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! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By TSchneider4x4 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed the car-like ride and the attractiveness of this truck. While the 4.6L lacks a little bit in power, the truck still performs nicely and handles like a dream. I would recommend this truck to any truck buyer who wants a real American truck that looks as great as it performs.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Stang2007 - September 28 - 12:23 am

  Ive had my car for about 3 months now and I still get excited about driving it anywhere! There is NOTHING in this price range that touches it either especially with the demise of the Camaro and Firebird. I cant tell you how many people have stopped me at the gas station to ask about my car or even at a stop light, commenting on how nice the car looks. I get about 18- 22 MPG driving in about 50% heavy traffic and 50% highway.

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  Loads of stuff - 2001 Ford Focus
  By RayRay - September 27 - 12:15 pm

  Wrong and right with this car. I have had this car for 4 years now and I have suffered through all of the recalls. It left me stranded on three separate occasions due to recalls. The ignition cylinder, the fuel pump, and the topper - the wiring system on the battery. This caught fire while I was riding down the road. I also have had tons of enjoyment from driving this car. It has some pep for its size (though not as much as the SVT Focus). It can be parked in tight places and is pretty efficient when it comes to gas. I have had tons of problems with the door panels as well. The seatbelt thing always falls off. The ZX3 doesnt do anything half way. It is either great or pure junk.

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  The Jury is Still Out - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Julie - September 26 - 7:35 pm

  Right off the bat the passenger front airbag sensor/light needed to be replaced. There is a lot of road noise in general and cabin noise is awful with back window down. Its a great ride, I love the ride in fact and the front seats are VERY comfortable. Color choices were poor. Could really use a smidge more power on hills and such. Over all I am happy so far just not thrilled and excited like I was in the beginning. I dont know that Id buy the same vehicle again.

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  Beware: "Intelligent 4WD" in Hybrids - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dan Mackey - September 26 - 11:16 am

  I bought this model for its advertised capability of the Intelligent 4wd system, and was surprised to find out that I was unable to back up over a 6 inch rock. It turns out that the electric engine alone is engaged in reverse - severely limiting power and acceleration in. I highly discourage you from buying this vehicle if reverse is important to you (i.e. driving off-road at all or parking on a sloped driveway). I complained to Ford, and was told that nothing could be done. Aside from this issue, the mileage was as advertised, and I had no other problems. However, I bought the 4wd model to be confident in modest off-road conditions.

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  Good car for young drivers - 1998 Ford Escort
  By cpa0217 - September 25 - 2:03 pm

  Bought for teenage driver. She has been driving it for 5 years. Other than some "wear & tear" items & maintenance, this has been a very trouble-free car.

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  Very Satisfied - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BillF - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun to drive car, especially if you have the manual transmission. There is plenty of power and lots of interior room for an economy car. I do not have problems with my brakes or other things that I have read about. I have only had one recall on my car. I would recommend this car.

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  My Troublesome 2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Martin - September 24 - 4:53 pm

  I take pride in maintaining my vehicles. But this has been nothing but trouble. At 45,000 miles, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Earlier, the rear end was replaced. At 50,000 miles, I try to start up and put in reverse to back out of drive. The gearshift broke off. Had to replace at over $1,000. Ive had an Explorer before with very satisfactory performance, but this one...nothing but trouble. The dealer has been great. But bottom line, its still a dud. Oh, by the way, seems I now have some sort of electrical problem. Odometer reading is so dim I cant read it. It comes and goes. How frustrating. Im just trying to get my moneys worth now before I move to Japanese brand.

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  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mattnkathy1 - September 23 - 10:18 am

  I drive 23 highway miles one way to work. The Explorer handles 70mph comfortably. Over 70mph and fuel economy suffers. 4 wheel drive works great in both full time and auto. People always say "nice truck" when riding in my truck for the first time.

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  Ford Explorer 2003 review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Realtorreviewer - September 22 - 3:10 pm

  The vehicle has been for the most part an excellent vehicle for sales! I am in and out all the time, throwing things in the back for kids sports etc. Very good for traveling. Only negative I have experienced is some blind spots when looking to the rear sides.