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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  XLT - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By J Esparza - October 23 - 2:20 pm

  Over all my experience is very good so far. I love the clearance, especially on construction sites. Im finding out that the replacing the IAC because it is stuck due to carbon build up is a is a common problem. It will cause the car not to start.

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  This Truck SAVED my life I love it. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Daniel M - October 23 - 10:23 am

  Update: My truck and I were in a massive crash with another vehicle. It hit me from the right side. Both side curtain airbags deployed perfectly. The Driver Side one SAVED MY LIFE!! Even though my truck may be a total loss, I am alive and with minor injuries and NO Head Injuries. You can rest assured that you are safe in this truck. Front brakes dont last long. Even expensive ones. Mostly due to the weight. It is super comfy for long road trips. Gas mileage is decent. I dont like the 6 speed automatic. Engine has plenty of power for whatever you need. Huge bed in this one.

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  Ford Freestyle by Kendra - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Kendra - October 23 - 8:00 am

  I love my Freestyle however... It had 24 miles on it when I purchased it and the transmission blew at 6700 miles. They installed a new transmission -- free of course but now that one is leaking fluid. The first transmission had a hole in it the size of a softball or a little bigger! I had no warning; it just happened and dumped 12 qt. of fluid in a parking lot. Could not drive it. Beware of this new transmission. I hate the thought of possibly needing to get rid of this car -- Ive only made 2 payments on it! I do love the car, just not the transmission at this point.

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  Looks like a beater ... runs like a champ! - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By psychoticdark - October 21 - 11:31 pm

  In 08/2005, my boyfriend bought me the T-Bird. There was a lot of rust on it, and I was skeptical about it. The first time we drove it, there were no brakes. It needed a new master cylinder, both rear wheel cylinders needed replacing, also a new alternator. The previous owners really did not keep up on the car. Once we did all that, it ran GREAT! Someone smashed the passenger side window, then we failed inspection to a broken coil spring, so we put new struts on it and gave it 4 beautiful new tires, and it drove like new. My boyfriend then drove it into a tree stump, and even after the repairs for that, it runs like new and drives great. It has 136,000 miles on it and youd never know it!

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  A True Modern Muscle Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By ultra680 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned mine for 6 months and am generally happy with it. This car is a worthy bearer of the Mach 1 moniker and accurately recaptures the raw performance of the late 60s musclecar era. The DOHC engine is a little peaky in its power curve compared with the traditional pushrod V8s so it really lauches when you hit 3000rpm and makes some sweet music. The gearing is a bit low for everyday driving. A two-speed rear end or 6 spd would be nice to have

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  Focus wagon review - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bob Durbeck - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Focus Wagon. It is the most fun-to-drive car I have ever owned and I have owned over 30 cars over the years.

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  Ford Believer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mingo333 - October 20 - 2:30 pm

  Previous vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Thought I would get another one (05), but changed mind after driving and comparing Jeep and Explorer. (Doesnt hurt that both my husband and son are "Ford men"). Am so happy with 05 that Ive already gone to dealership to check into getting an 06. Got good price on Explorer after negotiation, but sure wish I had waited and cashed in on all the incentives that have been occurring lately -- but who knew, right? Also test drove and considered an Acura MDX, Mercedes SUV, Chevy Tahoe, Honda Pilot, Toyota 4-Runner, Cadillac Escalade (in addition to Jeep Grand Cherokee) but the Explorer ultimately won out.

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  All Show, Not Enough Go - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Brian - October 20 - 10:36 am

  I knew Ford had a winner when I saw the wonderful concept car. With slick retro styling and more power, I was sure I would love the car. I really like both interior and exterior styling and the car is very comfortable, even with the stiff(ish) suspension tuning. The car handles pretty well for the money too. I am a bit disappointed with the lack-luster acceleration. Im not looking for high-end V8 numbers here, but I dont feel even a slight surge when flooring the accelerator-even when downshifting first. It seems to accelerate the same whether the pedal is at half-way or pinned to the floor. Most of us dont drag race these things, but a little more power would be appreciated.

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  All mighty Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Mike Pagone - October 19 - 10:30 pm

  The car has been very good so far. I only had minor problems. Since it does have 90,000 miles this is normal for any car. It rides great and it is by far the most comfortable car i have ever driven. The only thing I cant stand about the car is the inaccurate fuel gauge. It seems to never tell me the right amount of fuel I have.

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  Great Work and Family Vehicle - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rodger - October 19 - 6:26 am

  So far this is the best truck I have ever owned. The sound system is awsome, the handling is great, it has a lot of power and great comfort.