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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  After looking around -- keeping the car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By NJ1 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I know that this car gest slammed, but after a few initial glitches (former owner cracked the head) the car has been surprisingly nice. I have put on 60K miles and have had only minor issues. Good solid well built vehicle.

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  Comparable to the Jetta - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Lucas - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car rides smoothly.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ShaunD - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Sport Trak Premium on May 30th and have been impressed with the features to date. This truck was the right truck for me since I needed the truck bed for hauling items that would not have fit in the interior of a regular SUV but I didnt need the 5 1/2- 8 bed on Fords truck line. The instrument panel is an attractive feature that only serves to highlight the fact that this is a functional vehicle. Not flashy, but functional. Normal acceleration seems a little slow when leaving the stoplight but the acceleration is very smooth and quiet from what I have noticed.

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By boater - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent and practical-many creative features allowing comfort and practical usage --for the person who wants the best of both worlds-SUV and pickup-all in one.

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  Ford Guy for 45yrs - 2003 Ford F-150
  By TDMAC - July 16 - 10:00 am

  5.4 V8 really cranks up. After 45yrs of driving Ford cars, vans, P.U.s, this Super Crew is the top performer and a great handling package. As an ex racer, I drive the wheels off this truck. But the General Grabber AW tires are AWful and squeal from bad traction, almost dangerous in rain. With good tires (BFG T/A Radial type) I will out drive most. Interior is great and with a bed cover, I carry anything and everything.

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  One Tough Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Happy Consumer - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the way it looks inside and out. Very Rugged; just what you expect a truck to be.

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  Much better, our first was 2000 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ward - July 15 - 5:00 am

  Great improvement all around, our first focus was a 2000 wagon. Especially in body fit and finish. All interior functions feel much higher in quality also. We love the economy and room inside. Better than all the other wagons we looked at.

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  A great vehicle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By vrod - July 14 - 11:06 pm

  It is nice to have a vehicle that has such great fuel economy and is so versatile. Ive read the review that says it lack powers but I disagree , it has plenty of power, and is a great wagon (small SUV).

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  Great for the price! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Foci1 - July 14 - 8:53 pm

  Leasing the 05 ST. Good car, fun to drive. Sure there are better cars out there, but none with a lease as good as Fords.

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  Great car with major design flaw! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ray Thompson - July 14 - 4:53 pm

  Most people wont care about this, but there is a design flaw in the Flex. I ordered one and felt the vehicle was ideal for me in most ways. Im very tall and the headroom and legroom are exceptional. Which is great, except for the fact that a tall person (Im 67") cannot comfortably drive this vehicle! Because it lacks a telescoping steering column, even my long arms are at full extension with no bend at the elbows. This became uncomfortable even during a short drive; during a long trip it would be unbearable.