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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  best small truck-that ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By jbc - January 17 - 2:00 am

  no problems so far,,four wheel drive controls..are easy to use....lots of power...runs great,,,ride is not bad...but it is bumpie on rough roads..poor gas mileage so far using 87 octane...

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  Well, its an SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By schmitty17 - January 16 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Explorer In June of 2006 with 71,000 miles on it. And now it has 120,000 miles on and it is Sept 2007. I have used and abused this car way beyond what any car should go through. And I have to say it has stood up pretty well, I have taken it on many many road trips. And it has only left my stranded on the side of the road twice, once dude to a dead battery and was in the middle of the Arizona desert and that almost killed but im still alive! And the second time was due to the transmission going out. Ive had spent about 4 thousand on repars and up keep, but thats not bad compared to some of the explorer horrior stories. and the other major repair done was the 4WD had 2 all replaced

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  Great Harley - 2003 Ford F-150
  By LBR - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Harley for 11 months and love it. My wife likes it more than I. Great comfort and power. Im 62 years old and I have never had as many eyes checking out a vehicle as this one gets. We have owned four c-5 corvettes and only my wifes(yellow) vette gets more attention.

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  My Review - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JennalynsMama - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehichle. Weve taken 3 long trips with it and been very comfortable each time.

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  Ultimate Sleeper - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By 97tbirdman - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I few modifactions really wake up this car, its a great sleeper. It handles quite well fo its size I woulfd reccomend 17 or 18 wheels, they help a lot. The V8 is very strong and I can really burnout with this car.

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  one awoesome car - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By Freebird - January 16 - 2:00 am

  When I found my t-bird, it was owned by an ironworker who did not know what he had. It was a 1991 thunderbird sport, and he sold it to me for 1,200 dollars in cash. I bought it when I was 16 and have never had any problems with it. The gas economy is a bit poor, but that is due to a H.O. 302 stuffed under the hood from ford. I am very pleased with every feature of this car, expecially the horsepower and acceleration! If you ever have the chance to buy a t-bird, DO IT!!!!

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  The T-Bird is great! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By The man - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since 1995. I have found it to be an excellent car. I now have over 160,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Ive never had any trouble with it. I would love to have another one when this one is gone.

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  Please with Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Solomons-Isle - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with car. Bought it nes off the lot. Car has been very realiable and is fun to drive.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David B - January 16 - 12:40 am

  This is my first truck in 20 years. I moved from an SUV. The ride is excellent and feels more like a car than truck. But I have had a ton of cargo in the back and it doesnt even act like its there. Real impressed with quality and finish of truck. I see why Ford is #1.

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  Totally New Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ken - January 15 - 11:23 pm

  Plenty of towing power. Good gas mileage for a truck (17.5 highway). Lots of room and very quiet and comfortable.