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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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By osdjfijsdjluhghsdljk - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I loved the car

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  Mileage fix a lie - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By dnoel71 - November 18 - 12:05 am

  Last weekend I went and got the "update" regarding my Fusion Hybrid SE that was supposedly to help get better gas mileage as I drive almost 80 miles a day for work. Unfortunately it appears that instead of my mileage going up it is now going down!! I used to get anywhere from 37-41 now for the past 4 days of driving to work I have yet to even reach 37?? If someone else has gotten the update could you please let me know if the same thing is happening to you before I call and complain to Ford over this. I purchased this car specifically for the mileage promise that is a solid 10+ miles less mpg than promised.

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  Limited Slip Differential Problems - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Never Buy a New Ford - November 17 - 12:50 pm

  Ford just rebuilt the 373 differential. Loud whine existed. Supplier was back ordered so must be a problem. Fords lack of interest in helping to get this taken care of tells me that Im done buying new Fords. (This is my 60th Vehicle! - not all Fords) Seating position is excellent but seats are rock hard making it difficult to go more than a few hundred miles at any one time without stopping to stretch your legs. Friends with the Lariat have had leather on seats replaced numerous times due to discoloration. Also having problems with sunroof system. Think twice before buying a new Ford Pickup!

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  Fun to Drive! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By ddayfxst - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The truck has had no quality issues. The steering feel is good. The suspension feel is like the Lightning. Very pleased with my purchase.

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  The Ranch - 2002 Ford F-150
  By tunnelman33 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  problems with differental leaking

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  dont you just luvit !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jeff hiddleson - November 17 - 2:00 am

  from the styling on the outside to the comfortable seating inside whether it be leather or cloth seating this ford supercrew truck is just about everything a person could want or need.

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  FRONTEND PROBLEMS - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TOM FRANKFURTH - November 17 - 2:00 am

  AT 45000 MILES MY TRUCK NEEDED BRAKES. AT 60000 MILES BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND AT 71000 WHEEL BEARINGS ARE SHOT.

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  Bad Ass Machine - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By TopRacer - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best to drive. You mash the throttle at any RPM and the car just launches you forward and you GO! The comfort and ergonomics of the interior seats are great. I wish they were a little further back, but hey. The rush you will recieve when you drive this car is unbelievable. I would recommend this car to anyone that doesnt mind the 15mpg but loves the 390hp and 390ft/lbs of torque on tap. The car is easily modified also. There are owners out there as of Jan 03 that are pushing 500+hp from the stock motor. The car was made to handle the power and it sure does.

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  The Fabulous 3.8L - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mustange14 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The over all performance of the 3.8L V6 is very exceptional, take offs are quick and I found to be just as enjoyable to drive as the 4.6L V8. The new Pony Package adds extra interest to the exterior of the car and gets quite a few long stares from fellow motorists.

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  buy a foreign vehicle. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By zsdfhjkkll - November 17 - 2:00 am

  put in new transmission at 58k. new front ball joints and my driver seat is now in need of repair. my first and last Ford