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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  2005 Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mbeery1 - May 4 - 11:16 pm

  Bar none one of the best vehicles ever owned. Some quality issues early on, but taken care of by dealer. Interior with heated seats has button located to left of driver seat that trips on when entering/exiting vehicle, not fun in summer. If youre looking for truck/luxury combo you found it with this vehicle. Stereo outstanding, I added XM Satellite which makes longer trips enjoyable. Sound quality superb! One of a kind vehicle for 2005. Check out the new 2007 models, could be worth the wait.

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  nice van - 2006 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By DON - May 4 - 1:06 pm

  I ordered this van in white after trading in the same 05 that was a dark color and could not be driven without the a/c on if the temp. was above 75 degrees outside. For a big van it handles tight. It doesnt sag on turns. It bounces a lot with no weight in it. Acceleration is so-so. I was most impressed by its braking speed. Very easy to steer but bad turning radius. Cloth seats very comfortable. Gas mileage is about 11 mpg downhill (but it is so big inside you only have to make 1 trip). Premium Plus cd stereo is awesome. Windshield needs sun visor. Body integrity is bulletproof. Interior visors and knobs flimsy. Factory window tint should be darker. Nice van, fun to drive, always feel like Im touring!

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  2005 STX - 2005 Ford F-150
  By William - May 4 - 12:13 pm

  Going from my 2002 F150 XL to the 2005 STX felt like a big step up. It feels good to drive: feels heavy, solid and quiet. Handles great in the snow. On the down side, the pickup is not very good with the 4.6 V8; at least not as good as my 02 was with a 5 speed and 4.2 V6.

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  Lightning Sort of Fast - 2002 Ford F-150
  By SVT 03 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I good buy. i got mine for 26,00 bcause i am an engineer in the Special Vehicles Team at Ford and i also have a 2003 svt cobra. When i brought it home for the first time i decided just to go and drive some more i just didnt want to stop so i drove for about 2 hours on the coast.

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  Buy something different - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Lee Vines - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I will not buy another Windstar unless I read reviews that tell me otherwise. We have spent too much repairing this used vehicle since purchasing less than one yr. ago. Intake system ( $600). Rack and Pinion???($650.) Vacuum lines ($150.) Now the passenger window will not roll up and and it acts like it is going to cut out while idling. Same symptoms as when we spent money on intake system.

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  More Problems...... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Big Rob - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This focus is bad. Love the styling and cornerig capabilities. But DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH OUT A WARRANTY!!!! My heater core has broke twice, and I also had a new transmission put at 36,000. I am at 42,000 now and its starting to go out again. Geez I hope Ford gets these mistakes fixed. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty

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  Would not but another - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By swinslow - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had nothing but troubles with the fuel system since I bought it. Have been unable to resolve problems after about 10 service trips. Car stalls out constantly in hot weather.

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  Great car, worth taking the time to consider - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By geobf - May 4 - 5:17 am

  Very happy with the car after 2200 miles and averaging 44 MPG in a mix of highway and city during my normal commute. Think of the car as a mini-minvan - some cargo capacity (not a ton without dropping the back seat) but a solid commuter vehicle. Will run on electric power up to about 65 MPH. Cute efficiency monitor to train you on best MPG. Driving over 70 will run engine all the time for lowest MPG. Definitely shop for the base SE model - much better deal and the manual cloth seats work just fine. I avoided the MyTouch radio and glad I did. Replaced an Escape hybrid so I knew about driving a hybrid but no problems with learning how to keep it on electric often.

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  Uncomfortable Seats/Poor Gas Mileage - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Christine - May 3 - 11:13 pm

  I have been driving my Escape for 6 months and I just cant escape the fact that the seats are hard as rocks and are very uncomfortable. Ford needs to go back to the drawing board and take some hints from other manufacturers (Honda, Volvo). The only saving grace is that Im in my vehicle for a few minutes a day (2 mile commute). Trips of an hour or more and Im miserable. Just for the record I bought a Limited with every option (premium leather seats w/ heat). The gas mileage is poor (onboard computer says Im getting 15.4 mpg). I have to use Premium gas to keep engine from pinging after working with the dealer. After only 6 months I will probably start looking for something else.

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  Out The Park - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Peaceout - May 3 - 9:06 pm

  We took ownership of our limited silver loaded up Flex on July 10, 2008. My wife and I have four children 5yrs, 4yrs, 2yrs, and new born. We had to go to a third row vehicle and I was excited about the vehicle and validated the excitement once it finally hit the lot. The exterior style is superb and distinctive. The cabin is pure luxury, comfort, and functional. The drive is very relaxing and fun. This is a cruising machine built for comfort including the tight drive, cabin, interior materials, lighting, very quiet interior, and Sony surround sound is excellent. This vehicle delivers for my family. Congratuations Ford, you have just flexed your muscle.