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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  CVPI - What a Value! - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By billjohdoittod - December 1 - 4:07 pm

  Ive had this 2007 CVPI for about seven months. I wanted one of these because of all the heavy-duty stuff that makes it virtually indestructible. And it is. The ride is stiff (not a problem for me) and the car goes exactly where I tell it to go. Its not a race car, but it is a car that I would trust in situations where a "softer" car would have problems. Seven months, no problems. I happily recommend them to others, and if this one is ever wrecked, Ill look for another one as the replacement.

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  Its Everything - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Matt O - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a truck. No its a car. Its everthing. What a vehicle. Last weekend with the help of a small trailer I took 3 buddys dirt bike riding WITH thier bikes. Imagin a full size quad in the bed and two motor Biikes in the trailer all are geer, tools and fuel and plenty of room inside. Before we left we couldnt resist clicking into 4WD for a qick tour of the old mines. Imagin ones "NO Boudries" pride in pulling a JEEP out of a mud pit on the way back. As fun off road as it is functional on, the Sport Track is the greatest vehicle as Ive ever owned.

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  Good Stuff - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By HAL - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I like everything about it, except the lack of comfort on long trips.

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  not bad - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By pridmore - December 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS OUR SECOND EXPLORER AND WE DO LIKE THEM. HOWEVER, WE WISH THERE WAS MORE LEG ROOM IN THE BACKSEAT AREAS. IT ALSO TAKES ROAD BUMPS VERY ROUGHLY. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE RECIRCULATED AIR INSTEAD OF ONLY USING OUTSIDE AIR.

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  good bang for the buck - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By miket - December 1 - 10:00 am

  bought my cobra used with 4600 miles. had the drivers side head replaced under warranty at 5700 due to valve guide wear. ford has a TSB for this issue. you can tell if a cobra has the problem by listening for a tick that is present during idle. it is NOT injector noise but a moderately loud ticking. anyway its fixed and i like the car for what it is, but dont listen to these other reviews saying it will dust a z06 because it wont, not stock anyway. these cars are also very heavy and hard to launch out of the hole.

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  Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By eex_heywood - November 30 - 5:03 pm

  98 Ranger XLT x-cab stepside. Love this truck! Never more than an oil change and a brake job into it. Bought it used with 15k on it, and have never regretted buying it. Actually good on gas. We travel in it a lot, without any issues. Id get another one, if they had a club cab model,but now its Sport Trac for me. Got kids, and need more room, but cant give up the truck bed.

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  This vehicle is awesome!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By aceron76 - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  The gas mileage is not as good as advertised. I get about 15mpg. But this thing looks sharp and drives nicely.

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  King of the Road - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Famforrest - November 30 - 12:10 pm

  It drives and performs like a car. Great visibility. Nimble in parking situations. Fun to drive.

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  Not so impressed.... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MDecker4 - November 30 - 2:10 am

  Well, after owning 3 Stangs prior to this one I had high expectations. Its best described as a love-hate relationship. I love the car, the power and the road respect you get from simply owning a Cobra but I HATE to drive it. The seat is a little too bolstered (I am only a 6, 190lb guy), the clutch is so stiff it gives my leg an occasional cramp and the shifter is clunky and difficult to reach. Its a shame, so much effort went into performance which was way overdue...but didnt put any effort into the ergonomics. Is it too much to ask for power and comfort? Oh, and the paint sucks. Already had in in the paint booth 3 times fixing factory crap.I guess so. Hope they do better in 2007

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  Just a great car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By DASpike - November 30 - 12:39 am

  Bought my Contour new in late 1994 and am just about to turn 170,000 miles. Have the 4-cylinder, manual transmission. Ive been looking at new cars for about 3 years, but frankly havent found a need to replace this Contour.The car has been incredibly reliable. Save the expected maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires, timing belt, etc), Ive probably had to put a total of $1000 into it over the last 10 years (and most of that was replacing a couple of engine mounting bolts). Routinely get about 33 mpg highway, and with the manual transmission the 4-cylinder has some pep to it. The car is rock solid and is fun to drive.