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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  old reliable - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sapelo jim - June 2 - 10:43 am

  I have a love hate relationship with this car. I love that it has 122k on it an other than a few minor problems there hasnt been anything major happen with this car. I bought it because the reliability of these old school tools is reknowned in fleets and with loyal customers. The down side is that if the road is anything less than billiard table smooth the car rattles, squeaks, shakes, and shimmies its way over every bump and pothole on these budget deprived streets of Savannah. No sense of straight ahead on the road. Crosswinds blow the old girl all over the road. And yet, I average 20 miles to the gallon on my commute and can get up into the high 20s on road trips.

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  edwin - 2005 Ford Escape
  By edwin166 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Worst every buck.

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  No problems - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By brett65 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Nice ride, reliable transportation. No problems in 7 months and 6000 miles. Owned a Nissan Quest twice previously and the Freestar is every bit as good and better on some features.

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  This car has to many problems - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Casemann27 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has cost more to fix parts that are defective then a my old 85 truck. Very unreliable.

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  bang for your buck - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By txbowhunter - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Interior quality/ergonomics somewhat lacking. Exterior workmanship is poor. body panels shake easily and start coming loose. Still needs work on IRS reliability and strength. suspension and drivetrain very clunky.

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  Ford enginereed the 2004 FX4 perfectly - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Beenie - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have to tip my hat to the engineers that designed the 2004 FX4 regular cab truck. I have bought a lot of new vehicles over the years, and this is the best designed vehicle I have bought. You may not believe it, but it is better designed and the quality is as good, if not better than the brand new 1976 Corvette I bought years ago. This is an AWSOME TRUCK. This is the vehicle Ive waited for. If you test drive it, you will most likely buy it. This truck is not the old and boring style that Ford stuck with for too many years and it is also nice to have that H/P we had in the late 60s-early 70s. Ford proved to me it made the best truck this year!

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  Ford Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mustangman - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love Ford Mustangs

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  ford escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By alissakay - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Good car. Ride is a little bumpy at times and can be a little noisy, but otherwise great.

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  ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By UBer HAGS - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car for the price. The 2.0 Zetec is a great engine design that comes standard on the ZX2 but must be bought as an option on the Focus line. Not only does it have better aerodynamics but its also lighter than the Focus. Driver and Passenger seating comfortable even on non stop (except gas and food) trip from Austin to Philly with my brother.

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  Good for...Everything - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Turner Johnson - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This large, rugged vehicle does not really excel at any one thing. But it does everything it was designed to do.. very well. Steering response, turning circle, braking, acceleration, passenger and cargo capacity, build quality (fit and finish), safety, user-friendly design and detailing...all well above average.