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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  SporTrac - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jared - May 15 - 10:36 am

  Bought the vehicle out of necessity. We just had a new baby and needed bigger trunk space. Unfortunately, I traded quality for price and ended up paying for it in the end. Good power in the lower gears, so, youll get going pretty quickly, but then the power drops off quickly once you get into the upper gears. I always had an extremely hard time passing anyone above 50MPH without hammering down the gas pedal. A lot of plastic interior, comfortable seats for short drives, but horrible on your lower back on drives of 3 hours or more. SYNC feature is horrible! Even speaking slowly and clearly, Id have to repeat myself 2-3 times for the system to recognize what I was trying to say.

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  A Great Vehicle - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By tclancy77 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I know Ill be kicking myself for selling a perfectly fine running automobile! Just the normal maintenance. I always used castrol syntec, never was stranded and it always ran and performed very well and still does. Will make new owner very happy. Very good handeling and lots of interior hauling capacity.

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  Dependable and eye catching - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Dirt - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been very reliable espescially considering the miles that are on it. It is a little sluggish on the freeway at times. I have abused it at work for a year a half now and it still looks and runs well.

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  A Good Auto - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Geo - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car for me. I owned at 1994 Taurus Wagon and traded for this one. I think it handles well on the road, get 23 to 28 mpg,and even my wife likes the car. My only complaint is that it is a bit noisy on the road, but for a station wagon not bad. I am looking to trade it in for a newer model with less miles ... this one has 83,000 on it right now. I have not had any problem with this car.

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  The All New Ford Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Classicfindz - May 14 - 3:26 pm

  I am unhappy with the all new Mustang. In addition to poor gas mileage, I have had the gas tank replaced three times already. The pump was stopping as if the tank was full, as well as slow fill and spitting back. Dealership said nothing was wrong. They did contact headquarters to find out that there is indeed this type of problem with the vehicle, but not on all of them. They replaced it twice and did not work. Finally they redesigned it. Took 5 months to solve problem. It is a fast car with a great sound system. But, too many "characteristics" that take away from the car. Any problem that I have with the car, they say is a characteristic of the car.

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  cobra experience - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By com 1234 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  yes mechnically this car runs great. and corners good. I miss a cabrator for extra speed.and the sound.thank you yours truly Bruce latorella

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  Almost Perfect! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By The Paul - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought the XLT premuium 2004 with leather, sunroof, 6-disc changer, etc. It is a absolutely great truck. The performance is good, ride is good ( a little rough on bad terrain, but it is a truck). Sound is good, seats are very comfortable and the price was good. I am happy to see ford build a product that Americans can buy and be happy about. Buy American!

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  SVT Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gvran7171 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Lots of bang for the buck. real xenon lights, not those fake aftermarket lights. Need to keep revs up to enjoy engine. Unreal handeling. kept up with bmw 330 series no problem. very stable at high speeds (110 plus).

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  excellent car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Nancy Macias - May 14 - 10:00 am

  i love my ford focus, we liked it so much we bought another one, theyre some of the best cars fords come out with..

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  Ford Rule - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By stevinb - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome