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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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By srr7sk8r - May 9 - 12:25 am

  This truck is now 10 years old and I have owned it for 3 years. It is still reliable everyday and beats the style of the new F-150s by far. The Tritin V8 delivers 210hp and the lariat towing package is a class 3 so i have never had any problems towing anything. Plent of room for up to 6 in the cabin, unlike most tundras. F-150 is all around great american truck, wish they still made them like this. Only improvement would be gas mileage.

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  My car is nothing but fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By AznInAmerica - May 8 - 10:54 am

  I love my baby! Its been good to me but there are some things that kinda stink. Like the manufacturers rotors were worn out after only a few months of driving, and the fact that the ignition had to be replaced because it never wanted to turn. But other than that I love it! Its roomy on the inside, yet small and cute on the outside. If its someones first car, I would definitely recommend it!

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  Go Topless - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rockman - May 8 - 2:19 am

  The 2004 Anniversary Convertible is the way to go to celebrate your mid life crisis. The styling is sleek and the sonic blue is a classly color with twin 10" silver bumper to bumper stripes. The V-6 has more than enough power and the automatic shifts extremely smooth. The convertible top is quiet at highway speeds and is so simple to raise and lower. The bucket seats are firm and there is enough leg room and head room. Forget about the back seats being comfortable, they are there for looks only, not for carrying passengers. But, heck, the Stang is for having fun for two. The interior is well designed and controls are easy to reach and use. The fit and finsh is better than some more expense car

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  Bring it On. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By The_Creeper - May 8 - 12:33 am

  To start with Cobra is not a Mustang. My neighbors 2002 Corvette learned that lesson on the open highway. I wish I would have had this car in my early 20s and single..come to think of it, I probably dont. A thrill everytime you turn the key, add my roll bar and Saleen cover and this one turns every head I pass. Good ride considering the type of car, great and fun to drive, Too much low end torque...it just bounces when you get on it. Have had a minor problem with gas guage not moving much until a half a tank, then disappearing in 50 miles. Dollar for dollar, I do not think anything touches it.

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  Its falling apart on me - 2001 Ford Escape
  By runnergirl - May 7 - 10:12 pm

  I love the way this car looks and the way it drives. The problem I have it that its falling apart, literally. Ive replaced 2 stereos, 4 sensors, 1 sunroof motor and still need work done. The leather is peeling off 3 of 4 doors, my sunroof now has a leak, the motor is dying on the sunroof again, the front passenger door doesnt open from the outside and the tailgate only opens when it feels like it. Very frustrating when Ive got a load of groceries and the tailgate wont open.

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  A great car, and Ill miss her - 1993 Ford Escort
  By ohmless - May 6 - 12:31 am

  I recently had to give up my Escort for a newer vehicle, but not without some reluctance. I purchased my Escort 4D Hatchback in September of 2003 and it proved to be one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. I drive some serious miles for work and recreation, and aside from a few minor problems over the three and a half years I owned it, it was always reliable and got me to where I needed to go. I did have some problems with the tires and tie rods (which Ive heard is a common Escort problem) and anti-freeze would leak from time to time (also another common Escort problem), but I never had to deal with any major mechanical problems.

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  I escaped to an Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By mmason - May 5 - 11:10 pm

  Got rid of my big ole gas guzzling F-150, but did not want to go back to a car. I like the cabin room, and cargo room of an SUV, but also with gas prices the way they are wanted something that was fairly decent on gas. The new somewhat redesigned 2008 Escape caught my attention! It has a little bit stronger, more masculine exterior look to it, which I like! Most important is the better fuel economy. My F-150 had a 27 gallon tank, Ouch! The interior design is a little plain but very roomy. Its very fun to drive! I think I made a wise decision. I also got a cheaper truck note when I got the Escape. Thats always nice too.

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  Still Happy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jd - May 5 - 4:11 pm

  Just coming up to 50,000 miles, not much to complain about. Still have original tires and brakes on the vehicle. Needs a little more refinement on the inside. The 2007 took care of that otherwise still happy.

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  3 Years & Counting @ 40k miles - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Chelly1&2 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Im back-Last review done 3/02. Ive had this car now through heat and cold, hard and easy driving & I still love it! 5-speed manual with enough pep so long as the A/C is off. MPG varies dep. on how hard your driving it & if A/C is on. peppy, hugs the curves, comfortable long range hwy driver. not so great in bumper to bumper, but what stick is? Economical upkeep if you do as youre supposed to. Check out www.teamfocus.us for more info! FUN! FUN! FUN!

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  Ford Mustang LX Conv 5.0L - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By JD - May 4 - 11:06 pm

  This has been an absolutely great car. I am the original owner. I am ready for a new car but am having trouble giving this one up! If only Ford could resurrect the H.O. 5.0 in this format again!