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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  Awesome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JonnyBoy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is far most the best truck i have ever owned or bought...its got everything a truck should have!

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  tk - 2004 Ford F-150
  By TSK - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the new f 150!

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  more "premium" than expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By pooldude - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive just leased an "02 Explorer (XLT, V8, leather, moonroof, 3rd row, Sport pkg.), and left the dealer less than thrilled. I was disappointed at not being able to lease a more premium suv in my business, and I settled for good old Ford. Some 200 miles later, I find myself grinning alot, driving as much as possible, and wondering "WHAT WAS I THINKING???". My new sled amounts to nothing less than a combination of performance car, tow vehicle, mini van, trail runner, and stylin cruiser. Everyone admires and respects her. I think Im falling in love.

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  Westmont review - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Robert Westmont - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Other than the squeeks and rattles with the interior plastic panels, the truck is awesome. The AWD is remarkable in the snow and ice (We live in boston). The ride is somewhat harsh as we changed out the "26lb" Firestone tires immediately after buying the vehicle and replaced them with Goodyear Wilderness - obviously a good call. Anyway, the truck looks and runs great - recommend to anyone.

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  Ford Rules - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DC02 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus is not your everday Ford. People always try to say that Fords are bad cars and make up lies because Ford has a lot of recalls, but every other car maker has them also. You just never hear about them, and people dont make a big deal about them. But anyway, the Focus is awesome. The hadeling is great, the ride is smooth, and the style is totally diffrent than any other car out there, and that is what appeals to me. You wont be dissapointed if you buy one, just go take one for a spin!

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  Windstar Limited - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By rrboy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 101,000 miles on my Windstar Limited and have really enjoyed it. It has all the bells and whistles that luxury cars have and enough leather to wrap them in. It has a powerful engine that has served me well - even on last minute runs from Mass to Fla and back.

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  AWESOME! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Lauri - January 17 - 5:20 am

  I have been waiting for this moment ALL MY LIFE. The new design is better than I thought it would be and the power and feel is SO sweet! It is truly the talk of the town. The Mustang will ALWAYS be a classic and I think people will be talking about this model for years to come. The back seats have ample room for adults and are surprisingly comfortable. The sound system is not the best, but can be personally upgraded to suit.

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  I love my Ford Excort!! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Dottie J. - January 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a dependable little car - easy to handle and gets good gas mileage. I have owned three of these cares in a row now, and I have found all of them to be very dependable. Routine maintenance charges are the only costs I have ever encountered in any of them.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!!! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By onehellofacutie - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I Got this Car as a Replacement to another thinking that Sence I got Sure a Great deal oin it I would keep it untill I found something that would be Better. But now I Would never Give it up. I love it way too Much !!!!

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  never stranded again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rebnab - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used at a reputable used car dealership with 30,000 miles on it. After 15 months of ownership I switched back to Chevrolet. The transmission blew at 32,000, major engine problems at 33,000, rack and pinion went out and needed replacing at 36,000, the engine just malfunctioned again and was down another 5 days. I soon as I got it back I traded it in. I usually sell my cars myself and get a decent price out of them, however with this one I could not honestly sell it to anyone. This is the first used car Ive bought from a dealership and bought the extended warranty which saved my bacon.