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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  The mother ship - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By teacher man - November 18 - 10:20 am

  This car is old fashioned boat anchor technology but it cranks and goes reliably every time. Fuel mileage is respectable for the size and weight of the vehicle 18-20 city/suburban 22-27 highway. They dont build them like this anymore and for that we should be both sad and grateful. Sad because it is a very reliable car and great on long distance road trips. Grateful because this car is navigated more than driven and is a festival of squeaks and rattles. Resale value tanks early so if you buy one plan to drive the wheels off it.

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  Not a Good Buy - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Irony - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have replaced the front brakes including rotors every 3 months approx. 3000-4000 miles. Ford told me this was normal wear for this vehicle. The price to have this done at a Ford Dealer averages $800. The tires wear out quickly on this Van as well.

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  why I love my f150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By AJF14 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck because it is very comfortable and it handles great on the highway. It has great passing ability and it performs better than I thought it would. I also love the great looks and body lines and I love the paint job.

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  best truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By laketysd - November 18 - 10:00 am

  awesome truck! im going to have it till i die

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  Bouncing around - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By papasmack - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the sport trac because of its looks, size and features and think that it will suit my purposes of light hauling. I think the interior is average and a bit dated, and pales in comparison to the new f150 interior. I really enjoy the power rear window and its driving comfort. However, I must say suspension has the truck jumping all over on bumpy roads. I would really love this truck if the ride was a bit smoother and not as skiddish.

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  Cant believe I like this truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 1st time ford owner - November 18 - 10:00 am

  My first Ford, My first American Car, and My first Truck. Overall Im very happy with this vehicle, but I find myself looking for excuses to take my wifes car out for a spin. Although I appreciate the versatility and truck- like capabilities of the Explorer I might have been happier in a sport wagon like an A6 Avant, Passat or Subaru Outback. At 38k miles, its never been back to the dealer. I change the oil myself since noone will put in the recommended 5-20 it calls for. Tires look like theyll last another 15-20k. Dont by the V-6. The V-8 is only slightly more and gets virtually the same mpg and even the V-8 is under- powered.

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLS 2WD - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ESanchez - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is truely built "Ford Tough." It lives up to the standers that the Ford Motor Company is known for. The XLS model is built for 5 and is confortable for a small family that requires a spacious vehical. The fuel economy is ok for an SUV and its also very confotable. This is a vehical for a family with a smaller budget that wants to enjoy a quality vehical!

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  Ford Suck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By pieceofcrap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Could not be more Dissapointed with This truck. It rattles like crazy Ride sucks Overall quality is horriable Have 6 year old Pick-up that rides smoother. Paid 38k for a truck that I cant stand driving

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tom Mikulski - November 18 - 1:46 am

  This vehicle has not received a lot of publicity and I dont know why. It has been, in the short time Ive owned it, a solid vehicle with better than average fuel mileage, comfort and performance. We are getting ready to take it on a 1200 mile trip and I look forward to the ride.

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  An excellent choice - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By durak.joan - November 17 - 12:10 pm

  After driving this van in Europe I am glad that it is now available in the US. I use is as my personal vehicle not for any business. A truly utilitarian vehicle that combines all the good road manners, efficiency and fuel economy - this IS a true SUV - not the huge "living rooms on wheels" that call themselves SUVs. Power is very adequate, handling is great and the interior room is much larger than many full-size SUVs or trucks. Parking is just as good - fits easily where a mid-size car would. Turning radius is fantastic nice and the van turns on a dime. Seats are very comfortable for the long haul. All in all a very nice vehicle indeed.