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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  Youve got to love this car! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By EthansDad - October 25 - 12:53 pm

  The Mustang GT is a great car at a great price. It looks and SOUNDS great. Although the interior is a bit sparse and lacks high-end features, the build quality is the best I have seen in an American car in the past 15 years. I have a long commute to work and I look forward to getting in to this car every day. ItÂ’s just plain FUN to drive. People approach me in parking lots and gas stations all the time to tell me how great the Mustang looks and sounds, itÂ’s pretty cool. :-)

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  Ford Tough - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Gina C - October 25 - 3:36 am

  The 2004 Explorer XLS is a great deal for the money. The new body style brought in with the 2000 model adds much more stability and roominess to the vehicle. I am still surprised by its great turning radius, particularly for its size. Sound system is great. Cabin in surprisingly quiet cruising through town, but there is noise when driving on the freeway, as it isnt very aerodynamic. There does need to be an improvement upon gas mileage - the Explorers Japanese competitors are much better in this area.

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  New transmission - 55k - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Staci - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had to buy a new transmission for this POS at 55k miles. New water pump at 69k and new intake manifold at approx 62k. This car is great in design, if you want something to look pretty in your driveway while you drive a reliable car.

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  Focus on fun and value! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gerard - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most handsome cars on the road, inside or outside. As far as value goes, this car is difficult to beat. 145 horsepower engine, power: abs brakes, windows, locks, moonroof, tilt/telescopic steering-wheel, 6 way adjustable drivers seat, 6 disc in-dash cd player with 80 watt stereo, air conditioning, built in foglights, heated front seats, heated power side mirrors,roomy rear cargo area, usable center armrest,and 16 inch alloy wheels. This car rides very smoothly on all road surfaces and the automatic transmission and engine operates like velvet.

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  Freestar SE... give me back my windstar! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By ThunderBay - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The seating arangements in this van are terrible. Dont buy it if you have more than two kids. The middle seats dont move fore/aft. The rear seat is only fit for small kids. Also you will never get 6 adults in this van. The rear seat folds up with great ease, but it would have been cheaper to just leave it out altogether. It is useless for anyone over 4 feet tall. This is basically a 4 passenger vehicle. Test drive this one for at least a couple of hours to make sure it works for you... beware!!!

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  Good Truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Beardg1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ford truck. The first a Ranger with over 250,000 miles.The F- 150 in the 5.0 version its more of a lite duty truck. It will tow pretty well,but can be a tad under powered. I would have opted for the 5.8 vs. the 5.0 if I had it to do again.A very comfortable truck,lots of room,excellent heat and a/c,FAST power windors and good brakes. Steering is a bit on the touchy side on the hiway.Repairs have been few and relatively inexpensive,with nothing of any real consequence in the last 30K(my ownership period)I like the truck and in 8-10 years when Im thru with this one Ill be looking for a "new" 2004. Hard to go wrong with a Ford Truck.

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  48 year old female - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Treesx2 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th escort. I had ground effects, tinted windows and chrome rims put on this one. I get out of it and people ask me if that is my sons car! I love it. They all ask the same question, what is that? When I say an escort, they all say NO WAY!!! Its as if I wait on people to ask me the same questions, it happens with such frequency. I love this one more than I have loved my last three. And I thought I loved them, I put over a hundred thousand miles on each of my escorts. Reliable and thats why I keep coming back.

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  Best Truck ever owned - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By charliega2001 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This has truly been the best truck I have ever owned. Very few problems

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  mine , not yours - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By winner308 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought this truck for one reason...look at how many are still on the road. enough said !

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  my tarus - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By boyddw2 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  no problems ever, will drive it anywhere