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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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By silvers - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Ranger XLT w/4.0 V6 for about 7 months. No mechanical or appearance problems. Truck is really fun to drive, comfortable, runs quiet for a truck and is very smooth. Have used it for just pleasure, hauling yard debris, furniture....greater performer for each use.

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  Best car we have ever owned. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By The Bunchs - February 20 - 12:46 am

  Our first experience was a trip to Houston, got a rental car,a brand new 2005 Ford 500 which we have never heard of. We drove it over 400 miles in a few days and was very excited about the smoothest of ride and the space we had (a daughter-in-law and her two kids, my wife and I) all fit extremely well in this car. First time we have had that since one of my old 60s or 70s cars. We owned a 2002 Taurus SEL at the time. After we got home and had about a month to think about it, we decided we just had to have that car, so we went to see our friend at the dealership to make us a deal. We wanted exactly the same care we had rented. Extremely pleased.

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  I LOVE MY FORD EXPLORER - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dncdnc1 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! I got the V-8 and still get good gas mileage (around 18 before my upgrades) it is powerful and fast. The layout is very nice on the inside and the upgraded sound system is great with its built in subwoofer. The exterior is awesome looking and I feel safe too (I got in a freeway accident with my old one, well i am typing arent I?). I added a K&N filter charger and a flowmaster so my mileage is over 20 mpg now too. And it is faster too. Also it performs very well off road, and yes i take it off road unlike soccer moms. Only compliant the seats SUCK! Long trips are a pain, literally. But I still recommend this truck.

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  ES SPORT TRAC - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Espie Cisneros - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY SPORT TRAC VERY FUN TO DRIVE I AM BUYING THIS VEHICLE MY FIRST PURHCHASE. I LEASED MY OTHER TWO TRUCKS I GET ALOT OF LUCKS WHILE IM DRIVING MY SPROT TRAC. I LOVE THE COLOR AND THE TENT ON THE TRAC

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  Exceptional Small Car Value - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jay Hartfield - February 19 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Focus ZX4 ST model is an exceptional small car. Fun to drive, powerful 2.3 liter four, tight 5-speed shifter, and great handling with sport suspension and 16" low profile Pirelli tires. Only option on mine is side curtain air bags. Comes well-equipped with 4 wheel disk ABS, good base sound system w/6 disk in-dash CD changer, cruise control, keyless entry, etc.

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  Wish I had a DIESEL - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Wish I had a DIESEL - February 19 - 3:26 am

  Overall the truck isnt too bad. Its got decent power and good exterior looks. The interior feels somewhat cheap and excessively plastic. The carbon fiber, aluminum look does little for its styling. The seats leave a lot to be desired for comforts sake. Its got plenty of interior room though. Better than the Ram (for baby seats). The bed is way too small. Would have got an F-250 Powerstroke but got bullied into this by my wife (primary driver while Im away).

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  first truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Randy Hummel - February 19 - 2:00 am

  First truck Ive owned, so far, so goos. It is the work truck package.

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  2000 Ford F-150 XLT Ext. Cab - 2WD - 2000 Ford F-150
  By bobj824 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Power door locks failed at 37,000 miles, dealer would not do anything about this (I have since discovered that this is a very common problem). Seat belts are uncomfortable and difficult to use! Seats provide good support, but fabric is uncomfortable. Center armrest is very uncomfortable. Ride and noise is not nearly as good as my sons 2000 Dodge Ram!

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  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By gburritt - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is an okay car to purchase. The price makes it an attractive buy. However, weve had a Chevy Venture and notice that the leg room is much less in the Windstar than the Venture. Good pickup. Avg. MPG = city--> 14 Highway 18.

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  It Sucks - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By pilotgirl21 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Problems, problems, problems...had the transmission replaced right when the car was purchased used around 60,000 miles and same problem has come up again at 123,000 miles. Tie rods have been replaced many many times. Engine races in idle. Wont start when its cold outside. Takes 3 or 4 times to start the car on a regular day. Dont purchace!!!