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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  Awesome Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By BIGDAVEW76 - October 1 - 1:15 pm

  Bought this truck used in 2006 and it had 50k on it, has over 151k miles on it now and it still runs like it did when I bought it. I drive 65 miles round trip for work 5 days a week and it took it every day. Nothing week about this Ford Truck!!!

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  I love my beater! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By nessa_d - September 30 - 6:37 pm

  I bought my 2001 focus off a small used dealer for a great price with 75000 miles on the car. I didnt know much about it when I purchased it, but once I saw it, I knew it was for me. I travel a lot for my job. I needed a dependable fuel efficient car. What I didnt know is that I found the most reliable car Ive ever owned. I put 100000 miles on the car since then and only replaced the tires. The tires do wear faster then other vehicles but a small price to pay for no major repairs! I love my car.

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  Fantistic SUV - Perfect Size for Me - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Matt H - September 30 - 12:51 pm

  After a 4-year break from having a SUV (Had an 01 Explorer Sport), I am so happy to have purchased this vehicle. The size is perfect - not too big so parking is a breeze (plus the reverse sensor helps), but big enough to haul my bicycles and dog in the back. On a 1200 mile roundtrip of mostly highway driving, I averaged 26 mph, which I confirmed against my gas consumption and the miles driven. The sync system is like none other as is the navigation. Its a very addictive machine - great job Ford!

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  The Best Never Rest - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Roland King - September 30 - 11:49 am

  I have checked mileage twice with my 4 cylinder 2.3. I get 28MPG. I do not tow anything and use my truck as everyday trip around town.It rides great drives great and so far excellent service. Would highly recommend.I did my homework before buying comparing to Chevrolet,Toyota.This Ranger beat them all hands down. Love my Ranger.

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  One of the Best Crown Victorias - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Henry C. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Vic a year ago and have loved every minute of it. It is the Last year of that body style and it has the New Crown Voctoria Interior design. Lovin it! It gets up and goes without hesitation and brakes on a dime.

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  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By robert faragalli - September 30 - 10:00 am

  reliable and plenty fast enough for the new jersey turnpike where it spends most of its time

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  I love the Focus SVT! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Callie - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car three monthes ago and Ive been running with it ever since. The car handles great, is comfortable for long drives, and it is SO FUN TO DRIVE. I would definitely recommend this car for someone who loves the sporty handling and performance and wants a sensible car(tons of cargo space and pretty good on gas mileage for a performance car.) I LOVE MY SVT!!

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  best car I ever had - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jorge lopez - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I had driven from mercedes benz to land cruisers and for the money the expediton is the best.land Cruiser had no Dvd or buckets seats on the 2nd road

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  03 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Crystal D M. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the fold flat third row seat with actual leg room to allow for adult passengers. For all the options/features pricing is much better than on the Tahoe/Yukon for the same things. Have not had a single complaint about the vehicle in 1 1/2 yrs!! Its great.

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  Its a little early to rate an 04 model - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al Roberts - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This information is on a 1999 Mustang Purchased Sept.99. the auto has 121000 miles. Had only only one problem in that time. A wire pinched in the tilt wheel.Replaced battery in 03.Have never had any other problem. Am on my third set of tires, change the oil ever 3000 miles. Add gasoline and go. Like it enought to buy my wife a 2000 same type car from World Ford in Hollywood FL. It has 82000 miles. For less than $20,0000 you cant do better. I have no reason to believe the 2004s are any different. Its the same basic automoble.