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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  Clear skies and tail winds - 2003 Ford F-150
  By cg aviator - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the vehicle for almost a year now. I had the Sport Trac before and did my homework to see the benefits of ownership of this truck. With kids and space availability, Id have to say this is definitely an improvement. I also have motorcycles to haul and this is no problem with the amount of power under the hood. I have done upgrades to the powerplant as well. The truck is heavy compared to others but you can feel the design that went into this product. Ford spared nothing when building the vehicle. There is every option you may want when buying this and really no options to purchase since it is integrated.

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  Its a workhorse and looks good too! - 1994 Ford F-150
  By retired101sthorn - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I needed a truck to use for installing doors and windows (before being layed off anyway).I needed a long bed, but really wanted the extended cab too, so its not as comfortable as I would like since Ive got pretty long legs. Theres just no way to get the seat all the way back and recline the seat at the same time.With a camper top, its become very practical.

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  Love this mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Strawberry - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of the mustang (this is my 4th one), and I am not disappointed. It is hard to handle in the ice and rain, but has only been in the shop 2x for major repair since I have owned it. A computer modulator went out (causing the battery to drain and some electrical problems) and I am now replacing the rear end. Otherwise this has been reliable and would buy ford again. miles now are 109,000

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  My Red Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By higman97 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was supplied to me brand new as a company vehicle. I drove the vehicle brand new and purchased it from the company in 2000. The vehicle has been one of the best vehicles that Ive owned. It is extremely reliable and has been a nice vehicle to own and drive.

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  Good Compact SUV! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Scott80207 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This was my first truely "American" purchase (my previous car was a 00 Honda CRV), and other than a warranty- covered fuel sensor issue which caused the truck to stall at 40 mph, it has been a reliable, well-crafted, compact SUV. It has more than enough power and its fairly comfortable for my 64" frame. The 16-17 city-MPG took a little getting used to, but the 05 Hybrid is right around the corner!

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  Very Good - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Trev Connelly - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the Focus! It looks great, especially in white. Super price.Good gas milage-38 highway 31 city. It has a great feel to it. Just drive something else after driving it and you really will notice....even a WRX. Massive trunk! Comfy seats...they go up and down..it helps when you are 6ft 3ins.Finally a good european car sold by ford in the US.

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  Wheres my 4x4 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By wraith424 - January 8 - 2:00 am

  For the past 3 months I have had to take my truck into the dealer to fix the 4-wheel drive. So far it has shorted out 5 times, stupid electronic shift on the fly and none of the mechanics at the dealer can find the short. Not only that but my cruise control also shorted out. I have less problems with my 96 ranger then I do with this one.

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  Sharpest handling small car available - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mike Freed - January 7 - 7:36 am

  The ST is a terrific choice if youre looking for a performance sedan at a low price. It has razor-sharp steering response and great feel, strong brakes, and a suspension that strikes a nice balance between sport and comfort. The 2.3 engine has a lot of torque, but seems to run out of steam over 5000 rpm. The ST is also a solid highway cruiser, and tracks straight as a laser. Best of all, this is an easy car to upgrade with aftermarket parts. I drove all the small sport sedans, and if cost is no object, the Mazda 3s is a marginally better car overall than the Focus (the Toyota Corolla XS and Kia Spectra 5 are also pretty nice), but with all the discounts, is it REALLY $6,000 better?

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  SVT Majic - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Chicago Soldier - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very fast and sturdy. I feel very confident to "pull up" next to a high performance car at a red light.

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  I love my Ranger! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bud02Ranger - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I rolled my 02 XLT 4x4 4.0L after only owning it a year. This truck save me from incurring any harm whatsoever. And, the strong structure of the cab held itself so that I was able to repair the truck. Since then, Ive customized the truck with a lift, 35" tires, custom paint, etc. I love this truck! Shes a keeper!!!!