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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  americas pony car. - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By arfies - April 25 - 10:00 am

  nothing more fun to drive on a sunny afternoon or cruisin on a saturday night.midnight black,shiny like a quiet pond,what looks better?although the engineers missed the boat on the speed controlled volume control for the radio. the suspension has come a long way,better handling,great body styling, and affordable.

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  Adams Review - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By NMBR1ITALIANARM - April 25 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Mach one is hot. It turns heads everwhere I go. Its a blast to drive. i rate it a 9 out of ten. It loses a point because its one hell of a gass guzzler.

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  Doesnt get better - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BM - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Cool car, sporty, sleek driving machine that hugs the road that keeps me smiling and is has a very smooth and quiet ride.

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  The best SUV on the market - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kjfp - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about the Ford Expedition from funcionality to style to color choices. There is plenty of head and leg room. The power fold seats are a superb idea.

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  great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rick Knecht - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my SUV this pasted winter and handled well in all the snow we had.It really has great get up and go!!

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ca_giraffe - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my red Escape from Barber Ford in Ventura, CA. It is the XLT, Popular 2, 2WD. It also has a sunroof and sidestep bars. I had rented an Escape prior to purchasing my own, and found the car to be affordable, fun, and practical. I have driven my Escape 12K miles in the past three months, and it has performed well. I am 6 1", and appreciate the power drivers seat. I have not had any problems with my car, and would recommend it to others.

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  Good car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sad2lose_one - April 25 - 10:00 am

  No matter what is said and believed about Ford cars, Focus is a very good car. Fun to drive. In the city or over long distances. Music system and handling are great. Performance is quite satisfactory (ours had a ZETEC engine). Trunk space is appreciable. We got hit by two recalls which were taken care of without much hassle. Other than that, we had a leak in the power steering system once. Thats it. No reason to hesitate to own one (especially if extended warranty is available). Sad to lose ours in an accident.

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  No Problems At All - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Amazo - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Have owned this since it first came out. Have camped, hauled, went out on the town with it. Always gets stares from people and many questions. 3-5K miles between regular oil changes and normal rotations and mtce. Good brake wear, good tire wear, no squeaks, noises or rattles. 4WD works in snow and mud very well.

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  NOISEY!!!!!!! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Elmar - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Deafening wind noise. NO turning radius. NOISEY Suspension. Poor Excelleration BUY a truck if you want a truck. Buy an SUV if you want an SUV. POOR DESIGN all over!!!!!!!

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  Nice Looking But Weak Performance - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By The Gadget Man - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The SUV/truck looks good and drives ok when going straight...but try to turn and it wobbles like a duck. If youre into something different than the ordinary...this is the vehicle for you...its not too big and not too small...the Big Bad Wolf would be confused with a vehicle like this.