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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  BEST COBRA EVER!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ZEUS420 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK AMERICAN CAR BUILT. THIS IS OUR THIRD COBRA, AND IT SMOKES MY LAST TWO IN EVERY CATEGORY EXCEPT GAS MILAGE. SUPERB POWER/SOUND SYSTEM/BRAKES. O-60 IN 4.5 SECONDS WITH OUR AFTERMARKET EXHAUST & INTAKE IS A STEAL AT 35 GRAND!!

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  Great Fun To Drive - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Steven L - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 1 year covering 20000miles. This SUV is comfortable to drive and has a great turning circle which makes it easy to get in and out of tight spots. My wife loves the adjustable pedals and the sound system. My wife and I tested 4runner, pathfinder, Envoy and Passport but liked the Explorer best.

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  owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Tropical Fish - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Really suits the purpose with luxury

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bishopthomas - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is great suv, however the 4.6 is a little sluggish, needs the 5.4. I work for Ford and I must say the quality is great. after driving the Navigator for 4 years, the EB is cheaper and just as nice, with the exception of a few features, found on the Nav.

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  SEL ford taurusq= - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By bobby722 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2000 Taurus and just got a new 2004 SEL taurus again because of its performance, comfort, and reliability. I also liked the service at Crown Ford, Lynbrook Long Island. The cars 24 valve Durotec engine is quiet but gives me plenty of power. The CD player and upgraded sound system is really great. I recommend this car and it runs on reg

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  2004 2dr xlt Value supercab 4v6 auto - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By johnr2b - December 24 - 2:00 am

  the Electrical Plug for the Trailer Hitch should be a place you can easly see, Second, The external sound could be damped in the doors a little more. Other than that the truck is a sweet runing, great handling and lots of fun to be in any time of Truck.

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  Big Comfort, Snow Machine - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By moose72690 - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  Overall this is a great car! I bought mine with 104,000 miles on it for $7,500 bucks! Its AWD and Limited. I live in Vermont up in the mountains so the AWD has been put to the test and it works great! Even without snow tires I can plow through the snow... The Limited "creature comforts" are great and all still working without issue. I average 22.8MPG which I think is prettty good considering I drive daily on mountain roads and its AWD.

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  DRIVING FUN - 2005 Ford Escape
  By keith - December 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle in California and drove it back to Denver Colorado. I got 29 mpg. I drive about 30 miles one way, to and from work and get about 32 to 35 mpg. This comes from doing the math, not looking at the gauges. Not the best highway vehicle, but a great around town and country road vehicle. Highway the vehicle does not feel real stable at 75 mph, however it does have the power to handle the highways.

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  ALWAYS DRIVE HARD - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RODNEY GREEN - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  LOVE THE CAR VERY FAST AND RUN EXCELLENT LOVE THE 6TH GEAR

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  Be Careful - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chris - December 23 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this truck with under 65,000 miles on it, and never had a problem. As soon as I turned it over to 90,000 miles a lower rod broke in my engine and a couple thousand dollars later, here I sit. I had loved this truck, but am very reluctant to buy Ford again. I changed oil every 3000 miles and get up maintenance.