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:

• 

  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By shook - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my new explorer. I used to drive an import (Isuzu Rodeo) and I have to say that I am very impressed and pleased with the way my Explorer handles. It has terrific pick up on the freeways, a must in a big city. I love the roominess, the comfort and the way its just so much fun to drive. I absolutely love it!!!

• 

  Owner of both Escape and Tribute - 2004 Ford Escape
  By berwanger1 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Like the title says, I own both the Escape and Tribute, and must admit, both are terrific vehicles. I dont normally like SUVs at all, but these twins ride like cars, have very comfortable interiors (though there is too much reliance on hard plastic pieces), and plenty of power from the V6. The engines quiet, wind and road noise low, and the cars are great on trips. I can drive them for hours without tiring. Other than the bargain basement interior, I dont have any complaints.

• 

  my ford escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By loretta - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i love my FORD ESCAPE...my screenname tells you that...very comfortable ride on the highyway..ease to handle...

• 

  SAFETY - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DENNIS - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I WAS INVOLVEDIN A HEAD=ON COLLISION WITH A TRUCH DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDEOFTHE HIGHWAY. MY 2004 CROWN VIC WAS TOTALED AND KNOCKED SOMETHIRTY FEET FOLLOWING THE HEAD-ON IMPACT AND I WAS SLIGHTLY SHAKEN, BUT OTHERWISE UNHURT.

• 

  One for the road - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By saftey - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The van has exception safety feature and i have frist hand expirecne. I was amazed at how well it protected my family.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By toy-boy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car good gas mileage nice ride great stereo

• 

  I LOVE MY STANG! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By LACYE318 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just recently bought an 04 mustang 40th anniversary edition and I love it! I have always been a honda owner so this is my first sports car. I would recommend these wheels for anyone looking for a fun car to drive!!!

• 

  Few more extras - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Larry Murchison - January 13 - 3:40 am

  The 2006 Harley Davidson is a very good vehicle and wonderful to drive. However after driving it for two weeks I find that Ford left out a few items. No light in hood or locking glovebox. And it could use a few more horsepower.

• 

  Delayed Reaction - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By SeanD - January 13 - 2:00 am

  First new car...thought it was amazingly fast and handled superbly. Then I got dusted by nearly every other new car on the road. A bigger motor would tear this cheaply made car apart if the wheels could ever get a grip on the pavement. My tires deflate on their own. My paint is fading. Everytime I bring the car in for maintenance, it comes out stained or sloppily re-assembled. Seatbelt rollers broken, controls for power driver seat popping out, no air flows to passenger side vents. Car shakes at 70 mps - ford wont fix bec. mechanics wont drive that fast to find problem.

• 

  engine noise - 1999 Ford F-150
  By machinerep - January 13 - 2:00 am

  My 99 f150 had about 85,000 mile on it and the engine started making noise when I start the truck up when it has been sitting for awhile the engine makes a rattling noise the noise sounds like a rod knock I change the oil every 3 thousand miles. I am not happy with the engine quality I had a chevy blazer I put 240, miles on it plus plowed with it for three years and the engine was still quiet. This pickup is not used for heavy towing I use it back and forth for work and tow a little trailer. I do believe my next truck will be a chevy it has 100, on it right now I am hoping nothing happens I have to let the truck sit and warm up before driving.