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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  Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mac110m - July 4 - 7:58 am

  Drives very nice .Good on long trips. Smart 4 wheel drive system works really good. Just love the whole SUV!

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Sally E - July 3 - 9:48 am

  Really good bargain for the money. I bought it new and have had no problems whatsoever. First Ford Ive owned, and will most likely buy another one.

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  It has outperformed my first expectation - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Bryan - July 2 - 4:53 am

  It looks different and it is. First off the ride, quiet, smooth and a lot of power when needed. It corners fast and smooth full control. 4 kids absolutely love it gadgets and great sound system. Spacious and comfortable short or long trips. We have no complaints only praise a job well done. Thanks Ford

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  Great Car...if you get top of the line - 2000 Ford Focus
  By richy - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Handles better then my BMW & cost a lot less to maintain. I have the top of the line but I can see where the car would look cheap if you get anything less. Great Price

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  finally I listened to the family - 2003 Ford F-150
  By chief210 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome, this truck is every mans dream if he wants a truck plus luxury. I have the 5,4L engine and it is very responsive and moves out fast. The ride is unmatched, I drove all models and traded a 97 dodge. The room in the back seat is unmatched, a friend is 64 and had plenty of legroom with the front seat back. My family loves it, especially the kids who now have a full window to look out and cup holders that actually hold a real drink in place. I took my new Ford to the Dodge dealer and he couldnt come close to matching luxury and price. Now I can honestly say all the men of the family own Ford trucks and will never buy anything else!

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  You get what you pay for - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Fairfax, VA - June 30 - 10:43 pm

  Bought my Expedition with 60k miles and its been reliable as sin. The only work done was on struts at 90k. 17" tires arent cheap, and neither is gas at 13 mpg, but (if you ever studied physics) its nice knowing that you have 2 1/2 tons of metal traveling at the same velocity and direction you are. Three kids, three dogs, and a lot of help moving friends stuff was no problem for this great SUV.

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  Good Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By FelBrown - June 30 - 10:55 am

  I just got this truck four months ago. I would say to go with the 4.0L instead of the 3.0L because my least favorite part of my truck is the 3.0L. I came from having a 4.3L and I am used to the power going to a 3.0L was a little disappointing. Other than that, this is the best truck I have ever owned. It is very dependable and stylish.

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  My Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gary - June 29 - 5:26 pm

  Excellent in the snow; in the spring, you can sit in the bed and enjoy the weather at a beach or park.

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  Almost 200K Miles Later... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By dr.girlfriend - June 29 - 1:48 pm

  The 1996 Ford Explorer XLT (V6) has definitely been the finest car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned quite a few. (My dad says "I cant believe that car has been so good to you!" Hes jealous). I bought it used with a little less than 75K miles on it, and now it has over 180K, and still running strong. No major mechanical problems, and has never went one morning without starting right up. Ive been all around the country with it. The value on paper is soooooo far below what its REALLY worth! I would recommend this fantastically-performing car to anyone who wants something reliable, roomy, nice-looking, and lovable.

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  Very reliable !! - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By macf150 - June 29 - 9:40 am

  My 2004 F-150 Heritage has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Currently, it has 161,000 miles and has had all routine maintenance performed.Starts evey time without fail. The 4.6L engine has proven to be more power than I need. I have owned a 97 and 98 F150 with the 4.2L V6 which seemed to have just enough power and were reliable as well. I recently test drove an 2013 F150 with the 3.7L V6 and the EcoBoost V6... What a powerplant !! I was pondering trading in my 04 but, it just didnt give me any reason to do so. First of all its" paid off ". My goal is to reach 300K !!After all the years of ownership it still Rates 5 Stars !!