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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  Just like other reviews, GREAT! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By mgradke - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Talk about Ford Tough Trucks, I was rear ended at approx. 20 miles per hour at impact. The trailer light reciever was bent back, and the very strong hitch reciever and rear bumber took the brunt of the inpact and the other vehicle was severely damaged. I was totally surprised and very happy that my truck took such an impact with so minor damage. My rear bumper is as straight as new. The luxury seats with headrest took very good care of me. The truck absorbed the shock, I hardly felt anything. The 5.4L engine really has the torgue and power. Passing cars on two way highways feels so reassuring and comfortable.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cheesehauler - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I Ordered my Escape from the factory so I could get exactly what I wanted. I drive my Escape everyday, mostly city driving. I get between 18 and 22 mpg. Average since purchase: 18.62mpg because of mostly city driving. I use my Escape on Hunting so I do quite a bit of off roading. I live in Wisconsin and it is great in snow. The ride is nice with the leather and the payload is great for hauling cheese! I did alot of research before ordering my Escape and, at the time, I believe it was the best truck in its class.

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  2000 Taurus Comfortable and Safe - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By ElizabethAnne - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. I have had no problems at all. Ilove my power seats I can adjust them so I can see out very well.

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  Awesome Vehicle - Mediocre Marketing - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jackie - February 16 - 10:54 pm

  With over 43,000 miles, our Freestyle has been extremely reliable and well mannered. It can easily accommodate 6 adults with keep them all comfortable with room to spare! The seats are comfortable it has an excellent heating/AC system. The powerful factory six disc (cd & MP3s) quite simply, rocks! The seats are very comfortable on long trips and if you can keep it under 60mph you can even knock down 30mpg (24+mpg at 75mph). The Volvo chassis is VERY tight but the suspension is forgiving on rough roads. It handles curves with authority (no tip over warnings on the visors). Auto rags have criticized its performance, but the CVT affords an 8 second 0-60 with 200hp - OUTSTANDING!

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  What a head turner - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jamie R - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  About once a day some stranger stops me to ask me about my Mustang. Its fun to drive, has great power. I have an automatic and it accelerates and shifts quite well. Best part of car is that you can customize it beyond belief. So far no problems other than a rattle with the covers to the child safety seat bars in rear dash which is easily fixable. Changing the oil is extremely easy compared to import cars and it only needs regular fuel. Car comes with a lot for the buck and interior is nice although it scratches easily as others have noted. I highly recommend this car to anyone in search of power, ability to upgrade to performance parts, and driving fun. Good fuel economy for the power.

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  AWESOME TRUCK! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By MIKE - February 16 - 8:34 am

  This truck is so much fun to drive and has a lot of room for a single cab.

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  Eddie Bauer Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Cliffi - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The Eddie Bauer is definetely worth the extra money. Traded in an XLT, loved it, but this one is awesome with all the extras.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MANDY - February 15 - 10:00 am

  IT IS AN AWESOME TRUCK

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  My first Ford. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By taralynn - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler and I was all about the 4 wheel dirve lift 35 inch tires all that. Well I sold it and got me an 04 Expedition and its great, not only did I get it for $24700 its proved very useful. Ive slept in it for days when it wouldnt stop raining while camping out. It was about 10 grand less than a tahoe as well. with the same options, well it has one more the keypad on the door I leave my keys in my cars all the time but now I can lock it. I tend to loose my keys thats why I do that, and where I live not too many cars are stolen. But all in all I love my new expedition, my only regret is not getting the 4 wheel drive.

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  fun focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sheldo - February 15 - 10:00 am

  after having a 2001 fx3 this 2004 focus is great.