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 performance and riding machine - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Dick Funkhouser - June 8 - 6:21 pm

  Easy to handle, takes curves great, excellent on gas (especially now), most comfortable vehicle Ive ever long distance traveled in.

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  My first Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Stargazer - June 7 - 8:43 pm

  If your considering buying an Expedition verses an Explorer - I would suggest the Expedition. The engine is much better than even the optional V8 on the Explorer (I noticed the difference towing a trailer). The windshield is much higher giving you better viewing. The third row seating has much more leg room. U-Haul will not rent to any vehicle with Explorer on it (ALL MODELS). The Expedition has all the room you could ever want and the power to tow.

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  Major Problems Reconsider Before You Buy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jess - June 7 - 7:39 pm

  I had major rattling in the dash, the drivers seat pops, the sending unit had to be replaced because my gas kept showing empty when it was full. The gas went over when I was filling, or just stopped when it was 1/2 full and wouldnt go anymore. The transmission is AWFUL! It acts like its in neutral and revs sometimes while Im driving it, or just taking off then CLUNKS into gear. Nobody can fix it, they cant figure it out. It shifts very hard. And the other day the abs locked up on one wheel when I started it up, METAL-ON-METAL grinding after a lil bit of going back and forth and slamming on the brakes it quit, took it to the shop, they couldnt figure anything out. VERY DISAPPOINTED.

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By onthego - June 7 - 10:33 am

  This vehicle is as good looking as any other out there. The quality is good, better than Mountaineer, but the ride is not as good as it could be (maybe because of the ATV tires that it came with). The gas usage is less than the window sticker using 89 octane. Overall it is not a bad vehicle and I am not sorry I purchased it. Ford has a problem with rear view outside mirrors shaking when driving down highway, hard to see behind vehicle, especially on windy day.

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  love the escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By erica - June 7 - 10:00 am

  nothing bad to say

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  Old Man and the Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Ahrens - June 6 - 6:50 am

  As I am fast approaching my 60th birthday, it is nowhere near as fast as the 4.9 seconds it takes this Mustang GT to reach 60. Telling ya, I have been driving Ford trucks and SUVs for over thirty years and finally I bought a vehicle for the pure fun of driving it. When you crank it up the first thing you sense is a low rumbling growl generated from a 300HP OHC engine. By the time you put it into 4th gear you are going 70MPH at 2000 RPM. Thats power. Add a little "Rolling Stones" on the Shaker 500 sound system and life takes on a whole new glow.

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  Solid truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By carl - June 5 - 4:52 pm

  Solid truck, you feel how solid it is. Feels more like a 3/4 ton. Engine doesnt feel like 300 hp, but when towing it does demonstrate adequate torque at low rpms. Great for when towing our travel trailer.

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  Happy with new Limited AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By tommo - June 5 - 7:43 am

  After shopping quite a few other vehicles, including Highlander, Pilot, Equinox & Sienna, bought a Limited AWD. Was won over by the interior design, overall size and ride quality. After 1000 miles, Im quite happy. The interior is every bit as flexible and comfortable as Id hoped, there is more than enough power compared to other vehicles Ive owned, and the overall driving experience is terrific. Mileage is at least equal to the EPA est: I get about 24.5 - 25 on the highway, except in very mountainous terrain, where it drops to about 22.5. Still very good for a car of this size. Very stable and quiet at highway speeds.

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  Read before you buy - 2006 Ford F-150
  By rodsF150 - June 4 - 2:06 pm

  This is my second Ford F150. Its a great truck! Just make sure you are aware of the miles to gas ratio. It cost me between $57-$67 to fill up. I Would like to see a better design for the information buttons that display miles, trip, and temp on the dash. They hide behind the steering wheel cant I see them! The 5.5 foot bed is a bit of a disappointment. Ford needs to design an F150 four door truck with a 6 foot bed. Conclusion the rest of the truck is excellent!

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  2ND TIME STANG BUYER - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By BIGCOUNTRY - June 3 - 11:56 pm

  I love the new body style. Very BOLD and strong. Very strong with great acceleration for a V-6.