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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  RETAIL PRICE - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Lisa LAmbert - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I would like to sell my car to purchase a newer one. The car has been depaendable but 10 years old and time to move up to a little nicer car. I just need to know what price I should consider selling this car for.

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  My little green machine - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Victorio - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car, I cant belive how much I love this car, it drives like a dream, girls love it. You would never belive how its actually changed my how concept of driving. When The ford probe first came out I always wanted one, and now that I have one, I must say, I am not disapointed!

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  What a Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jim - February 9 - 6:13 am

  Love this truck. Rock solid a year later. No trips to the dealership for repairs. Kids love the DVD; I love the Lariat trim. Rides smooth and controls are great. Handles off roading great. Average 12 MPG city driving which considering the size of the truck is acceptable. Would definitely recommend this truck and would buy again in a heart beat.

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  Awesome 4x4 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By gmcvi - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I use to have a Honda Accord which is a far cry from a 4x4. However, I purchased a Truck with the same quality and craftmanship as Honda. I could not ask for a better truck. Originally I wanted a Chevy Z-71 but once I test drove both trucks there was NO comparision! The quality and solid feel of the F150 is far superior than the Chevy.

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  Head Turner - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Marion - February 9 - 2:00 am

  My F150 is a head turner. It is a two- tone maroon and gray XLT. With raised white letter tires and chrome wheels I have received a lot of comments on how good it looks. I am the third owner of this beauty. It is quite obvious that the previous owners babied this truck. It is almost perfect. My truck has a 5.8 L., automatic, 4X4,and of course it is hard on gas. But after reading some of the reviews about those who have 6 cylinders...I am getting about the same mileage...maybe a little less...but I have the pulling power I want.

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  5 speed manual - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Cruisin - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice little truck, fun to drive but not as good of gas milage as was expected, Runs 18-20 mpg highway. Too small of fuel tank, just get cruisin and have to stop for fuel. Driving range of only about 250 miles. Engine surges between 1200 and 2400 RPM. At 19000 miles had to have Clutch replaced, $823.00 out of my pocket as it is a wearable part and not warrantied. My last Ford! Promise..

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  MOM NEEDED MORE ROOM - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mom of 3 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This the best suv I have ever driven. Love the Excursion, would definitly buy another. We are a family of 5 and all are tall. Has the most enormous amount of space and leg room. Traveling is great again... Wouldnt buy any other

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  My hunk of junk - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Flower - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have at least one recall a year on the breaks,and trans every 2 years. Every one in my family hates the car. (Except my 6 year old son because when ever we go over a inch hole in the groud at 20mph the back of the car goes flying up) This car is just an over sized shopping cart with a 6cyl.

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  my truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By greg edgeworth - February 8 - 6:33 pm

  Had a 2003, bought a new one for the great deal. better ride, quality, and handling than the 2003

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  Unbelievable truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By FordTrkMan - February 8 - 1:36 pm

  This truck is an amazing piece of machinery. Every aspect of it is perfect, from the way it looks driving down the street to the way if feels as you drive it off road. If anyone is looking for a new pick up truck I would highly recommend the F-150. I have driven Chevys, Dodges, Toyotas, and the Nissan. None of them compare to the quality that Ford put into the F-150.