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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  Good individual/family mobile - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mrhubert01 - June 25 - 12:10 am

  Quiet, comfortable ride....roomy and satisfactory power..would make a good family vehicle...great for trips ...more flexibility than traditional explorer I do have issue with lifespan of the seat covers-cloth Had a sunroof installed and tonneau put on. I have nearly all options on this one now...and really holding value

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  A good value for the money - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - June 24 - 1:30 pm

  We have not owned the Explorer long but so far we love it. We really planned on buying a Tahoe, but we bought the Explorer similarly loaded for $9,000 less. Of course, the Tahoe is a little bigger and we actually thought it drove just a little better than the Explorer, but not 9K worth. The Explorer seems solid as a rock, no rattles or squeaks whatsoever.

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  Nearly Perfect for Our Family - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By BKN6006_IN - June 24 - 2:40 am

  I had owned 3 Dodge Dakotas in a row, all bought new, since 1988. The last one, a 2002 (Generation 3) broke me of them for good; far too many problems. I traded it off for a used Sport Trac, which admittedly, scared me as Id been hit hard with a used car (from a dealer) before! The 04 was previously owned by the dealers service manager, and had 15K miles on it. It was everything I was looking for, with the exception of no manual transmission available. I had not owned an automatic since 1985! I have had the truck for 2.5 years now, and other than a rude surprise from the front brake calipers seizing and ruining all pads and rotors, there have been no issues at all. Very reliable and smooth.

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  Luv my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By shawnn1967 - June 23 - 7:47 am

  The vehicle is excellent. I have four children and two Labs. We all travel comfortably. She will haul anything and not complain. Very strong truck. This is my second Ford (1989 F150). I have nothing but praise for this vehicle.

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  I made the right choice! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By GuruGuy - June 23 - 2:13 am

  I have put over 2000 miles on my brand new Ford Fiesta and I have to say that any worries I had purchasing the car based (mostly) on just reviews have been put to rest. The car gets great gas mileage, I am averaging just over 34 mpg in 40/60 city/hwy driving. The rides quiet and has the perfect balance between too firm/too soft suspension. It is a blast to take fast around tight turns. The interior quality is by far the best of any car I have owned (Ive always owned < 25k cars). I couldnt be happier I bought this car.

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  Review - 1999 Ford F-150
  By northmi - June 23 - 12:04 am

  Ive enjoyed my truck completely. Its done everything Ive asked of it with comfort, convenience, and style.

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  Good Family Car - 2007 Ford Freestyle
  By Big E - June 22 - 11:59 am

  Our Freestyle is a great family car as it adapts very quickly and easily. My nine year old son has no problem flipping the back seats when extra cargo room is needed but it is also great to have seating for six when needed. Car handles very well and is easy to drive. I wanted to get my wife a nSUV but not a large one. The Freestyle is a perfect choice for us.

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  2005 Ford Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim Clark - June 22 - 11:16 am

  I have been a Mustang enthusiast for over 25 years. With the exception of the 1965/66 models I believe the 2005 is the best model produced to date. The car is extremely responsive and the styling is the best combination of many of Mustangs best older models. The only negatives I can come up with (and I have tried) is the steering wheel could be about 1 inch larger in diameter as it tends to obscure the speedometer, and I would call this model a "fastback" instead of a coupe. My wifes only complaint is that she has to sit very close to the steering wheel to depress the clutch. Other than those minor issues, this car is a 10 and Ford has "knocked it out of the park"!

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  Bad A.. Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sbrooks - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has awesome power for the price. No its not a Corvette but its much chaeaper and fun to drive. The sound is awesome and better when you add flowmasters. My 5th Mustang and number 2 in my garage now to go with my 90 GT.

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  The Best for the Price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jay979 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of reaserch before buying the car and found the best car for the price. Driving it is a lot of fun, great features for the price , upscale look.