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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  2007 Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By mac0s9user - May 27 - 5:37 pm

  Overall not a bad truck. Great off-road with the limited slip differential. Manual trans does well with no slippage. Body is okay but a little to much plastic for my personal liking.

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  Problem Solver - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SEVEREBEAGLE - May 27 - 11:40 am

  My lease is finally over! I really enjoyed this wanna be truck, too bad the gas mileage was not great. 16 mpg on a good week of city driving. I wish the new 2009 was out but not at the dealer yet. Two things need to improve, the gas mileage and the small compartments in the bed should be waterproof and with locks of some kind. I am really gonna miss this one.

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  Ford truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By billblack - May 24 - 1:53 pm

  I enjoy driving my truck but I wish the gas mileage was better.

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  Because I can! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By kirstelles - May 22 - 2:00 am

  With 2 young children/2 car seats, this is our best bet yet! It has all of the room we need to carry extra passengers plus our do-it-yourself projects. It is easy to drive, park and back up. My only suggestion: measure your garage before you buy. We have an oversized garage but many garages cant fit it! One mini-van driver asked sarcastically asked why I drive such a big tank? I replied..."Because I can!" We dont put much mileage on it so fuel economy wasnt a concern. Well worth the $$ and we are very happy!

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  somewhat happy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ford man - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a great family vehicle. The exterior look sold me on the purchase. The Eddie Bauer has many cool features, and the dvd system is great for the kids. The brake dust on the front tires sucks, and I could have done without the advance trac.

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  2004 F150 Supercrew Lariat 4X4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jazuanich - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive just turned 1,500 miles and so far the ownership experience has been great. Ive owned many Fords in the past; the new F150 is a real improvement. Kudos to Ford. If they can put this little "porker" on a diet, they will have a real hit on their hands. The car is built solid, with no interior rattles.

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  Not bad - could be better - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Howard - May 21 - 1:46 pm

  Bought this car used in 2001. Have had only minor repair issues. Engine is powerful even when fully loaded and has been flawless. Great for hauling people, not stuff. Back seats dont fold down for additional storage room. They just sit there like lumps on a log. Not the nimblest at handling either.

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  A few problems, overall satisfied - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Hound - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Like the cool looking 2001 body (hate the 2002) Fun to drive, but seat back is uncomfortable on long rides, needs to be more ergonomic (SP?). One year into ownership, it overheated on very short trips. Mechanic said he is seeing a lot of bad thermostats on the v6s. At 32,000 miles now, noticed a very slight delay in upshifting and a small loss of power. Dealer said everything OK. (Will be, Im sure until warrenty runs out). Large cargo area ideal to have have a lunchtime quickie with girlfriend at work. Hey, you have to think of these things.

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  Great deal, but rife with rust! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Krakenbound - May 21 - 7:30 am

  For the price, this car cant be beat, if you value the same things I value, which are 5 speed performance, hatch back functionality, clean and modern interior, low maintenance, and reasonable gas mileage. The 5 speed is very quick. The handling is very good. The tires stick well, work great in the rain, and arent too noisy. The interior has clean lines, functional controls, and good shades of grey. The seats are well designed, firm, and very comfortable for my 510", 240lb body. (my 52", 110lb girlfriend likes them too!)

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  Best Car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By thunder8 - May 20 - 8:09 am

  When I need to cruise its my joyride. The smooth ride down the road makes it very comfortable and when I want to race somebody the power is there.