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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  Transmission problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By lambdds1 - September 25 - 6:20 am

  Have had numerous problems with transmission.

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  Ford Focus 03 dohc - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ed Dickinson - September 23 - 6:10 pm

  Drove car off show room, never had a problem, except normal maintenaince. The car needs more power, a min.of 190hp to 210hp. The lack of power is a big draw back wth the Ford Focus.

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  This isnt a rental car anymore! - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - September 22 - 11:34 pm

  Wow, what an improvement over the old jellybean style Taurus that lived only at rental car fleets and some taxi fleets! Its beautiful to look at, angular but not like a CTS, rounded but nothing like the old one. It has presence and attracts looks, something other than the 1986 Taurus couldnt do. A VAST improvement over my last Ford, a Mercury Mistake, err, Mystique with the disappearing transmission. Well done Ford!

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  MPGs - 2004 Ford Escape
  By doogster - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this truck for 6 days nows - I drove 339 miles on my 1st tank of gas and it was spread out evenly between hwy & cty miles. The reason I got the 5-speed manual 4cyl was for the "estimated" 28MPG. I can tell you I drive my vehicles very easy and I never "jack-rabbit" start. I ALWAYS get more then the estimated top end gas mileage but, this first tank of gas yielded me only 24.8 MPG. I was VERY UPSET! I hope that this is because the truck is new and will have to break in... but I cant imagine that is the case. Other than that. The truck rides nicely and with all the rebates I got out of there with a brand new truck for $15,300. Not too bad.

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  Ragtop Pony for Momma - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Pony Mom - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After turning 40, Momma decided she wanted to pick out her own car. She chose a ragtop 40th anniversary pony. She didnt want the GT so she chose the Premium edition convertible, black top, black paint, black leather. The car drives great but after driving a GT demo while waiting for this vehicle to come in - well theres really no comparison - power wise! However, this is a great car for mom to drive to work and back and around town!

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  fast fast fast - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mikaman - September 22 - 10:00 am

  pure power best mustang ever for the price

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  Love it - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By brodeur2002 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  So far ive driven the car 1,000 miles and all I can say is that the car has plenty of power for a V6 and overall is one of the best cars ive ever purchased. THe interior has been around since 1994, which is a very long time, but Ive never owned a mustang before, so its like brand new to me. Its fast, reliable, and for the price its definitely worth it.

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  Never buy Ford again! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Repoman - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Truck sucks, never by American made vehicle again! Always buy foreign. Ford cant even fix this one!

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  Medium Wedgewood Blue Lariat Supercrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Uncle Fetzer - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 04 Screw Lariat 4x4 since September and love it. The truck looks great in the Medium Wedgewood Blue/Arizona Beige two-tone. When I first bought the truck I had the only one in my area (SE Oklahoma) for a couple months and it was like being a celebrity. People stared, wanted to set in/look at my truck and I had very favorable responses. The ride is great, the truck is very quiet and it seems like a Lincoln. The only downside is fuel mileage. I started out getting about 13 mpg (city/hwy) but at 9,800 miles its up to 16 mpg. Basically, its a great truck!

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  Great reliable SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By deb - September 22 - 9:31 am

  Ive had this Explorer for almost 3 yrs without any problems except for one minor problem with the cd player..the cd got stuck in it...they fixed it for me immediately with no charge. Actually I love this car but because of the poor gas mileage I am going to get something else when my lease expires. The pickup is great,good brakes and good road feel. I feel very safe in this car.