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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  The best damn truck out there - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Damon Rowe - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fast beast. And it is fun to drive. I out run all kinds of stuff in this bad boy. Corvetts,camaros i even beat a mustang cobra. Buy this if you want 380 horses and 450 foot pounds of torque. Not to mentoin a 5.4 supercharged engine with a eaton blower and supercharger.

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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hoeting - September 7 - 2:00 am

  We love our SportTrac and plan to purchase another one this year. Absolutely NO problems at any time. Its a joy to drive and very convienient with the extended bed. Highly recommend!

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  Execellent Value - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Joe - September 6 - 8:42 pm

  Great styling, nice comfort and hadles well especially in snow. The vechile is has been inexpensive to maintain.

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  No Problem - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Bob - September 6 - 5:50 pm

  What a great truck/suv. Hard to find and there is a reason why. Reliability and ready to roll when needed

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  Escort - 2000 Ford Escort
  By stephen - September 6 - 4:55 pm

  I love my Escort zx2. I too have also changed the tie rod. I have had a lot of vacuum leaks. I had to replace all the bearings. trensmission gets confused. It does not like stop and go traffic. Replaced transmission. The car hates the heat, you lose way too much power and gas when air conditioning is on. Have to put the pedal to the metal so I dont use it. Nice power, great handling...( eibach suspension). The serpentine belt loves to come off especially in rain. Very quiet car. Put rims on it so I have wider tires. Audio is very easy to do. Engine parts easy to change. Handles well in fender bender. Other than normal maintanance from being old... I love my car.

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  Love my Focus Wagon! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By BJZotter - September 5 - 10:23 pm

  Since the first time I saw the Ford Focus wagon, I knew that would be the next new car I would want. We are both Ford people all the way and I would not choose another make for a new car. I absolutely love my wagon, it looks great, drives great, I get about 30 mpg and I feel so safe and secure when I am in it. My husband likes driving it so much (when I let him) that he will probably get one as well. Its truly a great car!

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  A lot of fun to drive - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By kman - September 5 - 9:55 pm

  Just bought my 07 Mustang, Coupe Deluxe, 6 cyl, 5 speed manual transmission and am having a blast toolin around my part of the world. The 6 cyl with stick is awesome and handles great! For anyone concerned about comfort and space, Im 62" and have lots of room in the drivers seat. Let my business associate, who was an auto claims adjuster for a dozen years and who knows cars, drive it today and thought I would never get the keys back. All the positive things in previous reviews are true so I wont be redundant. Ford definitely got it right with this current version of the Mustang. Thank God! Get one!

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  Exceeded My Expectations - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Shacker - September 5 - 5:00 pm

  I really like this car. Quiet, comfortable, and cruises the highway exceedingly well. (Just 2000 RPM at 78 mph) Road noise is very low. Previously driven Chevy Impalas and this Taurus is clearly well above it in style, fit, and finish. Ive been trying to stay with an American brand sedan. This car is definitely worth a look and a test drive. I ordered the SEL with leather option, and upgraded radio package.

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  Crazy About Mine! - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Crazy About Mine! - September 5 - 3:57 pm

  This car is great! Handles perfectly around curves at 60mph. It has a less than sporty feel, but you dont lose a lot.

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  What a Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Java - September 5 - 3:27 pm

  I was going to purchase the Mark Lt until I saw this one. 6k cheaper better interior and what a looker. Rides as nice as a Cadillac. Traded a 05 f150 Lariat crew cab what a diffrence. Better acceleration better build quality and remarkable fit and finish. Way to go Ford.