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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  Bobs T-Bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By tmbob - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Power, handling, and comfort makes this a blast to drive

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  The Bus - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Kevi - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Since owning the bus. Have had plenty of comments from passerbys. People simply dont like this truck. I have people stare as I turn infront of them. But it is a great truck. I find it comfortable, and plenty of power. I didnt buy this truck because I was looking for fuel economy. I find it is very safe for my wife and kids. I know if they are involved in an accident, they will walk away..

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  excellant for camping - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By g w minter - July 31 - 2:00 am

  easy to handle in traffic, good mirrows,good thottle response, quick for a large vechicle, seats easy to fold down for large stowage area, bucket seats comfortable on long trips, nice running boards for easy entry, has back-up sensors which are nice for parking,

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  I love the truck in spite of its flaws - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By percplayer - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Ford Ranger for 13 years and it was a great truck. When I saw the review of the sport trac in Car and Driver magazine, I knew this was the truck for me. I bought my sport trac the first year they were manufactured. Its been recalled a few times for small issues - nothing that I feel compromises the safety of the vehicle. The ride isnt as quiet as I expected in the cab, but thats about the only thing I really dont like about it. I love to drive my sport trac and it meets my needs.

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  built tough - 2004 Ford F-150
  By lthom49086 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  iv owned 9 ford trucks and they just get better every year!!!

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  good - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Melane - July 31 - 2:00 am

  the F150 was a great truck to drive very good suspension it has good acceleration

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  Disapointed - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By henry_thoreau25 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  All the platic parts break. Engine compartment is very noisy -- fan belt, air conditioner, power stearing. Passenger seat reclining mechanism broke. Shifter knob came off, never to stay on again. Sometimes the window washer works, sometimes it wont. Door sensors have false readings often.

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  Cheaper than therapy - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By middle age man - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my little middle age treat for myself...;-{0 miles of smiles

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  I really like my Mach 1 ! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ScottD - July 31 - 2:00 am

  and Im a 47 year old family man.

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  After 33,000 miles still a blast - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By DHGazdesertdog13 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Bullitt new and after 33,000 miles, daily driver, it is still a blast to drive. Had the AC compressor changed out under warranty for leaking internally, EGR sensor went out when new. Other than that it has been great. 22mpg combined 26mpg highway. Would do it all over again in a heart beat.