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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  I love this truck! - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By electricgreen - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Since buying the truck, I have had few problems. I have replaced wear items, like brakes and the muffler, as well as a head gasket. The truck now has 127,000 miles. It has performed its duties as daily transportation and work truck well. It has driven us back and forth to work, as well as hauled building materials for home repairs without fault.

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  Buy this and learn mechanics! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By AMPMagic - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I owned this car as my first and second car. First off it was a very nice car for the 300 I payed for it. But it was always needing to be fixed, but it was never anything major. It also leaked fluids too much. Good for a first car or if your not making enough to afford a real car. Side Note: Fluid leaks are normal for this car. get used to checking fluids and buy a PIG mat to throw under engine when you park it.

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  I LOVE MY ESCORT!!! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Hard on cars - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove my Escort for 6 years before it was wrecked. Ive been in two accidents in Escorts and the safety devices did their jobs nicely. Two major repairs were clutch and timing belt at 80K. GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE!!!

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  so far a great vehicle - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By explorer owner - April 12 - 2:00 am

  so far we are very happy with our explorer, the 4x4 works great! did rust a little, but other then that the body is in great shape.we havent had any mechanical problems with it. i love it!

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  Just crazy about FORDS! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Peter B - April 11 - 9:36 pm

  I have owned 6 F150s and this 2004 FX version is by far the best of all. Very quiet on the road; plenty of power for passing and superb ride comfort. This is basically a tow vehicle for hauling my 4000 lb. boat with the greatest of ease. The truck has a 3:55 rear axle for decent fuel economy and a 8300 lb. tow capacity. Only 4,000 miles on the truck so far and not one problem. I highly recommend this truck to anyone seeking a fantastic piece of American engineering.

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  Wow - 2004 Ford F-150
  By TheBull192 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the first full-sized P/U Ive owned and Im thoroughly impressed with the build quality, power, ride, comfort, interior & exterior layout and how quiet the cabin is. Combine those traits with the new rack & pinion steering and this truck is incredible. Trust me - take one for a test drive and youll be sold.

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  F-150 The New Standard - 2004 Ford F-150
  By George - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the F-150 Lariat fully loaded Crew Cab Black clearcoat Black Leather Capatins chairs flow thru consol October 2003. As truck owner for the past 12 years driving Chevy, Fords, Dodge and GMC, This truck will set the standard in the 1500 series. I looked at a new Volvo XC 90, Toureg VW, Land Crusier ET: This Truck in a lariat fully loaded will rival these vehicals!! I couldnt make my mind up on what I should purchase and when I saw this truck and drove it, I bought it on the spot.

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  I LOVE mine!!! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By kylemommy - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Granted I just bought it and bought it used (low miles), and I LOVE it. I test drove most all of the vans out there and this one has the best pick-up by far. It has a nice big engine in it which I was really looking for, is a safe vehicle and I like the exterior design of not having to see those awful looking sliding door tracks in the middle of the back panel. It was by far the biggest van inside and I find the legroom fine in the back. I love driving this vehicle and cant wait to take my next trip in it!

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  If this isnt crap, I dont know what is - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By CoolpersonNot - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The worst van on the market? Definitely. After having this pos in the shop 4 times for the same problem and now suing the dealer under the lemon law, I am totally fed up. Im taking the money from the settlement and do what I should have done to begin with - buy an Odyssey.

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  Comfortable and Reliable - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By squirrel - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been virtually trouble free. The AWD makes it unstickable in the snow and gives great traction on slick boat ramps. The interior is spacious and comfortable (Im 65" and have plenty of head and leg room). The optional captains chairs keep the kids from fighting on long trips and the extended length holds plenty of cargo. Fuel economy has been 19 mpg all around (3 mpg less when towing my 17 ft runabout). If Ford Motor Company still made Aerostars, Id be first in line to order another.