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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  My Dream Car - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By atk374 - November 27 - 8:42 am

  Had to wait 14 years to find my dream car but this is it. I wanted one when I graduated HS in 92 now I found one with 58,000 miles and in perfect condition. Great American car.

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  Ford XLS 2004 - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LawUser - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Took the truck with a lease and traded my 91 Bronco in for it with 2500 down. Got kinda hammered with the payments but I needed soemthing new and something that had lots of space inside since I have a large family of 5 to move around. Truck runs really well and handles snow as well as can be expected. It sometimes wants to bring the backend around when turning in the snow but I think this is due to the length and me driving a Bronco for all the years I did. Just gotta get used to it. Gas mileage is pretty low, 28 gallon tank and I get about 260 miles to the tank. Better than my Bronco so I enjoy it. LOL Overall a nice truck

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  Wind Noise - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mondo - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The wind noise is excessive. Ive had the sliding back window replaced twice and still problem exists. I cannot even listen to radio or carry on a normal conversation. I drive the truck 100 miles to work and back every day so it is very dissapointing. I bought the truck on Jan 1 and it has been in the shop three times. It also has a significant electrical burning smell the dealer tells me is typical. I think I got a lemon!

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  More than I expected - 2006 Ford Focus
  By JIDude - November 25 - 8:04 pm

  I wanted an inexpensive vehicle with decent mileage, handling and room enough for the wife and kid. This car is more than Id expected in terms of: vost, gas mileage, handling, acceleration and interior room. I think one cant go wrong for the price by buying this car.

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  Finally! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Leslie - November 25 - 5:38 pm

  I had been yearning for a Mustang for several years and finally realized that life was too short not to have it! I am now more in love with muscle cars than ever before and wish that I could have gotten the 8 cylinder (insurance wanted too much). Unfortunately, I do mostly NYC street driving to and from work 5 days/week. A real joy when I am driving around upstate NY. I never have to think twice about lane changes or pulling onto any highway. At first, it takes muscle to drive this cars stick. So much fun to break it in though. I got a lot of attention in 2005 when I first got the car. Best looking rear end on a car ever!

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  Good Commuter Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By blubyu - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 30,000 miles on it and it runs very well. Does not leak anything and drivers very tight with ice cold AC that does not drain power from the engine. Pretty good passing power for a 4 cylinder with an automatic. Comfortable to drive and easy to get in and out of.

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  good and bad - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Marc - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that I have bought and am more or less satisfied with what I have gotten. I think the exterior design is great and has not looked this good in years. On the other hand, the interior design is horrible and needs significant improvements and more aminities.

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  Awesome, but... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Azzi - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have a blue V6 automatic and am happy with its performance. The car is very reliable, it never coughs upon ignition, even in -20 C temperature. The acceleration, breaking and handling are all very good. However, I have had a number of electrical problems, (headlight, dome light) and the wipers got damaged in a heavy rain fall. The engine makes crackling/popping sounds after I turn off the car. The car makes squeaky noises when I drive at high speeds. Also, its very hard to drive in the winter - the Mustang fishtails like crazy. I just turned 25 and will be getting married soon, and I dont think I will buy another Mustang.

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  Looks Awesome Breaks Often - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Blaze659 - November 22 - 4:48 pm

  Interior/exterior awesome styling. Hand grabs great. Large mirrors allow you to change lanes easy. Head rests you can actually use. Upgraded stereo sound great. Seatbelt position on seat works outstanding. The flareside styling is awesome. Tires seem to be wearing very fast. There is a drivetrain rattle that is still not found. The 4 wheel drive system has gone out twice now. Modules the first time, now the the motor that engages the system is broken. The transmission slips a little. Only 19000 miles on truck.

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  Gas Mileage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Adam - November 22 - 1:38 pm

  This is overall a pretty good truck, a little underpowered with the 3.0L but still pretty dependable. The only shortfall is the gas mileage. Stop and go eats gas, and if going 70 on the interstate it gets about 16.5 mpg. A little more room in the cab would help, backseat for kids only. Ride is a little stiff, but put a load on it and it rides great, of course. Just a smaller version of the F-150 with a 3.0L.