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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  best yet - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ricky ticky - February 23 - 2:00 am

  the best truck yet from ford .it looks great ,handles beyond what you would expect from a truck and bet of all it runs fantastic(when test driving it will feel slugish,ford electronicly restricts performance for the first 300 miles)after that the more you drive the more power and speed you get.! have fun, you will love it

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  Loved the first, hate the second - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By So-So - February 23 - 2:00 am

  On my second Sport, after enjoying number one, traded for number two. Sorry I did, quality is low, air conditioner has an inherent buzz and the attention to detail is at an all time low. Ford is really tying to save money so dealers are trying to keep warranty claims to a minimum. Squeak, rattles and rolls, its a Ford.

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  Large and True - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Grey Ghost - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Our new Ford Expedition XLT belongs to the Mrs. Several positives: plenty of room for the kids; rides high enough above ground to see everything in front of us, nice big exterior sideview mirrors (defrostable type) help to see the sides and rear of vehicle very clearly; the urban legend is true -- the 2004 Expedition rides like a very big car; power everything is nice too; 4WD works very well. Almost Perfect!!! Gray Ghost

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  1st new truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RBraunius1 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st new trcuk so I am not a great judge of new vehicles. I am very happy with the size of the vehicle, it has plenty of storage and with the NBX rack and net on the top you can just throw your Christmas tree up there and head home. I love the upright seating and view of the road, and the look of the 17 inch wheels and tires add to my positive review.

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  Definite Keeper - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tyson - February 22 - 8:43 pm

  Great interior features. I have the dual temperature controls and stereo is excellent. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel mileage for such a heavy vehicle 5600 pounds(18 mpg combined). Road feel was solid and easy to drive which is a wife factor.

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  BIG TROUBLE - 1990 Ford Escort
  By ann - February 22 - 4:14 pm

  If you have a choice, dont get Ford vehicle older then 4-5 years - its all just ONE BIG HEADACKE. Only positive aspect of this car - its fuel economy performance - really good. Repairs, maintenance - youll spend a fortune. Reliability - NONE!

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  2009 The Best Hybrid on Earth. - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jim F. - February 22 - 11:23 am

  I drive it like a Mustang. I put 20" chrome wheels on. I drive 60 miles per day, half highway at about 80 mph. City driving is fantastic, electric motor up to 40mph 4 wheeel drive cuts mpg but I average 28 mpg for the 600 miles driven

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  focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hl - February 21 - 10:00 am

  ford focus is a good reliable car. Only suggestions is that make leather interior and option & better pick up. I like to look of the car.

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  2001 V6 / 5 Spd Coupe... - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By DaddyCar - February 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Laser Red Mustang has been nothing but fun. A sporty ride yet very solid. Speaking of solid I like the solid rear axle as well as the rear wheel drive. Knock on wood the car has been very dependable once a couple of warranty issues were worked out (diff.,clutch). Dealing with Ford is no picnic but the car is worth it.

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  Goood - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Peter eagle - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Test drove the xlt 4.0, I own a 1998 explorer xlt but this years is 10 times better than the old model, I orderd the limited with V8, eventhough the 4.0 felt strong I will incline for the 4.6 just in case.