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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  owner,service manager - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mandd - August 19 - 10:00 am

  outstanding,looks styling and room

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Ford F-150
  By David760 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, im pretty much an expert, basically, the shocks make it have a smooth ride, there is a feature in the front that absorbs shock from an accident, the braking was designed excellently, the truck puts out 80% of its peak torqe at only 1,000 RPM, making pulling heavy loads from a dead stop easier, and it has a quiet ride so you dont have to hear someone elses music at a stoplight. I would reccomend the 2004 Ford F-150 to anyone!

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  Love That New Eddie Bauer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - August 18 - 8:43 pm

  The ride & handling are significantly improved from my 2003 Eddie Bauer. The ride is smoother & more quiet than the 2003. The vehicle feels glued to the road like a sports car. The interior (suede seat inserts) looks nicer & feels more comfortable. Seats feel more like a previously owned Volvo. The floor mounted shifter provides a much sportier look & feel than the previous column mount. Power is not overwhelming (doesnt feel like my 2005 Mustang GT with the same basic engine), but it is smooth. A great highway cruiser with 20mpg on the open road. SUV buyers should take a good look at this great truck.

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  1999 explorer xls 4wd - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Omar Diosdado - August 18 - 8:48 am

  Great car! Used every day to work average 70 miles round trip strong engine enough room for 5 persons and large enough cargo space...

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  I love my 2001 Bullitt Mustang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Paul - August 16 - 10:24 am

  The Bullitt mustang is a special car. I like the sleek understated looks. The factory Bullitt rims are awesome. The car handles good! Yeah I know its a mustang but it handles good, has a good ride quality and makes a good daily driver. The interior is cool and the factory shifter is great. Power is decent, I have no complaints. Brakes are also an upgrade from the stock 2001 Gt brakes. Could use a little louder exhaust. The car weighs about 3350 pounds which is light by todays 2016 standards and it feels light and nimble. The steering has better feel than my Boss 302. It has been a very reliable car for me. Get one while you can. Its going to be a collectible.

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  Disapointed - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bubba5 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Thought the gas mileage would be better...I average 20 mpg...the drivers seat is terribly uncomfortable after 20 minutes of driving...I had to take it to ford to replace the seat cover after 10,000 miles...the metal frame cut through the cover...maybe I just got a bad seat cause other reviewers seem to like these seats...automatic is sluggish...needs more power and better brakes

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  Windstar, why buy it? - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By pro1mt - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is a real loser. Although I have not had many problems with it, The fit and finish does not compare with the competition. It is a very expensive vehicle that does not hold its value. After 2 years, a 29000 dollar vehicle is worth 10000. The passenger side window moter has had to be repaired twice, the passenger sliding door leaked before repaired. The cheap bumper system crunches when tapped in parking lots. I have been a Ford fan, but buy a ford truck instead. You will at least have a great vehicle when it is paid off.

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  Driver Discomfort - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By wildturkeyhh - August 16 - 2:00 am

  We find the driver seat very uncomfortable as cannot stretch out my leg due to the hump on the left side. I have to place my leg in an uncomfortable position under the brake pedal. Otherwise we find the vehicle easy to handle and maintenance repairs have been very minor and acceptable. Nice car.

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  Yet another Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Texas driver - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This is our 7th or so Ranger since 1990. All of our Rangers have given us superb dependability. The Level II is the best yet with very good handling, good power, the extra cab space we wanted, good comfort, and a blast to drive. It has the feel that real sports cars used to. The Level IIs handling is noticably better than the regular FX4.

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  2010 SEL 3.0 V6 with sport package - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SCS - August 15 - 6:06 pm

  Before I purchased this car I looked at the Accord and Camry. Fit and finish I would say the Honda was a hair better but the Ford was much nicer then the Toyota, especially in design. Performance and driving were very close with all models but I found the ford more fun. I liked the idea of a V6 without having to go to the sport. Mileage was about 27mpg during the summer but Im down to high 23s this winter. My 3.0 doesnt seem to like the winter blend. The car is very fun to drive and with a manual transmission it would be almost perfect. I do have two issues, one is a high pitched wine from the fan motor and a clunk from the drivers side rear door. I will be taking it in shortly.