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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  best truck ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jwill - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest truck i have ever driven.

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  best mustang ever - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By karl2771 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  love the sound of the supercharger when you get a heavy right foot. with only 12000 car a year you dont really see too many on the road. my price of 35,000 for the comvertable, good luck finding a better performer anywere near the price.

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  bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By gism - November 4 - 2:00 am

  with out a doubt the mustang gt conv is the best fun for the money. great looks and great sounding v-8 power with some grunt to it. no problems and no other vehicle for under 30k can come close to this. certainly not any of the v-6 or 4 banger front drivers. the mustang gt will run circles around them and still hold 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk

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  Fantastic Vehicles!!! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Love Ford Trucks - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Had to respond to the last post. Ridiculous!!! On our Second Expedition. 97 XLT 100,000 miles, not one problem!! 2000 EB 36000, not one problem! Ps. try towing anything other than lawn cart with a japenese SUV

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  ILL TAKE TWO - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ken - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I have bought 16 cars and this is by far the most car for the money. It has never been to the shop, handles great and looks good. A little more low end torque and it would be perfect. That didnt stop my wife and I from buying her one too.

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  DO NOT READ EDITORS REVIEW FOR SVT!!!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By SVTease - November 2 - 10:00 am

  First off if you look at the reviews for the SVT FOcus they list the same info for the base Focus, which is a great car but nowhere near the level of the SVT. I just got mine a week ago and it is unbelievable. Shes fast, nimble and sexy. I cant believe how many people just stop and stare at this car. This car is the total package: styling, power, suspension, accessories (cd,leather,moonroof, etc), EVERYTHING!!!

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  Focus ZX3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bchicky - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the FocusZX3 in Nov of 2001 it has been a soso car, but when I went to have my oil changed at 6000 miles (not by ford) the shop told me my transmission was almost out of oil most likely because in production they barely put any in, they filled it up free of charge,im glad to I was taking a trip to Frisco that weekend and surely my transmission would have burned out. I owned a VKSBeetle before and that car had more power and better steering than this car. Overall I give it a 7

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Deborah Hill - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The only thing I could ask for would be more comfortable seats. Truly a great buy.

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  2001 Edge 4WD 4DR. - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jb3 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  i have the 4.o liter auto. with a gear ratio in the rear end for towing. this is a great combo. Great power and get up and go. Interior is very well thought out and fits my 6-3 frame very well with room to spare.

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  ford - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By forrest - November 2 - 10:00 am

  windshield wippers come on by themselves,vehcile pulls to right