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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  F150 Heritage 5.4 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By sx5mustang - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Previous F 150 owners. Have only had the Heritage Package Truck for 1 month. Everything great - 5.4 Triton engine exceptional.

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  fun truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Dallas Driver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is new, but so far I love it, looks, drivability, features. On three fillups my gas mileage is 17mpg. I hope when the rings seat this will improve. So far I have not found any assembly problems or glitches. It is easy to drive after 25 yrs of K5 Blazers/Tahoes.

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  Great Bargain, Great Car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ccwizz - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2000 black ZTS. No problems thus far, great handling and feel to it!

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  03 Expedition - A great SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By beachdrvr - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. We were looking at this truck and a Tahoe. The deciding factors were the rear suspension and the fold flat 3rd seat. It is alot more user friendy than the Tahoe. I like how it handles especially when pushed hard, nice flat driving repsonse for such a large vehicle. The engine is powerful and smooth and I think the interior has a far more quality feel to it than the domestic competion. If you are looking at a large SUV you owe it to yourself to test drive one.

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  my dream - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By sticman - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Since wanting a GT since I was a kid.. This is everything I wanted.. The seats fit like a glove and everything fits my size perfectly.. Red lights are great.. The open highway is even better... Plenty of power to enjoy.

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  Best Car That You Will Ever Own!!!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By jimmy1627 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The current Mustang Style is the best car that you will ever own for dollar and horsepower. I have owned the vehicle for 3 years now, and have had no major problems. In the winter, I change the performance tires to Blizaks and this car can literally climb mountains. If you want a car with styling and horsepower, dont look any further than the MUSTANG!

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  Always purchased GM, but so far we like - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Young Grandma - April 25 - 5:27 pm

  Attracted to the sporty look and high reviews on saftely. Husband liked the idea that Volvo chassis was used. Have had a couple recalls, but fixed. Girl rear-ended me causing $2800 worth of damage to rear bumpers and sensors. Car gets 22 mpg around town and have gotten as high as 31 mpg on trips. Easy handling, plenty of room for grandchildren and a large Lab who loves sticking his head out the sunroof. Rear climate control package keeps everyone comfy. I have a problem when traveling in the back seat, but with the theater seating can ride in back and not get sick as a dog from motion.

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  Former GMC Owner - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Former GMC Fan - April 25 - 4:15 pm

  I looked at the Yukon, Tahoe, Durango and Armada. The fold flat seats in the third row, and interior styling and the class leading towing capacity sold me on the Expedition. I like that Ford has left a little bling on the exterior, Im not a big fan of the monotone look on so many other SUVs. The handling is great and Im thrilled that all passengers are protected with the side and canopy air bags. Gas mileage is better than I expected and I attribute that to that nice smooth 6 speed tranny. My MPG is only about 1-2 MPG less than my 6-cylinder and significantly lighter Envoy.

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  Good Kid Hauler - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mustangfever2006a - April 25 - 3:49 pm

  Very good SUV. Good ride, and nice interior and exterior. 2wd has very smooth ride compared to 4wd.

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  Addicted to my Mustang! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Robin - April 25 - 1:11 pm

  I have never been dissapointed. I passed 90,000 miles a few months ago and it runs great! I did have to replace the brake pads but it wasnt a big deal. 4 people in my family drive Mustangs ranging from 1988 to 2000 and we all feel the same way!