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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  johnt - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By john thomas - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely not one problem mechanically have taken two trips of over 2000 miles and vehicle performed and handled flawlessly

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  My 3rd - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Joe5689 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We got the Estate green w/ Lght parchment. Looks like a 50K Vehicle. Love it, Love it love it..

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  expierience - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mary goongs - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Its fun going off road.

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  Awesome Truck!!! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Rettop - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck. I got a great deal and low financing. It is everything I like in a vehicle.

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  A nice car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 2smooth - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Last of the surviving "real" cars America makes. The reason their used as cop cars and taxis is because their reliable, comfortable, handle good, and reasonably powerful. They have a nice quiet smooth ride like driving a sofa. Oh yeah, huge trunk too (who needs a bike rack?). Great for long trips. I think the 98 body style is a little better on the eye, but thats just my opinion.

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  F-150 Satisfied Owner - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Joe Reynolds - June 3 - 7:49 pm

  10 years and 130,000 trouble free miles have been my experience with this vehicle. Excellent in all respects. I got one of the first new 150 body styles.

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  If you are looking for a real truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Ford Truckin - June 3 - 7:23 pm

  Yes, you get less than 20 MPG. Yes, the suspension is hard, but if you want a real truck and all that implies, this is the truck for you. If you want a Lexus, go buy a Lexus. I love this truck. It feels strong and smooth on the highway, in town driving and hauling. If you need power all you have to do is press harder on the pedal. I love this truck and have had no problems at all.

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  203 Super Crew Overview - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jack Benton - June 2 - 3:19 pm

  Body style and interior are great design. At 35K I had rust on the underside of all four doors (something to look out for if purchasing one). Dealer repaired but concern is still there. P/U sleeps inside a garage nightly. With todays technology I did not expect this.

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  What a change three kids makes - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Scott - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  Wow...just five years ago we had a Saab 900 Turbo, and a VW Cabrio (ragtop). Three kids later we are a Ford family, with an Expedition and now a Freestyle. The Freestyle is GREAT; hauls all of us plus friends easily around town and on the freeway, with more comfort in the third row than our Expedition, at 150-175% better gas mileage!

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  Never Bored with this Ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By docamg - June 1 - 3:16 am

  What a pleasant surprise! I have owned the car for 4 months and am delighted with its performance, reliability and ergonomics. It is a pleasure to drive, handles extremely well and gets great mileage. I highly recommend the Focus to anyone who wants an inexpensive, fun vehicle.