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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  so far so good - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By harvey/chad - August 7 - 10:00 am

  so far i enjoy the sport trac 4x4. It has been very reliable. i am 64" tall and so far the interior and leg room works well. Poor gas mileage (16mpg)(i have the 4.10 rearend). the goodyear at/s tires wear poorly. For the money it seems a bit cheesy. Resale value is poor for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The bed is awefully small and nearly worthless.

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  very much so worth your money - 1993 Ford Escort
  By larieaux - August 6 - 12:24 pm

  I just bought the car for $700 about two months ago and did I ever get a deal! It had 129k on it but it drove like a dream, heck the air even worked (at first anyway). I drive it everywhere although I really wish my air hadnt died. But other than that the car is rust free, clean and everything else works its a good running car with no problems and theres about 132k on it now. Great gas mileage which is good since gas is nearly $4 a gallon. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for something cheap to grip.

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  Complete Satisfaction - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Dave Martin - August 6 - 10:50 am

  We have had this vehicle for five weeks, have 1050 miles on it. We are averaging 20.7 miles per gallon. My wife fell in love, first with the color (Merlot), second with the lite beige interior, third the ease of getting in and out. It is very quiet, and we have had many compliments on the 2006 Freestyle. P.S.I love it too.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Daddys3angles - August 4 - 11:33 pm

  This is a great family vehicle if you have more than 4 members. It has lots of storage room and with the DVD system keeps the kids quiet all day and night on those long family trips. Could be better on gas. If gas was cheaper we would drive it all of the time. The heated and air conditioned seats are nice. Power 3rd row is a nice feature when loading and unloading. Would buy another if gas was cheaper or Ford made one in a hybrid like the Escape. But think they lost on the next buy because of gas.

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  Great Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Gety - August 4 - 6:35 pm

  Love the truck overall, exterior design is great looking, like the interior, nice horsepower and torque for the little hauling I do. Get about 17 mpg in town never tested it on HWY but Im guessing its about 20-22 mpg. My uncle claims he gets 24 mpg with the 4.0 but I dont believe it.

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  noisy but ok - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By ruben - August 3 - 10:08 am

  I had a 2001 EB Expedition and I loved it, great reliability, smooth ride NO internal noises, great so I decided to upgrade to the 2006 Limited. I love the new features, however the second row seat had been a nightmare with unwanted noises while riding bumpy roads, been at the dealership several times with no major difference - besides that its great.

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  ford mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By angel 1 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  the basic mustang is a fun car to drive.the v6 motor has some power but could use more.your not cramped up front.the back is slightly crampy.trunk space is spacy for lots of little things.i like my 2003 mustang.

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  Fun, but has bugs - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By chezchuck - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Good lookin, great sound system in the Mach 1000. As an Old Guy, I love to pull up next to the kids and crank up the base. Fun to drive. Mine came with a manual transmission glitch that, apparently, is fairly common - grinding from 1st to 2nd gear. The mechanics wont acknowledge this, but Ive read it on stang forums. This needs to be addressed and corrected.

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  truth - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dg - August 3 - 10:00 am

  nice look ok performance

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  XLT Sport - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Chiper - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my truck for a month now, but I really love it. The first week I had it I drove it to the coast (5 hour drive) and it was a blast. I love the 4.6 liter V-8 Not a monster motor, but it does what I need it to, plus it sounds good.