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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  SAVE YOURSELF!!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Depressed - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a used Focus in early November 2002. By Thanksgiving, it was in the shop for a belt, plugs and wires. By Christmas it needed a new steering rack. (Can I just say no car with less than 150K miles needs a new STEERING RACK???) I fear what will happen next with this car. Also, the car has ABSOLUTELY NO VALUE once you drive it off the lot -- three long, long months of ownership has devalued the car by nearly $4000. Now I cant even trade the thing away. Gas mileage is nothing special - I expected more from a car this small. Overall, I should have kept my 95 Nissan Pick- up. They have about the same gas mileage, and I would still have 4WD.

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  My "cop car" - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By espici - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Im 510", 165 lbs, slim, and find it difficult getting into and out of the car. I also have trouble reaching the dash-mounted radio and climate control dials/buttons. R/W defroster control difficult to find. Tranny dipstick difficult to access.

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  just what I needed - 2001 Ford F-150
  By flyingart - June 29 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a full size truck that has room for six full size adults and want to park it inside your garage this is the 1. Comfortable and lots of leg room througout.

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  Ford tough - 2002 Ford F-150
  By DavidS827 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  After researching, driving and comparing almost every 4 door truck on the market I found that the F150 Screw couldnt be beat. I have had it for almost a year and havent had one problem. I couldnt be happier with it and HIGHLY recommend it.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jrl - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Expedition. The 97 went 51K flawless miles. I hated to trade it in until I drove the 2003. It has great power (5.4L), super comfort and capacity and great workmanship. Safety improvements alone justified the switch (Advancetrac, side curtains, side airbags, radar backup). Consumer Reports rendered itself obsolete with its biased review. The supposedly top- rated Honda Pilot is nowhere in this league or class.

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  expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By scott raynor - June 29 - 2:00 am

  this truck for the price and style is best in its class.

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  FORD NEVER AGAIN - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Priest Miles - June 29 - 2:00 am

  98 ford explorer sport bought it with 22K miles after 3 years nearly $5K plus in dealer maintainence charges and 5 months after a complete tune-up at Merchants the car needs a new engine at 83K miles. Yeap never going near a FORD EVER again

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  Windstar is Bad News - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mike Harper - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is the wordt vehicle I have ever owned. Ford has really designed and built a stinker and will not stand behind this piece of junk.

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  New Mustang Buyer - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By internetke - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Highly reliable. Only a few minor problems in the first 15K miles. Fun to drive, great for long and short trips.

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  Great fun car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By thedutt - June 29 - 2:00 am

  you cannot get a faster more fun convertible car for less than 80Gs...