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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  Awesome Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By John Murgatroyd - March 17 - 9:47 am

  I love this truck. Never left me on the side of the road. Everything still original, except for tires. Still has original battery and shocks even. Had a 100,000 mile tune up done recently, which cost a bit (included engine flush, transmission flush and coolant flush), but nothing needed replacement. I expected something to be worn or borderline, but it got a clean bill of health. I plan on passing it along to my daughter for her first vehicle and getting another newer model.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By TomV - March 17 - 7:13 am

  I have owned two Dakota club cabs in the past 9 years and decided to go for a full size truck this time. The Ford F-150 is hands down twice the truck the Dakota was. Even in terms of fuel economy it is much better than either Dakota ( a V-6 and a V-8). The cab layout is good, the controls simple and intuitive. The ride and handling are great - and QUIET! Visibility with the new side window design is superb.

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  Best Truck Ive Ever Owned - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By J Ketchum - March 17 - 2:46 am

  I was driving to the Jeep dealer to trade in and buy a new Jeep when I saw the Sport Trac. I stopped and looked at the truck, with no sales pressure I went for a test drive and loved every minute. I got a great price and drove home. After 105k miles this truck has never let me down. I can`t say this about the imports Ive owned.

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  Worth every cent. - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Charles - March 16 - 11:39 pm

  This is my first "Newer" vehicle, and my first car loan, this was in my price range at only 10,988. Car is getting on average 19-21 MPG. That is with several quick accelerations a day. and driving it somewhat hard. Car rides great, is comfortable.

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  Best One Yet - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff B. - March 16 - 5:32 pm

  I have owned 3 Explorers, starting with 1991, 2000 and now 2008. What an evolution this vehicle has had. The 2008 is superb, build quality, ride, handling, amenities are all excellent. It has performed superbly in the snow. I really like the Sync product and after taking 2 years to decide what my next SUV would be I couldnt be happier. Yes, it could get better mileage, but again, for the money I could not find a better buy.

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  I love this vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cindy - March 16 - 2:54 pm

  I purchased the vehicle used in 2001 with 7600 miles on it. Ive owned it and used it every day since with not one regret. I now have 123000 miles on it and other than routine maintenance-oil change, tires, battery, etc I have had no problems. I just recently started noticing the missing on the sunroof switch and although the altenator tested ok, my light is on but doesnt seem to be draining the battery at all. I wish the interior of the new Escapes were as will designed in the center console area but will definately buy another. My only complaints are road noise and for being smaller, my gas mileage is no better than the Explorer (18- 19mpg). Handles great in MN winters.

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  Sully 6 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sully 6 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned this vehicale so, I dont know alot about it, however my sister ownes a 2002-03 ford explorer sport two door and she loves hers so I dont think I did to bad even though they could of took into concideration about the gas milage.

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  Brand New. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Batt One - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Eddie Bauer. I know I will love it. It is a pleasure to drive. The vehicle is actually fun to get in and ride. I really love the radio system and CD player The 5.4 is awesome. Power when needed. I like it as a do anything with, all around vehicle. Ford really thought of everything in my Expedition. It is a wonderful machine.

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  Completly Satisfied.... - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pgkii - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned several Explorers in the past and have owned just about every model that Ford makes other than a Town Car and Ranger Truck...We love our Eddie Bauer SUV...Other than the gas mileage is not the best(knew that when purchased though:)) I like being able to go in the winter time on the snow and ice and it has a very comfortable ride. I feel very secure with my child in the back seat of this vehicle.

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  ford all the way - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jim n joy - March 16 - 2:00 am

  we love are new ford focus its fun to drive and very zippy.