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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  MY 2004 F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ESTEPFLATTOP - October 14 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE INTERIOR. COMFORT HAS SURPASSED THE OLD TRUCKS IN THEIR DESIGN. MORE LEG ROOM, MORE HEAD ROOM YET EVERYTHING IS IN REACH OF THE DRIVER. PEOPLE ACTUALLY TURN THEIR HEADS WHEN THEY SEE MY TRUCK GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR SETTING IN A PARKING LOT. THIS IS THE THIRD NEW TRUCK I HAVE HAD IN THE LAST SIX YEARS BUT, BY FAR IT IS THE BEST.

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  Focus ZTS - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Giardina - October 14 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, EXCELLENT HANDLING CAPABILITIES, GREAT VALUE FOR THE PRICE EUROPEAN SPORTS STYLING PLENTY OF INTERIOR SPACE

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  Great vehicle so far - 2004 Ford Escape
  By G Adam - October 14 - 2:00 am

  So Far my escape has been great except for a power steering hose clamp that leaked in the extreme cold. It gets 22mpg in the city so far with only a couple of hundread kilometers on it.

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  2003 Ford Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By karchal - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle, large but very easy to drive. Has a nice soft ride. Engine is very quite. I have a 21ft bass boat which it pulls very well.

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  Love My Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By CarolC - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 SE had the upgrade package with spoiler, drivers lumbar seat, CD changer, etc, which except for some detailing on the exterior is just like the SES, but costing a couple grand less. This is the only sedan in this price range, where I can stretch my legs out to drive in, other makes didnt have enough leg room for the driver. Rides VERY quiet, great radio/Cassette and CD player, Gas mileage as expected.. 20 around town.

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  Smart Purchase - 2007 Ford Escape
  By John - October 13 - 11:57 am

  Purchased my Escape under protest. Traded in my Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 Hemi to shut up my wife. Got tired of hearing about the high cost of ownership. Well, I should listen to my wife more often. Not as macho as a hemi but cut my expenses in half (payment, gas, insurance). Fun to drive and easier to park. I bought it with a stick shift to spite my wife. Didnt work. She thinks its fun to drive too. If gas hits $5 a gallon, Im ready.

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  Great value in a safe, practical car. - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By dave mccusker - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second CV, (previous was a 92) I chose the base model for the standard axle ratio- for lifetime and economy. It has new airbags and seatbelt features. This car is so nice to drive that we replaced an SUV with a car since nobody wanted to drive it anymore after buying the CV. It is almost fast, tracks well, is very quiet, and has good brakes. Our car also has adjustable pedals which keep smaller drivers away from the airbag and it has traction control that really works.

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  Happy Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Frank I - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I looked for 2 months for an SUV. I test drove every SUV out there, At the end me and the wife were very confused. So I took a chance with the explorer.We went on a trip after putting on 1000 mi.The trip was 2 thousand mi. long. The Explorer handeled great. The wife and I so far love the car. The ride is better than any other SUV. It is very comfortable for taking trips. So far we have 3000 mi on the vehicle. On the highway it got 20 and 22 mi per gallon. We are very happy with the vehicle so far.

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  Very Good Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By MREd - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand what some of the other reviewers are talking about bad gas mileage? mine is better than my friends toyota. Quality? it is great. Recalls what recalls? Ive had one service bulletin. 4wd might had some problems but not 2wds

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  Built Ford Tough - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Big Harley - October 13 - 9:43 am

  Great Power! Amazing Looks! and Reliability! I have had a great experience the 7 months I have owned this truck. The 20" stock rims are beautiful and the interior is simply amazing. The engine with 260HP and 350TORQUE is plenty power for everyday use. (The Exhaust note also sounds very pleasing)