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 Ford Escape Limited with 20 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By davidjsmith - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This 2005 Ford Escape Limited is the first SUV Ive Bought. I dont think you could find an SUV that is this quiet. There is no tire or wind noise. Interior is awsome, with premium leather seats, heated of coarse.Lots of pep with the 3.0 V6, and the gauges and controls are very nice.

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  Great truck, but short on amenities - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ST Driver - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck... getting 17-19 MPG keeping the foot out of it -- great for a truck/SUV. Ample torque off the line for merging, but fades a bitabove 50 mph. Interior is comfy, big and handy, but lacks basics like compass/outside temp gauge found std on cars costing half as much. Power mirrors and cruise not enough to justify the $1.5K extra for XLT package - shouldve bought XLS and had those added for about half that. Zero reliability issues in first 3k miles - fun to drive, but a bit bumpy.

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  Sport Trac is the One - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By sporttracz - September 16 - 10:00 am

  The Sport Trac is a fantastic family vacation vehicle. Going to the beach in it is the best. No more sand in the carpet and no fishy smell inside the vehicle. Carry the family, boogie boards and fishing rods without any problems. It also has been great towing a large pop-up camper. You hardly ever know that it is behind you. The gas mileage towing the camper was 16.4. I felt this was exceptionally good considering we had the truck and the camper loaded up. I highly recommend anyone looking for a new family vehicle to look at the Sport Trac.

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  MY 2003 MUSTANG - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CRAZY DRIVER - September 16 - 10:00 am

  WOW WERE DO I BEGIN. I HAVE PUT SO MUCH INTO MY MUSTANG THAT IT IS NOW THE ANIMAL IT SHOULD BE FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE SUPER CHARGED IT, ALL SWAY BARS UP GRADED, FRONT AND REAR CROSS DRILLED AND SLOTED BRAKES. SALEEN WHEELS WRAPPED AROUND BRIDGE STONE S-O2 WITH 2- CHAMBER FLOWMASTERS WITH A BBK X-PIPE. I AM NOW PUSHING 443 HORSE WITH 503 LBS OF TORQUE INTERCOOLED. ALSO LOWERED IT WITH EIBACH SPRINGS 2 INCH ALL AROUND.

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  The mighty Probe - 1991 Ford Probe
  By baldylocks1976 - September 16 - 1:55 am

  Bought this car with 36,000 miles and owned it for 6 years. When I traded it in, it had 188,000 miles and was still kickin. Had to replace the clutch, the ignition module, broken cable on drivers seatbelt, and repair a rusted out exhaust but other than that, the car never gave me any problems.

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  3rd and Love It - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By CDJ71 - September 15 - 10:50 pm

  Third Ranger and love this truck. FX4 option well woth the price. Great off road and good in town. Interior is perfect for a off road truck.

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  love my Ford - 2005 Ford F-150
  By super crew cab 4x4 - September 15 - 10:50 pm

  Since owing this truck it has only been back for an oil change and to check the shift points on the transmission. I love the interior and with the three valve 300 hp 5.4 engine, the truck really runs great at high highway speeds. It just cruises with no roll or road walking. In the snow of the northeast it does a great job. I am really pleased and happy with my truck. The only negative about the whole truck is gas mileage.

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  2006 GT Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By lisa - September 15 - 5:20 am

  I had a 2005 coupe and had to get a convertible to up the fun factor even more. Black on Black got every thing but 18" wheels hope to move to 20" soon.

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  My first Stang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By chemrxn - September 15 - 3:10 am

  By far my favorite car Ive owned. Was wary about Ford but not anymore, has been very reliable. No rattles, no broken pieces. Car accelerates and handles well. Acceleration and cruising at high speeds definitely are strongest points. Love the exterior and interior styling. I get lots of compliments. Older style Mustang drivers strike up conversations. Little kids come up to me. College dudes and teens in small Japanese sporty cars often want to race. Trunk space sufficent. Compared 350z and rx-8 when looking. 350z was not dailly commute friendly, RX-8 too small. nothing compares with the brawn and muscle of a mustang right now. Only negative is handling in rain and snow.

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  New Owner - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By TheBoxer - September 14 - 2:00 pm

  Have only driven the car 1,000 miles since purchase in March but very satisfied with its overall quality and speed. The Mustang is a great sports car buy for the money spent compared to others.