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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  4dr,2wd 4.6l - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Chapman - January 28 - 10:00 am

  The SUV handles very well on the road. It feels like a smaller SUV, but with the room we needed .

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  EAT MY DUST, PORSCHES!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By 5150SNK (CrazySnake) - January 28 - 10:00 am

  At 6 4", the world is built at 3/4 scale for me, but I can actually get reasonably comfortable in my SVT coupe. Im practically sitting in the back seat with it all the way back, and even with 38" sleeves, I can barely reach the shifter. Nonetheless, it still has excellent headroom, and its more comfortable than my friends $250K 575 Maranello Ferrari. It fact, I pulled up to a (rare) fellow 03 Cobra driver, and he said he liked it better than his other car, a Porsche. Launches are awesome. The tranny, the same as in the Z06, Viper and Aston-Martin DB-7, sounds like its got sand in it - a common complaint. And if you want good mileage, get a KIA.

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  Ford E350 XLT V10 Super Duty Wagon - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Joe Brooks - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for alomst a year and a half. I am currently (10/8/02) selling it on Ebay because I am "udgrading" to a diesel Excursion. This van is perfect for everyday driving and when its time to pull a BIG (9500 pounds) load, it is there for you with the V10. I would still keep this van if I could afford it. Overall, I would rate it an 8.

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  It moves a bunch of people or stuff - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By RayM - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have 5 kids, so the minivan was not an option. This is a tank - I have a 7.3L diesel engine in mine, which should run for a few 100,000 miles. It is great for long trips, but not something that you want to use to run back and forth to the grocery store. Take out the seats and it will carry almost anything. It does not have all the nice touches of the luxury mini- vans - it is a bus. I have not had any mechanical problems. The fit and finish are not great - since I traded in an acura on this van it took a little getting uses to the molded plastic doors and loose fitting pieces.

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  Was in love - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Ca Native - January 26 - 2:52 am

  Even though I had an idea that the MPG would be far less than I would like, it was like going from the ridiculous to the sublime. Around town I average 12/14MPG, Highway, 15/16MPG no load. I pulled a 23 Travel trailer for 6000 Mi. and averaged 9MPG! That little trip coast us $2,000.00! Power from the 5.4L, V-8 is not that good at all on the climbs with trailer...the flat is fine. While I might consider the F- Series truck again, it would be Diesel powered. This truck has been very reliable. Ride quality is much better than a GM product. GM has the power and now MPG edge. JCH

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  Just the facts - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Ron Bernstein - January 25 - 3:20 am

  I ordered in December. from a dealer that had no allocation. Re-ordered in April, finally arrived June. Top ripped around window, factory just replaced. The A/C was better (colder) in my 2000. No inside glove box truck release. Why only 1 rear window switch for both. The key rubs your leg (should be higher). Shaker 1000 not worth the money, besides eats trunk space. Quiet, fast, good looking; no doubt this car is a classic. Even with the faults, where could you buy a better car for the money? Headlights are great for the back roads. Backseat not bad in a pinch.This car stands out in a crowd.

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  Most reliable automobile I have owned - 1998 Ford F-150
  By onceamarine - January 24 - 4:57 pm

  I bought my F150 in 2001 and now 7 years later I am still happy with it. I have not had any major repairs to mess with, and it shows no sign of needing any in the near future. It gets truck mpg, which stinks for any truck owner these days. The paint and body still look great. Only having three doors means I am going to have to sell it soon, with kid #2 on the way. I am sure going to miss it, and will be buying a newer 4 door F150.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike Summers - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this car after I put $120 of gas in my truck and said enough is enough. The car has met all my expectations that I had for the small car. Im 62" and I recently took a day trip and it wasnt bad but I believe it wasnt built for me. I paid $13,650 drive out with no trade-in. I believe buying cars at the end of the month is best. This is my sixth new Ford I have purchased since 1976 and I will continue to by their products. I have checked two tanks fulls of gas for mpg and I have gotten over 33 mpg from both tanks. Its probably 75% highway and 25% around town.

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  New 2004 SUV Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ford 2004 SUV - January 23 - 6:53 pm

  We brought this new 2004 SUV Sport in white with trim, and let me tell you we are very satisfied. 4.0, 6 cyl. It retailed at $35,000 and walked off the dealership just paying $25,000. (We brought it on New Years Day of 2005) Seats 7. Not a lot of room in the back for groceries but you can get by. Our two toddlers sit in the 2nd row. Ford has put a lot of value into this SUV. We checked other SUVs and they were way too expensive. Ford safety record on this vehicle rated high according to the NHSTA. Not the greatest on gas, but with it being NEW the gas is going B+. The oil filter is easy to get to. I recommend you get it with the Leather seats. Leather seats are the best to buy. My wife loves it!

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  Better than basic transportation - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By keepitsimple - January 23 - 12:05 pm

  This car was from a rental fleet, so it came with some mileage and wear on the seats. The only real wear problem we had with the car was the cloth seats. It was a very peppy engine, nice styling (we had the rear spoiler and alloy wheels), and sound, controls...all good. The biggest problem with the handling was U- turns. The turning radius ridiculous for that size car. I say "was" about this car because my wife totalled it this week. She went to sleep on the interstate and smashed the passanger side front into a hillside. The rearend swung around and smashed on the driver side. The passenger compartment survived almost without damage. Impressive. She walked away almost unhurt!