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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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SteveF - September 5 - 10:00 am

  A great handling SUV My first one , powerful and comfy

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  Reliable but boring - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ncstewart - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for four months and wish I hadnt jumped so quickly -- especially since I made the mistake of getting a 4x2 vs. a 4x4. I intended to trade in about 4 years anyway but with this latest rollover news, resale is going to be even more in the toilet.

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  Unfulfilling - 2000 Ford Focus
  By snabdangler - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought brand new, now at 118K, at the time there wasnt many options for a small wagon. Reliability has been AWFUL. O2 sensor is always malfunctioning ..check engine light can only be off for a week or so, learned to live with. Many expensive parts; ABS sensor, calipers, wiring, wheel bearings, front suspension. Now tranny starting to act weird, also many recalls have been tiresome (lost track, at least 10 of them). Perhaps Ford has worked out the problems, they now offer longer warantee, (we had 3 yr, 36k mile), but I dont appreciate paying to be a tester. Interior is cheap, stereo is cheap. Cup holders, WHO CARES? (they are bad though). Seats are like boards.

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  6Cyl Auto - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Mobile Detailer - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck specifically for pulling my work trailer. At around 3500 pounds w/ 2 tanks of water, the trailer was a bit much for my 3.0 6 Cyl. Ranger. The F150 Heritage and its torquey V6 pulls it with no problems. Towing on the highway ia a breeze. The 4 wheel ABS Disc Brakes work great, even with the weight. Great affordability and hey...Its a Ford.

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  Great first experience with a Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ben - September 4 - 9:23 am

  I just bought a 2007 Mustang V6, which is my first new car and a serious step up from my old beater. I absolutely love the way it looks and its a blast to drive. The interior looks great and is very comfortable, with only 2 exceptions. Having a manual tranny, I find the cupholders are not very good, and the car really need an overhead handle on the passenger side. Other than that the car is great. Its fun to drive, looks great and is still resonably roomy for a sports car.

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  Love this car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By stanger08 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and cool to have

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  Im amazed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gazings - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car expecting it to be full of problems - I got it cheap, so I could budget for repairs. Well, to my surprise, the car has been flawless. Ive put nearly 10K miles on it (total nearly 40K). I have all the previous records, and its only repair was a fuel pump (common issue I hear). Thats it! I cannot find any probems. It handles well, and has a very smooth quiet ride. The engine is powerful enough to make it fun to drive. I love having ABS and side airbags - it was hard finding a 5-spd ZX3 with those options, as well as all the power equipment.

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  fast - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 1973_Mach_1 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  good truck, lot of power on demand. i think it would run down anything on the road.

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  SUV that rides like a sports car - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Believer - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I get a smile everytime I get behind the wheel. A very fun vehicle to drive. Best of both worlds (SUV/Sports car handling). Simple inside, but truly nice. Comfort room is outstanding. For the price verses other full size SUVs you cant go wrong. Well worth every dollar.

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  Ranger Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By roldham123tx - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This being the first Ford Product that I have purchased, I must say that I am surprised by the quality of the vehicle. The Ranger Edge Plus is certainly far superior to GMs offering. The ride of the truck is somewhat rough, but then again this is no town car. The vehicle is underpowered with the 3.0L V6 and I would definetly recommend the 4.0L V6. Too bad a V8 option was not available as this would truly round out an otherwise wonderful light truck. The truck comes fairly well equipped in the Edge package and the layout of the vehicle is good. The seats need improvement as they are somewhat uncomfortable on trips lasting longer than 2 hours.