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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  My Company Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John Berg - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fords got a winner. Fun to drive, comfortable, good mileage (25.6 mph, city and highway, for first 2500 miles [its my company car],lots of positive comments from others on the street as well as passengers.

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  the most comfortable truck around - 2005 Ford F-150
  By forddude1502004 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had a few trucks and this has been the best driving and handling truck i have ever owned. would i own another ford f150 again, yes most addsurely. and bye the way this is the first new ford f150 i have ever bought!

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  I LOVE MY STPORT TRAC - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ASHLEIGH - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH MY SPORT TRAC. IT IS THE PERFECT TRUCK FOR A FEMALE.

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  PERFECT!!! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Rusty Fan - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This truck is PERFECT. There is nothing more an average person could want in their truck. Great power, great reliability and fun to drive!

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  Bonewitzr - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bonewitzr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck. It is so fun to drive and there are so many features at such a low price. I recommend it!

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  Quits - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Cat Woman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We have only driven our F150 for a month and other then the fact that the engine quits at stop signs and when turned corners slowly we love it. It has lots of power and rides smoothly. The backseat has plenty of room for the kids or small adults to ride. The doors for the back are a little ackward to use, the crew cabs is much more convenient. If they fixed the kill problem now after putting in a new fuel pump last week and a new computer this week then I will be happy with our new truck. If they didnt fix it then I will be very disapointed in this truck and mad about it all, not fun running it back and forth to be fixed, the dealership has been really nice though.

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  2005 Ford Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mr Ford - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The escape has surpassed our expectations of a small SUV. We love the quick responce it has along with nice handling conditions. We get 18 mpg in town and 24 mpg on the highway, this is with the A/C on (live in Florida). Only have 3 faults with it, seating material cheap, to small gas tank,and tires are noisey (contitrac). Out of the 3 I would consider the gas tank the most important,it needs a 20 gallon tank. I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Ford does have a better idea.

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  Excellent - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Allycat - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have knee problems and having a SUV makes getting in and out of the vehicle so much easier. The Escape gets better gas milage than the Taurus I had previously. The Escape is a great vehicle, easy to handle and goes where you want it to go. I have been going to the same dealership for years and they have never let me done with service or sales.

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  2005 CROWN VIC - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Slikfuk - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Nice smooth, quiet ride. Comfortable seats, easy to reach controls and responsive to steering.

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  My First car - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Special K - March 21 - 2:00 am

  My very first car was a 1990 Ford Tempo, It was the worst thing ever. The car broke down constintly and was always leaking something. It was bad in the summer because the a/c was broke, and Horrible for the winter because the car took half an hour to warm up and it had ZERO traction. One good thing about the car in the winter, it did not over heat because of the cold. Well most of the time it didnt over heat. When I got a new car they gave me $500 for it and they were being nice. Check out my car review of the 1997 Honda Civic HX!