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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  2005 Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Gene Colaianni - December 14 - 3:10 pm

  A vehicle that has it almost all together. I really like it over all.

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  Dependable - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MB - December 14 - 6:56 am

  Its a big car in a small car body. The inside is roomy and comfortable. It handles the roads nicely, has great pick-up and doesnt drive like a typical 4 cylinder. Plows through the snow just as good as a SUV without the low gas mileage. Its a great bang for the buck car; I bought a loaded Focus for $18,000.

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  Bad Year for Taurus - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By BeltwayBurnout - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it. At first it was a pleasure to drive. The first two years I put 250 miles a day driving to and from work. Not long after I bought it I was replacing parts. A new radiator. A new air conditioning compressor. A new muffler. And brakes -- never could get them fixed properly. Electrical problems left and right. Several wheel boots that froze with winter ice and snow -- that was a bummer. I understand that this was a very bad year to buy a Taurus.

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  Faithful Festiva - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By j fox - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Festiva new (26 miles) in 1993 as a car to run around town and to go back and forth to work. It has never failed me not even once. I have replaced the tires 3 times,the right rear wheel bearing once, and replaced the battery and that is it.It has an oil leak around the head gasket but there is no shame in that with 126k.I put a new muffler on too. It has got me through blizzards and over deer and it looks as good as it did when it was new. I change oil every 3k,wash it every week,wax it ever 3 months. I hate to get rid of her but I need a 4x4 pick-up now. It is the best car I have ever owned.I plan on selling it to my friend that I car pool to work with.

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  T-bird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ron15003 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car this past summer as a work/school car and i havent had a bit of trouble with it since. When i bought it, it had around 69,000 miles and currently has a little over 73,000. It is probably the most comfortable car ive ever driven or road in. Its nice and roomy, and i like the 3.8L engine. Its a pretty nice car for me, concidering im only 17. On occasion it does lack power though.

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  her car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ratterbery - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice sports sedan

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  great vehicle - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By al mazzarelli - December 13 - 10:00 am

  this is the best truck i ever owned. 2nd ford ranger i have had.

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  Makes you want to drive! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Traxx - December 13 - 10:00 am

  WOW what an awesome car!And what you get for the Price,Can beat it!! Makes driving fun again. The sunroof is a must have to complete the hole Package! Wow and the 6 Pack CD player Good call Ford!

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  The King Ranch, not just for Texas - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jersey D - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I really bought the truck because I loved the King Ranch interior. It is very comfortable, rides well and is really nice on the open road. I wasnt sure I would like the smaller V-8, but it is more than enough for the weekend driving I do. We have had a severe winter with a lot of smow and the 4 WD came in very handy.

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  Best truck I have driven - in several - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Fred jones - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride, also good handling,and quieter ride than Ive ever experienced in a pickup truck.