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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  Brand New w/only 11miles - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Pinkham - November 5 - 6:22 pm

  5 Nov 04 Just got it a week ago, Sticker price $29,267.00 Ford knocked off $11,000.00 with promotions. Feel sorry for anyone who bought a few months back without the deals. Gas mileage.....I live in the western part of Massachusetts hilly country its cold not the best for getting good gas mileage but heres what I got on my very first fill up. Went 230 miles & took 12gallons thats 19.1mi on the gallon. Drove with a light foot keeping rpm between 1000 & 2000 90per-cent of the time & tried not to hit the brakes. Hopefully when broken in this will improve. Attn: Ford - your gas & brake pedals that raise and lower is just plain stupid!

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  Love it - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By zolman - November 5 - 6:26 am

  It was the only truck that would fit into my garage, have the capacity to tow my trailers, fit 5 people and have all the interior refinements I wanted. I get between 22-24 MPG highway driving so thats better then what it is rated at.

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  (2002) sport trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ashstone - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, best in price range. Multi-use, love the backseat room and the plastic covered bed. Looks great, runs great and fun to drive. Some minor paint defects (primer flakes under clear coat)that needed fixing so check closely when you purchase. Comfy seats, and ride, absolutely love it! Fun truck and useful for the long term buyer. Will keep this truck for yeeeaars!!

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  Nice Car...fun to drive! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kondich - November 5 - 2:00 am

  So far I have only put 1,000 miles on this car in a little less than a month. I have been very happy with this car having previously owned a 2000 Ford Contour. This Focus ZX5 is getting better to drive each day as the engine continues to break in. I would also like to add that this car handles very well.

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  Mustang: Still a Classic - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MrMorden - November 5 - 2:00 am

  My Mustang GT has been a great car. It has had no significant problems, and performs the way Id expect for the last of the Pony Cars. It responds very well to aftermarket items like exhaust & suspension upgrades, and you can make the car anything you want, from a mild commuter, to a world-class handling car, to a fire-breathing monster muscle car. Its all up to you.

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  A Modern Muscle Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sawman - November 4 - 7:29 pm

  I have owned several mustangs, the last of which was a 1999 GT which I heavily modified. That car (the GT) was faster than my current Cobra but do not fool yourself. John Colletti and SVT have a winner here. The old Mustang goes out on a high note. If you want a kick in the pants mustang with factory perfection and reliability, this is the car. As far as the editor rating on this car (6.7), the editor is an idiot. You cannot touch the attitude or performance and be able to take your (small) kids along for anywhere near the cost.

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  let me down,but still love her - 2002 Ford F-150
  By lowrodder - November 4 - 2:37 am

  i had the vehicle 2yrs.with no problems,until i went to start it one morning and i heard a knocking sound.i took in in to find out the engine had blown.

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  Great Truck Overall - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Zach M. - November 4 - 1:36 am

  Bought this truck as my first new car. Best compact pickup, overall am very pleased with everything. Opt for a 6 cylinder, cause the 4 has no power and lacks great gas mileage. Paint quality isnt very good either. But am overall pleased with the vehicle is fun to drive and looks great with the XLT Appearance package(chrome grill and wheels). Still too new to tell overall reliability!

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  A great U.S.A. built car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mboedy - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car 55 miles one way to work. For 85000 miles there have been no problems-just maintenance like filters, tires, and brakes. I have the leather seats, cd player, and whatever else comes on the ZTS. This is a huge step up from the Escort I was using for a work car, and in fact I actually declared when I bought it "This is way too nice for a work car". This is a great commuter car, and is much more stylish than the rest of this class. I plan on driving this car another couple hundred thousand miles, since my previous Escorts all surpassed 250000 miles without any major work. This is a great car!

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  MystiChrome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Big Snake - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Power is tremendous. I have the MystiChrome paint that changes colors, as do the seats! Car does have some flex and takes a few minutes to calm down after hard acceleration.