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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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Anicia - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Cant beat the Focus for the money. An affordable fun to drive sedan we can live with. Great perfomance and handling. Comfortable seating for 4.

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  i love my focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By godsblondeangel - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ford focus is the best car that i have had, i am in love with my focus ..

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  Nice fun ride - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Roger Parlett - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a truck before. My Ranger is surprisingly quiet and peppy. I got the super cab and the extra doors are a big plus for putting items inside for protection. There are little features like cup holders and storage pockets I did not expect. I got the 4.0 engine to pull my boat-the fuel economy could be a little better. get the 3.55 axle if you care about fuel economy.

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  I love my Ranger Edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By AnikaSevenOfNine - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Ranger Edge and I love it. The only drawback is that it sucks up gas every time it passes a gas station. Other than that one little flaw, its a wonderful truck.

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  Small ideas to help improve vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tlstitch - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love this vehicle and would purchase it again. There are a few comfort items that could be adjusted.

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  Fun While It Lasted - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By drmithra - March 22 - 9:09 pm

  I loved the looks and had to have one. No sunroof offered, no climate control available, no factory nav, no MP3 dock, I didnt care. Ripping to redline had its own reward. Two years later a third child, a rattling dash and $3 gas made me realize this isnt a car for a long term relationship. To get 300hp for so little money corners must be cut. I still love the car on weekends, but commuting realities mean Im trading it in. Goodbye, well always have Paris.

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  Great Truck - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Awesome truck - March 22 - 8:24 pm

  Weve only had it for about 4 years but it has always been reliable. Will tow anything. The 5.0 v8 is powerful but drinks gas. Repairs are rare and are easy to fix.

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  I must have the lemon - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By T-Bird RN - March 22 - 9:56 am

  I love my T-bird. Felt like the queen of the road. But recently have been having problems one day out of no where it overheated, 3 engine fans gone bad, then transmission leaking it was rebuilt. just the other day driving down the road felt like I was going over rumble strips car bucking took it back for check up, seems when they had it on the road test could find anything. I guess it did not act up for them. Suggested could be torque converter and to bring it back when it happens all the time. I thought ford was built tough. I have 6 other Ford vehicles with over 200 thousand miles and no transmission or engine problems. What happened to the T-Bird?

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  Pig On Gas - 2004 Ford F-150
  By DaveN - March 22 - 2:33 am

  I bought this truck in Feb 05. I like everything about it. Great looks, style, ride and comfort. However the gas mileage is terrible. Its rated @ 15 city and 19 hwy. I got an average between 12 and 13 mpg until summer and using the A/C. I now average 11 to 11.5. Living in South FL with high gas prices this was a terrible choice for me. If fuel economy is a concern dont buy this truck. If style, ride and comfort are whats most important this is the truck to buy. Im trading it in this weekend for a Honda CR-V and 24 mpg.

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  Good portability - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mike - March 21 - 4:46 pm

  I bought the Escape in 06 to replace my 04 full size Sierra. Hoping to save on gas. Well I do a little bit but not as much as they claimed I would. Being a carpenter I needed something I can pack full of tools. I can do that pretty easliy with the Escape. I love how I can basically eliminate the rear seats altogther to create that flat bed back there. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper that dosnt hold up well to cold weather or minor bumps. At 63,000 miles its is now making a "drive line whine" is what the dealers say it is and its nothing to worry about. So thats kinda annoying. The gas tank is very annoying as well as I find myself having to hold the pump the entire time.