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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  Ford Stong and Running - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Modog - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck gave me no problems in the 2 years Ive had it. It has good power (V6) and tows all my toys with ease (jet skis). Overall, Ive had problems with previous Fords cars but Ford trucks are built much better.

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  ford probe - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Juan emilio - December 25 - 2:00 am

  good car, economic car and powerfull

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  My last Ford vehicle - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Call me stupid - December 25 - 2:00 am

  BLOWN HEAD GASKETS at 67,749 - 78,330 - 116,731 miles. Note that the two repairs failed to last as long as the original (which was an acknowledged design or manufacture defect). Each time the dealer claimed the problem has been resolved and now Ford has refused to extend their arbitrary 7 year 100,000 mile program. There is no reason to expect a "factory trained technician" is any more qualified to fix these problems than an independent mechanic. Yes, I had the TRANSMISSION BUILT too.

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  Nice truck but..... - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Matt Cappadonna - December 25 - 1:53 am

  I purchased this truck from Car Max. I did a lot of research before purchasing the vehicle and came to the conclusion that this is the one. Unfortunately the vehicle has made me marginally happy. Was it because of Car Max or Ford build quality, I dont know, but here are a few of the pros and cons.

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  2006 eddie bower explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By guid33 - December 24 - 7:16 pm

  havent had the truck for to long but had a 2004 explorer WOW what a difference very plush ride, smooth v8 lots of power and a wonderful dealership experience on top of it all. If your looking for an suv look no further than 2006 ford explorer its a whole new animal. will keep updating as we drive this loaded explorer.

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  Great fun, great value! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Glenn - December 24 - 6:53 pm

  You can drive the 1999-2004 Mustang V6 convertible year-round in most parts of the country. Mine has been my daily driver since 2007, driven in Ohio and Tennessee. The heater works great in the winter - no different than in any other car. And as soon as the temps start to climb in the spring, down goes the top! It is low to the ground, so getting in and out of the drivers seat definitely isnt for people with stiff backs. Maintenance is pretty easy - the engine compartment is big enough to reach all of the spark plugs. In over 100,000 miles Ive only replaced the clutch once (3.9 liter engine with T5 tranny), and the top once (roughly $1000).

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  Ford best for the money - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Craig Baber - December 24 - 2:06 pm

  I have had lots of Fords over the years but this is one of the best. I traded a 2004 F150 Crew for this and I am as pleased as punch. The 4.6 V8 is a power house and delivers basicly the same mpg as the 6. It is so easy to park, garage friendly (takes less room) is great on the road. It is quiet, ride is outstanding, no need for rails as in and out access is great. The new Sync by Microsoft and sirus radio makes it a intertainment wonder. No need for cds as one 2mb in the usb will access hundreds of songs with out worry of storage or scratching of cd. The vinyl floor is padded and the cab is quiet. It is a well thought out suv and with current offer of 4000 cash back is a must have.

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  Perfect for me - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jake121015 - December 24 - 9:23 am

  This vehicle is the perfect vehicle for me. Safety, functionality, stylish, and made in America. I was getting ready to buy either a Accord or Camry when I saw an advertisement for the new Five Hundred. This was the car that I REALLY wanted. The build quality on this car is excellent. I have had no problems nor have I found any quirks that I didnt pick up on during the test drive. I generally drive alone but on the weekends its large enough for my young family of five. I am just waiting for this winter to get a feel for the AWD portion. Why anyone would complain about a lack of power is beyond me, it has more than enough power even for my heavy foot when Im late for work in the morning.

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  Love my Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Guru21 - December 24 - 6:20 am

  I had a 2003 F150 and was afraid I wouldnt like getting something a bit smaller, but I love the Escape. My wife and I just got married and wanted something to help build our family in. Its perfect. Plenty of room and plenty of potential for cargo space. Handles great and drives like a dream. We couldnt be happier.

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  Fully loaded hybrid - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By charv - December 24 - 3:40 am

  My first hybrid coming from a Nissan Titan. Very surprised by the seamless handoffs between Atkinson engine and electric motors surprising power and responsiveness. I was expecting a gutless vehicle you scoot around it but it has exactly enough power for highway, city driving. My loaded Limited has navigation system, auto park assist for parallel parking, remote start were my added features. The leather interior is comfortable and loving the heated seats and how fast the heater warms up. I dont have a problem with the brakes theyre very good for me unlike the 2009 reports. Sync is outstanding bar none under rated how good it is.....way better than my Parrot mki9200 bluetooth.