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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  Ricks 04 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rick Clark - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Lightning purchase. The Lightning is very practicle when compaired to the SRT/10. The SVT can haul a 1,350lbs load or tow a 5,000lb trailer both the SRT/10 can not and its $12,000 more? The Dodge even offers more horsepower & torque but the truck is just huge! It weights more so its not much faster than the lighter, less powerful Lightning.

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  big is better - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By goobaa - May 8 - 10:00 am

  better than expected, the room inside is just great. mileage is not to bad for something this big

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  Great, all around fun car - 1990 Ford Probe
  By AWILDONE - May 8 - 2:00 am

  182,000 miles and still running like new!

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  EXPEDITION: RELIABLE, FUN, AND PIMPIN - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By esKINS2000 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MY EXPEDITION SINCE 98 AND I LOVE IT! IT IS SO ROOMY AND THE SOUND SYSTEM IS KILLER

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  Standard Solid Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Scott Pearson - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This economical car is a family vehicle with no bells and whistles but plenty of perks to keep you happy. When you need a good used car, this is an excellent choice.

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  Great Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By SD - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive just loved my Escort GT! Its been reliable, fun and durable.

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  Good, dependable car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Will W. - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car with 30,000 miles and now have 201,000. No major repairs were necessary, this vehicle still has same engine and transmission. I just kept the oil changed every 4,000 miles and serviced the transmission every 40K to 50K. Costs were reasonable for repairs. Highly recommend as a low cost means of good transportation.

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  transaxle seals - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By axles - May 7 - 5:43 am

  My 500 front transaxle seals both failed at 4,400 miles and it took them 13 days to receive and then install the seals. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. Im wondering if this is going to be a recall issue.

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  Ive become a truck man - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Marco - May 7 - 3:30 am

  This truck reeks quality. Im impressed with the attention to detail. Looks extra hot with 22" rims. I have the 4x2 SuperCrew Lariat. I recently decided to take a short cut through the canyons (Hwy 74 Ortega Hwy.) This truck handles the curves extremely well. I also took it to Rosarito Mexico; the ride was very nice and I got lot of head turns on the way. I happen to own several vehicles but I seem to have gotten addicted to driving my F150.

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  What can I say? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Sunbelt - May 7 - 2:00 am

  If you could replace the mechanicals you would have an outstanding minivan. Its big, and handles better than any other its size. Weve had it on several long trips, and it was quite comfortable. But weve paid for it! Second transmission baulky--well stick it out til it goes entirely, thank you. We nursed the engine 110000 miles before the head gasket went. That was a mistake! The brakes are headed for their fifth repair. On the other hand, it never left us stranded--always struggled home. I would estimate this car cost Ford almost as much consumer loyalty as their suicide SUV.