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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  The best of both worlds - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TNTrac - March 26 - 6:46 pm

  I was tired of maintaining both a car to carry folks in and a truck to carry big things in, so I bought my Sport Trac almost three years ago. Its the vehicle of choice when the family gets together to go out or on vacation. Backseat riders say the backseat is as roomy or roomier than that of any car I have ever owned. I love the looks of a truck, and the Sport Trac lets me drive a car/SUV that looks like a truck. The small bed is sufficient for my needs, although I admit it may well not be for some folks. Also, I have noticed that the number of men and women who drive the Sport Tracs I see seem to be pretty equal, so the Sport Trac is in many ways a crossover vehicle.

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  Bite the Bullitt - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By JackDW - March 26 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased one or the special edition Bullitt Mustangs. What a fantastic car. Lack of emblems, no spoiler, black wheels, but the big pipes coming out of the back tells it all. Wanted a green metallic car and this is the only Mustang made in that color. Price is extremeley low for what you get and mileage much higher then expected (not great but higher then exected for this type of car). Anyone looking for a low price sports cars, check this one out. Hurry they are limited editions.

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  OK but fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By eric - March 25 - 10:15 pm

  The 2001 ZX3 is an OK car. I had one since the beginning and its been OK. This car balances out with a lot of trips to the dealer for fixes but pretty dang fun drive when you get it back. There is too much rattling inside at around 50,000 miles but everything still holds on strong. One thing I am very happy with is its performance on the highway. This car can somehow cruise at 85 miles an hour at only 3500 rpms! I get around only 20 miles a gallon at that speed but sometimes its worth it.

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  Versatile Vehicle - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By etx - March 25 - 5:33 pm

  This is the quietest vehicle we have driven. The vehicle has excellent cargo space. Third row seating is adequately comfortable. Sound is good. We are happy with the mileage. We have gotten over 24 mph on road trips. We are not happy with the myriad of heater/ac controls that are hard to see and control from the drivers seat; hard to remember and control from any seat.

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  Better than my 03 Silverado - 2006 Ford F-150
  By SBila71 - March 25 - 11:02 am

  Well, I bought this truck replacing my 2003 Silverado which gave me more problems than the 89 Silverado I sold. I bought my Ford used as a certified used truck and as of now I have no complaints. Its been on the road longer than the Silverado I bought brand new. I Like it a lot better than my Chevy, and it would have smoked my Chevy in a quarter mile with ease. It is true blue mettalic with the bottom quarter silver mettalic. It has everything I want in a full size truck and then some. The storage room could be better, but you could always get the Super Crew!

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  The most reliable Ford Ive ever owned! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Marz - March 24 - 2:49 pm

  I have never been a big fan of domestic vehicles due to previous problems. I have a 2003 Ford Expedition with FX4 package, 5.4L V8, captain chairs in the middle, 3rd row seating, skid plates and tube bars all factory parts. I currently have 120,000+ miles on this vehicle and never, not even once have I had any repairs done on this truck. It has truly been rock solid since the day that I bought it. My only complaint is the fuel economy but its expected. I have a large family so needed something this size. But all in all, this has been my fav SUV and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Love the car but having electrical issue - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By alex - March 24 - 9:30 am

  I really enjoy my Ford Freestyle. It is very sharp and comfortable to drive. It definitely has plenty of room with its creative design. However, I am having some battery or electrical problems. If I do not drive it within 13 or more hours the car will not have enough juice to turn over and the dash board and gadgets go crazy. After a jump the car will turn over and run fine. The dealer has replaced the factory radio. After a month the same problem is happening again. Now they have replaced the battery. I hope that this will do the trick.

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  focus automatic ? 2.0 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By tyim - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I once had a 01 model with a 5 speed, this auto is just as fun to drive and the the quality is so good compared to other cars I have had " neon,mustang,daewoo" to name a few. I would give it a second look, can so many europeans be that wrong ?

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  Look at me! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Iownafocus - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Focus was purchased because it looked like a "cute" car. Once we began driving the Focus, we realized it was more than just looks, it was small enough to fit into those tight parking spaces, yet has room inside for the crowd. The trunk, well its very impressive, we could fit 2 baskets full of groceries inside the trunk! Its so fun to have this car, and I am sure that you will agree.

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  Charlies Focus Review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Charlie Tuna - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Over all the Focus is an all around good car.