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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  It does it all! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Deb - July 23 - 3:31 pm

  We purchased our Bronco - one year after being in a car accident - for its crash test results and pulling power. We love it! It keeps my kids safe and pulls our 74 190 SeaRay without issue. It also does well in the snow. I do recommend switching out the hubs to locking so once you need them they are there and you dont have too wait for a few rotations in the tire for the autos to kick in. The ride can get a little bumpy on the those rough freeway spots, but not everything can ride like a Benz.

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  XLT Sport - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By JMeis37136 - July 23 - 2:14 pm

  At first I really wanted a V8 Explorer but the are like finding a needle in a haystack at a dealership around here. The V6 has decent power just wish the fuel economy was better. Fit and finish on the vehicle is pretty good except for some solvent popping on the hood. The leather interior is great and I would highly recommend it. The Audiophile sound system is second to none in the sound department. The display on the radio just needs to get in the 21st century. vehicle is smooth and quiet to drive on both the city and the highway.

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  Everyone should drive a Ford truck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By nichole - July 23 - 1:53 am

  Comfortable to drive on a long road trip, good looking, great on gas, and great audio system, this is the best combination in a family friendly truck. We can take our dogs & kids on a long distance highway trip and ride in comfort. Not to mention the wonderful extras, we can never get lost because our truck always tells us what direction were going & the smooth ride lets the kids and dogs take their naps. When its time to do the weekend chores, the spacious bed gives us plenty of room to make a worthwhile trip to our local landfill! We love it & wouldnt trade it for anything ... except another FORD!

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  awesome rig - 2003 Ford F-150
  By brent - July 22 - 3:56 pm

  This truck has been awesome. I searched around until I found one with a 3.73 limited slip rear end it has tons of power with the 5.4. The King Ranch leather is a lot nicer than the Lariat the mileage is actually ok for a fairly large truck with a big v8. Owned Chevys and Toyotas and this truck rides smoother, has better build quality, and gets a lot more complements about the interior and exterior styling.

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  My 2008 Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By bgreen2 - July 22 - 3:53 pm

  This car is great! I owned a 2006 and the lease was up.They have done a wonderful job (Ford) upgrading this vehicle. The satellite radio, instrument cluster, and the fun of the drive are my favorites. It handles like a dream.

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  Ford Owner Family - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Adirondack Color - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very practical and fun vehicle. Just the right vehicle for the Northeasts quickly changing weather conditions. This unit has all the bells and whistles anyone could want in a package this size. Loads of cargo space with the seats down for stocking up on supplies.

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By deniser257 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second explorer that I have owned and the new design is the best by far! The only thing I wish I had added was a moon roof.

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  I Luv my Expeditions - I have 2! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dixie14 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1987 Expedition in Fla & thought it was great so I replaced my 10 year old Ford Bronco with a 2003 Expedition in Michigan. I absolutely love this vehicle. The warning back up feature is fantastic & it handles just great. Im a small female driver & wouldnt even think of having anything else. My friend says it has more features on it than the space shuttle.

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  THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER - 2004 Ford F-150
  By WOODIE - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The new 04 FX4 supercrew is a wonderful vehicle. It functions like a truck as well as a passenger vehicle. Space in the interior is surprising, as is the handling. The extra weight of the new body style is evident, even with the increased horsepower, though. Long-Lewis Ford in Muscle Shoals, Al. sold 90 F-150s in August, and I can see why. It is a hit for Ford Motor Company.

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  F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MR. G - July 22 - 10:00 am

  F150 VERY RELIABLE GOOD LOOKING ,MY THIRD TRUCK PROBLEM FREE MY NEXT ONE WILL BE A FORD