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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  My Dream Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Paula - January 27 - 1:50 am

  I really love this truck. It drives really nice and not too bad on gas. Its really great to move things and just to drive around town too.I did my homework on this truck before I bought it. The 2007 model is on the Explorer frame, instead of the Ranger frame and that makes a big difference.

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  Third Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Softie - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Three with no problems.Got 75000 out of the brake pads on #2 Ford has been building this truck for so long that it is bulletproof. Still not bad to look at and very reliable

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  pretty filly - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By agumby1 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Has looks. Its everything the Pissan Nissan Frontier wasnt. Doesnt tilt over onto bump-stops when going thru corners. Been having fun with it so far. Toreador red looks great. Been told its like Candy-apple red. Get the gascap on TIGHT.

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  My 2002 GT convertable - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By joetech - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had a great experience with this automobile. It has turned heads from day 1! Everybody comments on this car, especially the sleek look and its curb appeal. I have never had any major issues with this car. The drivers door window motor was replaced shortly after I purchased, other than that it has been no issues at all! This is a FORD product, it was built well.

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  Must be mechanically inclined - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By girlpower2004 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Ford Explorer brand new and it had at least 5 recalls. The most significant would be the tires. I had very serious engine problems and Ford had to replace my engine twice.

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  Mines A LEMON - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By No longer pleased - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Recieved the car as a gift and was thrilled, at first. The car began to leave me stranded...engine would not turn over. Local dealership service dept. has tried everything but can find no answer to the problem. Car has now been in the service dept. for 11 weeks and still no answer to the problem. I absolutely love the car, but I do not love being stranded waiting for a wrecker...NINE TIMES!

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  Great Minivan - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Gerry B - January 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1998 Windstar GL in early 1999 after being returned from a 1 year lease. I was impressed with the power, roominess, and gas mileage this minivan delivered (about 20-23 mpg). We had a couple of early service issues (replaced front "ball joints" and an early oxygen sensor failure), but otherwise the vehicle perfomed very well. We were sorry to lose this vehicle in a rear end collision, but are impressed enough with this Ford to consider replacing this with another Ford. This time with something smaller and with better gas mileage, with the recent sustained hike in gas prices.

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  joe`s review - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By jojoe - January 26 - 2:00 am

  the power(deisel),the mileage,the comfort and safety are top notch for a truck this size. and by the way it is a TRUCK not a suv.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By gillian - January 26 - 2:00 am

  people say the Excursion is a big gas guzzler try this 18city/25.3hwy per gal.

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  Downsized from Full-size 4WD SUV - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By vwcarcrazy - January 25 - 5:10 pm

  I currently have 3 Fords (Mustang, Taurus and new FS) and a Sebring. Traded my Tahoe to get better seating for 6-7, lower step-in height for my in-laws and better MPG. The CVT trans take a lot of getting used to. The seats are comfortable, but the interior fabric is poor (snags and stains easily). Interior design is modern and nicely done. Front middle vents do not shut off. Daytime running lights not offered. Nice all-around car for hauling the kids/grandkids, but need more power and a 6 speed auto transmission (like the Ford 500) - without giving up any gas mileage.