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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  People Mover - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By bnawrocki - January 7 - 12:59 am

  Sturdy vehicle. Large V6 is a must. Dual A/C is a must on EXT. Very durable. After 130,000 miles steering was tighter than Chevy sedan and Yukon. Comfortably seats 7 Adults. Ext Allows luggage room for our 6 person family and cooler etc.

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  Ford F-150 4.9 Long Bed - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Elidefoe - January 7 - 12:27 am

  Bought this truck with 208000 miles and had just had the clutch replaced. Put a new battery and starter, did a tune up and this truck always starts and never lets me down. With over 222000 miles now no problems and expect this truck to last me 5 more years. Best 1500 dollars I have ever spent on a car.

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  OUTSTANDING TRUCK! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FFRoss - January 6 - 9:10 pm

  The 2004 Explorer Sport Trac is fun to own and fun to drive. Very good styling inside and out. 4 foot bed extending to 6 foot with bed extender is a nice option. Power rear window is very nice.

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  Good SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Michelle M - January 6 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Escape in 2003 with 8,000 mi on it. Its now 2009 with only 70,000 mi on it. I keep up great maintaince on it. I have made several minor repairs on it until recently. The spring broke in the gear shift, so you have to mess with the gear shift when you put in park so you can get the key out. I had to replace the IAC motor, new spark plugs, stabilizer bar and link. Replace a lifter and cam shaft. This was very expensive. I still like it though. Im thinking on buying a new one. I just hope they have improved.

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  Sorry to see it go - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By sorrytoseeitgo - January 6 - 6:34 pm

  Had 17000 miles when we bought it, now has 200000+. This has been a great van. Normal wear and tear repairs. It has been one of the most reliable cars Ive had. Although itd probable be just fine, long trips on high mileage makes me nervous with a family. Someone is going to get a great used van at 200000+. Will probably keep it in the family!

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  Red Coupe/White Stripes - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Got One! - January 6 - 11:06 am

  If you have one of these beasts, you fall in love with it at first sight and it just gets better after that. Performance is next to none. Comparisons with the Z06 are a joke as this cars collectors status will be here long after the Z06s are in the junk yard. I was literally blown away by the power this thing generates right off the assmbly line. I cant imagine what some after market mods will do. I was one of the lucky ones who got mine at MSRP, but I can tell you that even at 1$0-15K over, I think its worth the investment.

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  Great family vehicle! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Papa - January 5 - 7:49 pm

  I bought this truck at just under 19,000 miles in April 2008. We had upgraded from a Toyota Corolla because our family was growing. We love everything about this truck! Its stylish, roomy (7 passengers), handles extremely well (Overdrive kicks in great when needed). Everyone has nothing but good things to say about it. Its perfect for my family of 5 with lots of room for babys XL stroller and the kids bags. I hope the next few years are good to me since this is my first major vehicle purchase. So far so good!

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  Would recommend to anyone - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Catrina - January 5 - 11:00 am

  I really enjoy owning this vehicle. It has great acceleration when needed and a very smooth ride. The interior has clean lines and is very comfortable. The gauges are easy to read. The gasoline savings in downtown traffic are great.

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  what an improvement!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By zitro - January 5 - 10:53 am

  i own a 2002 mustang 6 cylinder and decided to do ahead and trade it in for a 2005 v-6. what a difference!! everything that was wrong with the 2002 was fixed with the 2005. smooth ride, precise handling, refined engine that provides powerfulk acceleration, much better than the 2002 powertrain. thye body style is much sexier, and build quality is up noticeably. after 17000 miles, imcluding some racing, i have no reliablilty problems whatsoever. i highly recomend this car, and i wil probably also try the GT!!

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  Pony Cant be corralled - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By PFAChief - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking at the GT Convertible for some time. Just got out of a 4 cylinder Honda. What a difference! This car rocks!!! I have the torch red with black top and black interior. GA Dawg fan with the car to match. Power to burn handling is amazing. This is a true American Muscle Machine. I bought mine with 1,400 miles so got the deal of the century. Lucky to be 40 and get the 40th anniversary pony car. Nothing rivals it.