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:

• 

  Great all around! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Sonicblue03 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been wonderful! I love the looks that i get and the raw performance that it posses!!!!

• 

  F150 Supercrew - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Misty_2003 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my SuperCrew!

• 

  Not for the light of foot - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Gizzard - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome truck. It was not what I originally was looking for ,but after a test drive- I was under her spell. The power at the tip of your toes is menacing. The handling is as good as a vette and so is the excelleration. Just ask the one that I passed. The SVT division at Ford has put all the other dealers on notice. Put up or shut up!! SVT has put up and in big way. And by the looks of the concept lightning they only have to compete with themselves.

• 

  Sweet Ride - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By G Sullins - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Thunderbird is a sweet ride. I really enjoy the "select-a-shift" functionality. Of course, the 2 tops are just great. The car gives a luxury ride with a sporty feel. Ive added a roadster tonneau cover adding fender skirts and a continential kit. This car is a head turner -- and for me it is a great toy!!!

• 

  wasted money - 1998 Ford Contour
  By ohwell - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems. Nothing but money on top of money. If you are going to buy this car second-hand you have about a 25% chance of getting one thats good. $3500 in 2 yrs and in need another $1200 more. 2 alternators, rack and pinion, etc. I dumped mine. I wouldnt even sell it to another human being.

• 

  best $2500.00 spent! - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By pito - July 31 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck, and thats hard for me to say. toyota man myself for years. purchase at auction,about a year ago.

• 

  So far, so good. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By cowpie - July 31 - 2:00 am

  15k so far and only a couple of minor problems. Has great acceleration for a v6 and we get 22-24 mpg. Wife loves the heated seats, backup beeper and the moonroof. Enough room in the back for the kids.

• 

  Great all around car - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Quik - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Its very fast and you can beat almost anybody off the line with its V6. The seats are extremely comfortable and the five speed manual transmission is tight and very responsive. Buy one if you get the chance.

• 

  Maybe we just didnt get lucky - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Sean Pitt - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I like the car as far as the interior goes, but we have had many mechanical problems. The main thing we replaced was the transmission. Even now, there is a delay when we change gears from park and nearly every time the car shifts, a thud comes from underneath the car. There is short in the switch for washer fluid. The automatic A/C doesnt work very well (your either cold or warm, not much of a middle). When idiling, the car will sometimes shake and shut off. Lots of squeaks and rattles. The ride is also very bumpy. Carfax says there is nothing fishy with its history, and we had it checked by a Ford dealership mechanic before we bought it. What happened?

• 

  I just saw a Ford Explorer rollover! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rollover King - July 31 - 2:00 am

  SUVs are great cars and Fords a good choice. I like the tall driving stance and I like the styling. But rollover propensity and higher insurance costs are the price of driving a high gas consumption vehicle.