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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  2005 ZXW SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By edmar - February 10 - 5:35 pm

  Excellent small all-around car. Long distance use at 30%, short distance at 70%,and good at both. Can easily be used for camping(van-ning) by 2 adults, preferably not over 6 tall. Especially good for long distance motel-ing use. Price is right & repairs can be handled by local shops very adequately. 25 mpg overall avg.

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  Awesome Truck! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Chauncey - February 10 - 3:41 pm

  Bought w/100k on it. Other than tires and oil no major repairs needed. 140k now and replaced front and rear brakes 1 time and replaced 02 sensor and 3 spark plugs and that is it. I use for landscaping so most miles I put on are hard work miles and it does great. Unbelievable traction, comfort. Out of 5 other trucks, this is the best truck I have ever owned and would buy again if I could find one like it.

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  Classic - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Townsend - February 10 - 11:53 am

  This car is a wonderful 2 seat luxury convertable. I love driving this car with either the top down or with the classic port hole hard top. I get remarks from everyone about how beautiful this car is. The 280 hp engine has plenty of power for this cruiser. A very smooth shifting 5 speed automatic transmission. Excellent audio system with fingertip controls. I have the Premium model with heated seats and homelink, all of the power creature comforts found in a luxury car! This car is rewarding to drive because I get such a kick out of cruising in this 2 seat romantic classic reminisent of the t-bird heritage when cars were Fun! At todays prices these cars are of tremendous value!

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  What A Harley - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Decalman - February 9 - 12:20 pm

  Wow! The supercharger wakes this F-150 up. Passing power at the push of the pedal. This is my 4th F-series Ford. 1975 F-100 Long Bed, 2001 F-150 Lariat SuperCab, 2005 F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew, and now a 2007 Harley- Davidson SuperCharged SuperCrew. It is Black Beauty with more power than my 1994 Mustang Cobra Indy Pace Car. The Saleen supercharger provides some much more power and torque than my 2005 King Ranch with the same 5.4L engine. Im really looking forward to driving this F-150 for a long long time. Ford has outdone itself. Fuel economy, premium fuel, if I was concerned with fuel economy, I certainly wouldnt have bought the Harley or the Mustang Cobra. A+ to Ford.

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  I really like my Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Dallas Ranger - February 9 - 7:30 am

  I traded an Excursion (which I loved!) for the Freestyle. I did not think I would like it being smaller than what I was used to. I have driven an Excursion for 7 years and also Ford F150s for 10 years and also customized vans. But, I was surprised! I do not feel undersized at all.

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Sharon Smith - February 9 - 4:18 am

  Had it for 1 1/2 years now and no trips to the repair shop.Big,roomy, holds the whole family and 2 dogs. Only problem is factory tires.Idiot light shows low tire pressure alot and even filled they make flap flap sounds. Annoying but Im told its normal for the vehicle.

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  wasnt sure about Ford.............. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin9 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 ford explorer and I wasnt to sure about fords because of all the bad P.R. on the explorer, but I am thrilled with it. It drives and handles excellent for a SUV I owned a rav 4 and a dodge durango and this is the best one by far.

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  Focus has more upgrades than a computer - 2004 Ford Focus
  By holo - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Think of 500 horsepower..Cause thats what can go in the ford focus.... This car can be exceptionally fun to drive..Think of maxium head and leg room...Think sporty... Think sexy.... Think Sleek...Think Motavation... Think Style.... Think Future when you think of a Ford Focus...I dont know about you but I am supercharged ready to go right now to drive my Focus...

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  Focus Again! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By JethroIII - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Focus is the best vehicle I have ever owned. First one was dealer model out of the showroom day after it arrived in 10/99. 11/03, traded it in with 97,000 problem free miles. Completed all maintainence requirements. Original brakes lasted 87,000 miles and only utilized 3 sets of tires. A reliable vehicle thats fun to drive. 2004 ZTS is more fun to drive, zippier engine and interior upgrades copmared to prior Focus SE. The third Focus also purchased on same day, retiring 1991 Mustang now owning a 2003 Focus SE. Trunk space is large, able to pack family of five with plenty of luggage for long haul trips.

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  Freestar won my heart! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By KennyMA - February 8 - 2:00 am

  For anyone who has been looking at Minivans, you cant beat the Ford Freestar for the money. The torque is unbelievable (4.2L) and the third row seat is great. Im not sure if Ill ever use the tailgating feature, but its sure nice to have it if you need it. The way the seat folds to the floor is the best design. I can store pretty much anything in there. Im very happy and I cant believe Ive found a minivan for my wife that I enjoy driving.