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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  NICE VAN - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By TREVOR - April 2 - 3:28 pm

  I found my van to be not like the reviews said it to be - nice interior and great gas economy, and way more torque than any other van. Third row seats fold flat into foor and the DVD system is great for the kids.The bottom line is the vans are all the same but the Ford was way cheaper the Honda or Toyota and I feel the Ford Freestar is just as good as both of those vans. My wife loves the van for it gives her a good view of the road and has adjustable pedals which no other company offers

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  White Ford Ranger Edge 03 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By dduffe - April 1 - 3:24 pm

  This vehicle has plenty of power (210 hp) and reasonable fuel economy. It rides smoothly like a car down smooth roads. The stiff suspension makes the bumps felt however and if you hit a pot hole, you are reminded that you are in a truck. It has pulled heavy trailers without making a noticeable difference in the acceleration and performance on the interstate highways, even in mountainous terrain. The only thing which has gone wrong with my truck in the 18 months Ive had it is the CD player/ radio, which my dealership replaced for free.

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  I WAITED A LONG TIME FOR THIS FUN CAR! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Sharon Anderson - April 1 - 3:12 am

  Forty years ago, I wanted a Mustang convertible! But after the late 60s, I didnt like the body style. When it changed in 1995, I was determined once again to own one. This is probably the most "FUN" car Ive ever owned, and its classic lines really get the looks. The interior couldve used more thoughtful designing, and the gas mileage isnt the greatest, even with a six-cylinder automatic (not my first choice, but I bought it used). I love driving it and plan to do so for awhile yet....until I can afford the retro 2005!

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  super family truck - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By susan - March 31 - 6:07 pm

  I have owned 6 different SUVs and I find this new King Ranch beautiful, comfy and great for all your kids and their friends. Pulls in and out of parking lots with ease no blind spots. Fun to drive because its easy. Super++++

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  My 97 Used P/U - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Jack Latty - March 31 - 3:06 pm

  Vehicle has been very good. It has done all Ive asked of it, both in a "fun" situation and in a work situation. It handles well, however, fuel economy, particularly in light of extremely high fuel prices, could be better. It averages only about 14 MPG. I have a 01 Expedition, with a larger engine that gets much better mileage. (P/U has a 4.6 V8, Expedition has a 5.4 V8) I would not hesitate to recommend this year model to anyone looking for a good used P/U.

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  Not what I expected. - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Charyn - March 31 - 10:56 am

  I bought this vehicle when they were first released in December of 2004. Although I previously owned an Escape, and I do like this one. The performance is not what I expected. Mileage not a dramatic increase over a regular Escape. Also the dealership has been unable to service my vehicle for oil changes due to lack of experienced technicians with hybrids. Therefore I go to a trained mechanic that is Ford approved. I think the dealerships should be prepared to service the vehicles they sell. All in all I do like my Escape but there is room for improvement.

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  an ok suv - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kevin5150 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle workred pretty well overall for me. My biggest complaint was with the handling. It just never felt very solid. I had the 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual worked ok but down on low end power (needed lower gearing). only major thing that went wrong was that the clutch master cylinder went out but that was after 90,000+ miles. All other repairs were just standard maintainance. overall not too bad.

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  Will buy another - in a Few years. - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt F - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 1996. I was initially skeptical about buying a Ford after having owned Acuras and VWs and reading reviews on line. You have to treat these reviews the same way you would a movie critic panning your favorite movie. Almost 6 years later and close to 80,000 miles, I still enjoy this SUV. Besides the routine oil changes, brake replacement and Firestone tire changes, I had to replace the thermostat. $100.00 repair. While under warranty, the 02 sensor was replaced. Thats it. The leather interior has held up well, even with two golden retrievers riding in the back. The V6 and transmission have performed well in the hilly San Francisco terrain.

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  Compare and Save - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dbrass - March 31 - 2:00 am

  5 months of nothing but fun so far. Im 6 5" 265# and I am comfortable. You have to wind it up a little but it goes. Turn a corner on a whim. Wanted the Power w/o moonroof couldnt find (cut just a bit too much of the headroom). I got a really fantastic deal on a really nice package. To get more you go to Elantra GT and then Golf TDI. It wasnt worth the $$$ to me to risk the Hyundai and the VW guys didnt want to talk about deals. Some say you get what you pay for ... I think I got more w/o paying very much at all.

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  A great car, few if any, problems - 2002 Ford Focus
  By FocusFanatic - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is hands down a great buy. I have heard horro stories about the focus from different people, plus on this site, i say quit knocking the car, you paid less than 17 grand for the thing, what do you expect? Especially those of you that got it when it first came out! IT WAS A DEBUT VEHICLE, HELLOOOO, were taliin about kinks and bugs that have to be worked out. just like when the new cougar rolled out, they had plenty of problems. the focus is a great, fun and stylish car to drive.