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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  Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Tom - December 1 - 6:06 am

  I waited for Ford to bring back the Mustangs that I loved from the 60s. My GT convertible is a great car to drive. It has power, styling and the car sounds great.

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  great car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By linda mulvaney - December 1 - 5:53 am

  Only been driving it for about 6 months but so far I love it. I will let you know more after I see how it handles in the snow and ice. It is every thing I wanted in a car and what I really love about it is that it is not a car nor a truck. It is a little bit of both. I get compliments every where I go with it. It drives nice, looks nice and is just nice. Seems to hold the road great. I can fit so much in it. It sits nice and high to see the road but not too high. One of the reasons I bought it was because of all the safety features it has. I would recommend this car to everyone; in fact I have.

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  Ford Warranty Sham - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By No_More_Fords - December 1 - 3:05 am

  So after purchasing a 2016 Mustang GT, the paint on horozontal surfaces was found to have numerous defects resulting from an unknown source and was reported to the dealer within several days of the purchase. Two months into ownership Ford has taken the position the paint is not covered and has rejected the dealers warranty repair plan. This vehicle has only 400 miles on it and Ford is playing this game. Needless to say, having purchased approximately 18 new vehicles in the past 20 years, Ford can now forget about getting any more business from me and my family. I would encourage anybody purchasing a new car, go with any OEM other than Ford!!

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  Daddys Toy - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By JIMBO COVE MAN - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been invited to participate in many parades to escort VIPs and the people praise the car and really dont care who the VIP is riding in it. Handles better and faster than a Mercedez 500 SL sports convertable at less than half the price Buy American again You will be pleasantly surprised!

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  Overall best truck. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By leadfoot - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional ride. Very comfortable but firm. Very quiet ride, no rattles or squeaks. The ride is so quiet it is easy to go too fast. 16 mpg combined city/highway so far with 3.73 gear. Great visability except behind the tailgate. Make sure you get the back up sensor because the tailgate sits high. Also get the BFGoodrich tires, they are all terrain but feel and sound like all season on the highway. Overall great truck.

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  REAL truck wanted - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By CityslickerFramhand - November 30 - 2:00 am

  An OK mom-mobile; kids in a true back seat with room for an antique chest in the toy-sized bed. 4.0 L engine: disappointing 16-17 mpg even with the 5-speed manual tranny, especially considering my 1991 5-spd Explorer DID get 20mpg. Still annoying: Fords windshield washer first wipes dry glass, THEN squirts fluid. New annoyance: Fords making AC cycle in all positions except heat-to-floor; no "fresh air to face."

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By L. Martin - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck so far...............

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cmcquade1974 - November 29 - 8:40 am

  Living in Texas you need a truck, however living in the city you need a car. This truck is it! Best of both worlds!

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  Unsatisfied - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By EG - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I was very excited now disgruntled. The car has slow reaction to manuevering around, I find it to be poor. The back of the car is light and is a big problem when its windy. The door knobs inside the car are in a odd place. These are the negatives of the car. The positives are, very comfortable, rather quiet ride, no problems yet with the engine. The stereo system is fantastic. Overall, I wouldnt buy it again, not the car to have if you live in the snow or a windy area but if you stay within a community and dont do much traveling, maybe you want to think about it. Ill probably get rid of mine soon and purchase another ford vehcile.

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  Awesome!! -- Explorer Limited - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jk88 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I must admit that I was definitely NOT a Ford Explorer fan at all -- but that all changed when I stepped inside a sleek, black Ford Explorer Limited that stole my heart, while making it race at the same time. The 02 Explorer is just a wholly new animal, inside and out and it shows, and feels. The ride is great, the looks are fantastic, and I have already begun to neglect my Lincoln LS and Audi A4 for the Explorer. It is a truly great car with excellent room and the soul of a luxury car. I have only had it for a short time but I can give it my highest recommendation without reservation (HAPPY TRAILS!!)