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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  F-150 Comparison to a Chevy TrailBlazer - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Magpiper - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Previously I owned a 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer SLT. I found towing my 16ft. aluminum boat on a steep grade to be rather poor with the (15.8 MPG Hwy) 5.4 ltr V8. Chevys 4.2 inline 6 cylinder would have dragged this boat to the top while accelerating. I also found the Lariat package of my F- 150 to be rather lack luster. No heated seats nor the simplisity of a pocket on the back of the front seats. Theres no storage room! For the price of this vehicle and the top-of-the-line Lariat package, it should have been much more.

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  Fun, Reliable, & Resourceful - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By blahblahblah - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Very fun vehicle to drive. Additionally, the Truck/SUV has the advantage of Explorer reliability (which is beyond compare) and the resourcefulness of a pickup truck. The bed is 4 ft long but with hitch down (and guard rail) becomes 6 ft, which is the same length of most short bed pickups. Doesnt have the get up and go torque that I expected but then again, there are third party performance enhancements for that.

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  The Best Full-Size SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mstrstock - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The Expedition does everythign youd expect it to and more. It not only looks the part, but tows better and just drives better than any other large SUV that i tested.

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  Fun Yellow Ride - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Joelstrawn - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Also came in a great yellow color. Built well, rides smoother than my 2002 Chevy Blazer. This is a truck, and the Blazer was a car. Great engine and fun to drive.

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  Great Mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By fred - October 6 - 7:00 am

  I was driving a Ford 250 4X4 diesel and when fuel got to 5.25/gallon bought a Ford Focus SE loaded for beater car and love it. Tried Toyota, Altima, and prefered the Focus. Great car for price.

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  Les Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Les - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vechile. With regular/routine servicing I was able to achieve 195,000 mile with no major failures. The only problem has been with the clear coat paint on the hood and top dulling.

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  Looks are deceiving - 1994 Ford Probe
  By jfm - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive until everything under the hood needs replacing. Today I am trading my car in and the dealership is giving me a value of 1800.00. I am coming out great!!! In order to fix this vehicle the cost is probably little over 3000.00. The repairs are more than the value of the car. Good luck to anyone that buys this car.

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  Our Family workhorse - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By craigski - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Reliability!! Other than the normal brakes, some front end parts, muffler, the van is so reliable its scary. Maybe that why Ford stopped making it. We have no garage, live in New England, and the body is excellent. No rust out anywhere. It gone through the kids hockey, scouts, loads of cheerleaders and no being used for college moves with no problems!!

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  Old Faithful - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Mrs. G - October 6 - 2:00 am

  What a great van for the $$. It has been very reliable with only repairs to the brakes (which I assume is considred maintenance) and 2 seat belt clasps. We spend a lot of time on the road loaded with teenagers and luggage and have not been left stranded. On October 3rd, it was in a roll over accident, and in spite of 4 complete rolls, it held up beautifully. The 3 seatbelted passengers received only moderate cuts and bruising. I am definately looking for another Aerostar!

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  First Car Buyer - 2003 Ford Escort
  By LDowns23 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent first car for a new car buyer. I love it!