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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  Love the Lariat - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mark - July 16 - 1:03 pm

  Have had this truck for almost a year now with no problems. I love driving it! It has plenty of power, size and I love the best in class towing ability. It is not as fast as the Titan or the Ram, but hey, I wanted a truck, not a race car. The added safety of the extra steel in the construction more than makes up for it. No disposable truck here!

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  Great Car - Very Underrated - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jerry - July 16 - 12:56 pm

  I have had three Honda Accords. I decided to buy a used Ford 500 versus the new 2008 Accord based upon value. This car is great. It drives well and has lots of room - lots of compliments from riders about the room. My family enjoys the car, too. Safety ratings were a big reason for purchasing as well. Fuel economy has been very good. Consistently 20-21 in town. On the highway between 29 and 32 (I did get 32.5 on one trip). Overall, this is a great car. Although many in the press have not given favorable responses, many owners like me seem to think this is a highly underrated car - a diamond in the rough. SEL package is nicely equipped. Great A/C system in hot climate.

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  Like the Truck, Hate the Service Support - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By GSFuller - July 16 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the truck for the functionality - to transport my family and cargo at the same time. I chose it over the Dakota because it drove like a car - which it is. This vehicle is not as durable as a truck and should not be treated as such. But for a suburbanite, I like it a lot. It has things break on it a lot and I am thankful for the warranty. Too bad the dealership is so unsupportive. I see it as a great alternative to a wagon but not to a pick up truck. Treat it gently and it will perform well. Great speed but poor mileage (18 - 20 mpg).

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  A fun ride - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By DjfunkmasterG - July 16 - 8:32 am

  I have had my Mustang over 2 years now and it is lucky #13. I have been driving Mustangs since 1988. Out of the 13 I have owned only one was a lemon, a 2004 which I bought as a left over, but this 2007 has been spectacular just like the previous 11 models with no issues. While the interior feels like a cockpit and more room was given for taller drivers in the 05 redesigns, it could still use some work. The center console could be a little smaller. Handling is nice with the 18" wheel package. My model also has the 3.55 rear axle. I drive a basic deluxe, the only options were the 3.55 rear, upgraded dash, and the 18" wheels, otherwise barebones, and I love it. Over this is fun car.

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  03 Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By chiseled - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is too much fun! Definitely a head-turner, especially when they see a woman driving it :)

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  Lovin It! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By bug892 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is fantastic. Really an improvement over the previous models. I like the smooth ride, and the new design. However, I think theyve cut some corners. The leather seems inferior to the leather in our 99 Expedition. There is no light in the glove box, the center storage bin, or under the hood! Never had a truck without a light under the hood! I also think some of the interior ergonomics could be improved (placement of cup holders behind shifter is awekward, half of the dash is taken up by ash tray and lighter and I dont smoke!) But all that said, this truck is exceptional in build quality and comfort. I take it out every excuse I get!

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  I love this truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By mickey123456 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I drive different trucks daily and Ford by far out ranks the others.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By stdavis - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer is an excellent overall value. It can manage people or cargo with ease. It is very capable in all weather conditions. I particularly enjoyed it in last winters ice storm. It performed flawlessly. I found the V6 to be adequate while towing a small trailer and in most situations. The build quality is excellent and I think that it is the best looking sport utility made.

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  Cool - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SUV - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Cool Suv With Good Millage

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  The Best Full-Size SUV! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Loyal Ford Customer - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The new 2004 Expedition is the best ever! I love the power-fold rear seats. The aluminum lift gate and hood is so easy to open and close. The ride is just fantastic. This Expedition is very, very quit. The AdvanceTrac electronic stability enhancement system is great, along with the automatic tire pressure monitoring system! This Expedition handles so great. The seating space, comfort and configurations are excellent. The dual temperature controls, the dual power seats and the heated and cooled dual front seats are the best! In addition, the rear-view side mirrors have a great feature, they auto-adjust down when you back- up.