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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  Good truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Rideflytx - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  We bought this over the GM alternatives because of the interior design. Overall a good truck and reliable transportation. Transmission lost third gear around 120,000 miles and had it rebuilt. Other than that, no other mechanical issues. Interior cup holder in dash got stuck, some sort of grease leaked out from under the center console and stained the carpet. Otherwise solid truck. Would buy again - selling now to move to smaller car since we are out of infant seats.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By FirstFord - December 26 - 6:40 am

  Like all domestics, one should be able to get a great deal. Pleasantly paid just a few hundred over invoice. Dealer experience was very positive. Honestly, settled on the car out of necessity and lack of offerings from other car companies. Only vehicle with 3 rows of seating, car like gas mileage, decent trunk space, price $30K or less. There should be more choices in the future due to high gas prices; meantime, this is probably one of few choices.

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  Only one of its kind - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Barryg - December 24 - 4:01 pm

  If you want a mean sounding, torque pounding, rumbling V8 with a 5 speed (like I did), with modern day comfort, the Mustang GT is it. Leather seats are comfortable. I installed 3.73 gears, lowered the car 1.5 inches with Ford racing springs and added the FRPP GTA axleback mufflers that come on the Bullitt Mustang. The car is set up the way it should be and with the mods, still under $26K. The GT is raw and the ride is a little on the rough side but its so much fine to drive. Gas mileage for me is around 20 overall. If you want quiet and refined look elsewhere. If you want a solid fun RWD V8 at a great price with unlimited aftermarket support, get the GT. No regrets at all!

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  good auto - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By WALTER - December 24 - 3:20 pm

  auto is good for the price. repairs are cheap.

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  Keeps on truckin - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By woods860 - December 24 - 1:17 am

  Great off road. The fx4 upgrade is a good platform to build an off road weekend warroir like mine is. Fits 33x12.5x15 with little rubbing the 3" lift help with tht. Found tht back jump seats pretty much useless unless your verticaly challenged. The 4.10 gears are tourqie and helps me pulls damn near anything. 4.0l motor has tons of power. Chiped mine tho little better fuel mileage that way plus the extra hp didnt hurt. Although my F-150 is better on fuel. Very solid feeling truck. Well built. Upgraded fx4 interior is sharp and functional. Light aregood and bright. Easy to drive and hardly any blind spots. Built Ford tough!

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  My Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AL - December 24 - 1:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Storage capacity is unbelievable. Motor power could use some improvement as well as gas mileage. I am very impressed. Had one small problem with transmission that was quickly fixed.

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  Road Warrior - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Bill Wilkerson - December 23 - 9:55 pm

  This is powerful, reliable, everyday driver, 351 V-8. Plenty of room and comfort, go anywhere. Commands respect on the highway or off road.

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  This is a real Ford truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MrQuib - December 22 - 5:03 pm

  Solid reliability. All the known bugs with the vehicle have been eradicated (tranny 2-3 flare, PCV vacuum hose...etc) I have a programmer for mine that reprogrammed the tranny. A little searching on the net will help you fix any problem, for ANY vehicle. There are a few whiners on here who have taken one problem and turned it into a complaint forum. One or two problems do not make a bad vehicle! If you have vibrations, try checking your wheel balance! A leaking tranny is NOT a common problem, I suggest you take care of your vehicle a little better. Ive had this truck for a number of years and I haul a 25 camper with it. Never had any major issues with it. Engine runs smoothly @ 100K

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  Best car Ive owned yet - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hatched - December 21 - 8:20 pm

  After owning a Nissan Sentra (a lemon) this car is a joy to own and drive. Responsive, reliable, and all around, a great car. Tons of storage, lots of get-up-and-go, and a good price all led me to buy the ZX3. I never though I would own a domestic nameplate (Id always owned Mitsubishi, Honda, or Nissan) but his Ford has changed my way I think about Ford Motor Company.

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  Worth every penny - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Good to Go - December 21 - 8:17 pm

  Bought with 7k miles, it now has almost 130k and without any mechanical issues along the way. Car was a great buy for the money and has been very reliable to date. Fuel economy has been pretty good as well. Overall a well built vehicle that was thousands less than the competition.