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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  100 Anniversary Edition - Fantastic - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By drkgclark - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this as a company car with the intent of selling it after the first year, but I have enjoyed it so much I plan on keeping it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tanksher43 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Comfort and luxury of a Lincoln at the price of a Ford. Lots of power, grat iterior lay out, very quiet interior,comfortable leather seats. Best buy for the money

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  Wow! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By golfnut - June 26 - 1:38 pm

  Ford has done it again - what a vehicle. We traded our 04 Lincoln Aviator for the 07 Expedition Limited. With another child on the way, we needed the extra room. We looked at the Escalade and the Yukon, but the comparison wasnt even close. For significantly less money, you get as many, if not more features as those vehicles. This vehicle has as many standard features as our Aviator. The new redesign of the Expedition is fantastic. Moving the gear shift from the steering column to the floor was a no-brainer that should have been years ago. This vehicle handles better than our Aviator did. It has a great ride as we found out on the way to our summer beach vacation. If you choose this vehicle, you wont be sorry!

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  All over again - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jaydub02 - June 26 - 12:59 pm

  This is my second Ranger. The 4.0 is a huge improvement in power and still gets 20mpg on the highway. I love the 5 speed auto its smooth and quiet. I towed my wifes taurus and had a motorcycle in the bed 350 miles. With the o/d off I still got 13mpg at 65mph on the trip with no problems. 4.0 hauled the 4500+lb payload with aplomb. I am very pleased with my Ranger and would recommend it to anyone who needs a smaller truck.

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  Best of the Best in its Class - 2003 Ford F-150
  By RonsFx150 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven other American and Japanise trucks, but none of them had such a great handling and security in the severe road conditions . I have recently driven Dodge Ram, which it doesnt even come close in any catagories to F150 XLT SuperCab FX OffRoad Ford Truck. Ford is the number one Truck maker in America and the World. I will never go back to other Trucks, but F150s.

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  Great American SUV! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By CT Review - June 26 - 10:00 am

  We love our Eddie Bauer Explorer! The styling of the body and interior is excellent. The interior is extremely comfortable and spacious. Our previous vehical was a Jeep Grand Cherokee which we decided to trade in when the rear end went after only 60,000 miles as well as other problems. The duel climate control is a blessing and the 6 disc indash CD/stereo has tremendous sound. The controls on the steering wheel are an added bonus and simplify things while driving. Gas milage could be better (average 14 back roads and 19 highway) but what do you expect with a V8. Fords done a good job with the redesigned 2002 Explorer.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Caboom - June 25 - 6:16 pm

  So far I am very impressed with the car. I have had it 4 months and 4,400 miles. The power is fine. Gas mileage is great. I took a trip to the coast (1,200 miles), averaged 33.2 MPG. I do drve for economy with gas at $3.00. Hwy speed was 70-73 MPH and did some drafting.

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  6 years of racing and daily driving - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Kmustang01 - June 25 - 11:18 am

  First off let me say I love this car, with the exception of a few things. I really hate the market value, so this one will stay with me 25k paid for a fully loaded GT...Now I can sell according to KBB 7k....that part stinks. I have done some performance work to my car (pullies, gears, exhaust w/o cats, cold air intake, and chip) so far I have had no problems with anything mechanical. I have replaced parts that are considered normal wear and tear (struts, shocks, and springs) at 100k.I still get a lot of compliments on my car now so the body design is holding up well. The interior could be made better, the door pieces break easily and the weather stripping on the door has been replaced 4 times.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By VIRGIL PRICE - June 25 - 10:13 am

  This truck is great. I bought it new and have only added dual exhaust, cold air, and a chip set at the low end of performance. What a difference these three items made. The truck is quiet and really a pleasure to drive. I will be getting another one this next month so I will have a new vehicle to pull behind my new motorhome.

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  So far I love it - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dhoytwagner - June 25 - 12:12 am

  I am coming from a V6 Kia Optima. The car obviously feels much tighter and handles much better. I dont see all that much difference in the acceleration. The feel of the interior and the comfort is great, the controls on steering wheel are awesome. The radio could use some better speakers. The look of the car is awesome! I have only put about 300 miles on it right now. I must say I got a family deal on the car and paid only 16K for a SEL V6 with 7000 miles, so you cant go wrong there.