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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  Built to last - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By blackbetty - November 22 - 11:26 am

  I have a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT single cab. It currently has 253,000 miles on it. In the nearly two years I have owned her she has never broken down, she has continued to outlast. I used to own a 98 Chevy S-10 and by far the 95 Ranger out performs the Chevy line. After 253,000 miles she still gets 26 mpg highway. I look forward to many years to come with my favorite truck

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  Great Ford - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By bas - November 22 - 11:04 am

  Great car. No problems so far. Good fuel economy. Responsive engine with 5 speed manual. Handling is superb. Why waste several thousand more on a Toyota or Honda?

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By long island guy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, good legroom. 4X4 works great in the snow. great fit and finish.

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  The rest are gone, but the pony thunders - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BLW - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Even though the platform is old Ford kept the "car" current. Mustang is and always will be more than a car. It is an icon to a lifestyle that Americans, both young and old, still want to hold on to. Long live the "pony car".

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  my ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By angela obrien - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle that i ever bought. It is big, comfortable. I love my truck...

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  A great compact SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By LILG410 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  It is the perfect size-- compact enough for the petite driver yet roomy enough for the average male.

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  bettys truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By chock and kk - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this truck.The 500 miles I put on this vehicle have been on pavement and dirt,the truck runs perfectly and the ride even on dirt roads is a breeze.Ilove it.Also fit and finish were very good,the only draw back is when backing up for a short person like my self its hard to see behind the truck so be careful and buy the back up warning device

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  2003 Ford Expedition Rocks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FordExpeditions - November 21 - 8:34 pm

  We love the vehicle. We have a family of 6 plus pets and its got plenty of room for all. Rear air started making a noise at 68K miles, but otherwise its been a very reliable vehicle. Well miss this vehicle when its time to trade.

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  Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - November 21 - 2:56 am

  This car is awesome! I am a former Taurus lover and was a bit skeptical at first, however I simply love this car!

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  Great Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Mechanic - November 21 - 12:29 am

  I have the XL with the XL decor group and auto transmission, limited slip rear end and sliding rear glass. This is the perfect base truck. It is well built and designed, and rides like a cadillac. Gas mileage in town has been as high as 19 which is as good as the Hyundai Accent I replaced was getting. The 10% ethanol blends have not negatively affected mileage like it seems to do with other engines. (straight gas is not available in my state) Plenty of power for a V6. Visibilty is great. The standard features and built in quality are well thought out for a truck