out is convenient for drinks, cell phones, storage areas, etc.

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  Great car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By terrapin24h - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The focus is a great car with awesome handling, great steering feedback and(with the 2.3L engine) good performance even with an auto tranny. Its quite zippy, handles very well(mine has 16" wheels from the factory) and sips gas pretty good when not being abused. Round town I get about 27mpg and on the highway, i can get up to about 32mpg.

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  This was my baby - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By sheesha - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Taurus very slightly used in 1995, from a rental car agency. I was 19, and this car was awesome. Lots of power under the hood, all the nice power features, roomy for friends, and a nice size trunk. Its now 2004, Im 28, and ready for a change. This car has been extremely reliable, until this year. Before now, I never ran into any problems, and I got my moneys worth at $10,000, 9 years ago. This year Ive put at least $1200 in brakes, new radiator, and a battery. Not bad, since its only needed minor work a few times in the past. I think it would be a reliable used car for others, and could last quite a bit longer.