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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  Awesome Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By christine - August 4 - 9:58 pm

  Ive had my Explorer about a week now :) and its awesome. Its a great ride. Im nice and high up and can see EVERYTHING! I love the message center, since Im totally inept when it comes to automotive things like checking the levels -- it checks levels for me! The interior is beautiful, I have cloth seats, no bells or whistles really, but even the basic is great. Im still on my tank from the dealer, and Im kind of scared to fill her up, but since Im gaining safety and height I guess its ok. And it is a midsize SUV after all, wouldnt expect to fill up for $30. And its not bad, it makes you take it easy. So basically, while there are these family plans, go out and get an Explorer! Youll love it!

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  This is a catchy review - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Inigo Montoya - August 4 - 5:27 pm

  I think Ford interviewed the wrong people when they decided to quit making the Ranger. If you dont need a full size truck the Ranger gets the job done with little fuss and muss. Ive put 225,000 miles on the truck and other than needing some basic maintenance it has been a good little truck and done everything I needed of a truck. For the price it was perfect, now if I stay with Ford I have to buy an F-150 that will be more expensive to drive and maintain. Part of me wants to see if I can get 500,000 miles out of this truck instead. Updated: Sadly a kid decided to bend the frame on my truck and the bumper while he was at it. I barely noticed the hit but was enough to total the truck. Final mileage was 237828. I just wish I could have kept her longer but I guess it wasnt in the cards.

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  Not a bad car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Dan - August 3 - 2:24 pm

  Sexy, it isnt. No heads will turn when you drive past, but the Taurus transports my middle aged body in comfort. I have had no problems with this car since I bought it. The only non-routine item I had done was to replace the battery last month. The trunk is very large too.

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  Best designed truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By awol - August 3 - 8:40 am

  Traded a 1997 for the 2004. Big difference in ride and handling. I usually drive to work and back, sometimes carry a few to lunch. Great comfort. Loaded 1300# of sod on the weekend and pushed it up towards the cab. Hardly knew it was there. 5.4 Triton is powerful. Stops on a dime with change.

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  1999 Ford Crown Victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dan G - August 3 - 5:16 am

  Great built car. worked at Chevy dealership and new Chevys dont even compare. V8 engine, 20-25 mpg, fast, and reliable. Have had no problems in the time I have owned. Would own another one.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Bob L - August 2 - 11:24 pm

  1st truck I ever owned. Bought to make trips to Home Depot. I love the truck, never had any problems. Ive loaded this truck to its limit with mulch and fertilizer and the 4 cylinder engine had plenty of power.

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  Luxury Truck....SWEET - 2003 Ford F-150
  By J - August 2 - 11:04 pm

  I have owned several small trucks and planned on buying a new Ford due to the great employee discounts. While looking, I found this 2003 F150 super crew Lariat FX4 with 31,000 miles. The options it had were amazing (power moonroof, heated seat, etc.). I felt like I was driving a luxury car. They wanted a lot of money but I did it and it is still early, but I LOVE THIS TRUCK! Its powerful, smooth, comfortable and SHARP. I hope I still feel this way in the years to come. AWESOME TRUCK (even though the dealer stuck it to me).

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  I like it. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SueSki - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I downsized from a Durango to the Escape, and I was worried about the change. But I was pleasantly surprised with the Escape. It is comfortable, zippy enough and it pulled my snowmobiles just fine. Some of the things Im not to fond of are: the turn ratio, the small gas tank, a lot of the controls are on the column levers and sometimes gets confusing (may just need time to adjust to them). Overall, I rate this truck pretty highly.

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  Another Ford Customer - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By 50driver - August 2 - 2:00 am

  ITS A GREAT CAR RIDES AND HANDLE LIKE A CHARM IT HAS THE POWER TO GO GO GO AND ITS SHARP[ LOOKING SLEEK AND HAS THAT APEAL EVERYONE LIKES I DEFINATLY PROMOTE THIS CAR ITS A BEAUTY

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  So much car for relatively few dollars - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2003ZX5SVT - August 2 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car I knew it would be fun, but I didnt realize what a great package Ford put together. Its practical, feature laden, sporty, fun, roomy, cheap all things that usually not found in a single car. It could use more power, but thats always true. The creature comforts are first rate - HID lights on a sub 20K car - wow. It handles like its on rails, once moving is relatively fast.