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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  Good all around truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Jim - June 29 - 12:58 am

  I bought this truck brand new in 2000. It tows very well considering its a V6. I drive this truck everyday and I couldnt ask for a better truck. It has always being there for me. The ride is rough but hey, its a truck. I love this truck especially being a 5 speed manual, I dont have to worry about transmission problems like you always encounter with Ford automatic transmissions.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Daley - June 28 - 11:00 pm

  Love this vehicle, Minimal problems, Front wheel bearings were the most costly item I have put on this vehicle. Most maintenece items such as brakes, oil, tires.

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  it is a great compact car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Memphis, TN - June 28 - 6:33 am

  I have very good experiences with Ford Escort. That is why I chose Ford Focus. My daughter considers the old 95 Ford Escort as our family member because it is so reliable and almost problem free for many years! The best part of the new Ford Focus is: everybody in my family loves it very much! Before I bought it, I read a lot of reviews on it and other cars in its class. I think people tell the truth: fun to drive, looks cute, roomy for big size guys, fuel economy, etc. as it claims, the gas mileages are 26/32. However, I get 30/34! During winter season, I still can get 28/33. It is quite, sharp and smooth. The Ford dealer is honest and nice. I am quite happy to own it.

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  Ford job two - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By charles - June 28 - 6:29 am

  I like the exterior modifications and the positive acceleration for the 2005 lineup. The ride and handling characteristic take awhile to get used to. I really dont like the extra swaying of the vehicle maybe a heavier duty shock needs to be used at all corners. The now standard Pirelli tires really helped me decide to get the vehicle. It made me think that Ford really wants the best for its customer.

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  A GREAT RIDE AND A LOOKER - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By JASPER - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a great looker. I get only positive comments from everyone who sees the car and those who ride in it. It has lots of pickup and power. The only negative I have discovered is that the convertible top rattles a little when it is not up and is in its storage compartment.You can especially hear that noise when the hard top is on.

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  2004 F-150FX4 One Impressive Vehicle - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jim Steriti - June 27 - 2:00 am

  As a faithful GM truck owner for the last 20 years (00 silverado,02 avalanche most recently). Understand how impressed I was after driving the new F-150. I was not even in the market for a new vehicle, but while waiting for a friend to pick up a car from service at the dealership I took one for a ride.I traded in my Chevy Avalanche on the spot and drove the F- 150 FX4 off the lot.Almost 3 months and 12K miles later, I am even more impressed. This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven!

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  Best Car for A College Student - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Actuary - June 26 - 6:39 pm

  This car was my party vehicle throughout my college years. I have 145,000 miles on it and all I had to do was change the oil. My convertible top hydraulics began to leak at 100,000 and that is all I had to fix. Of course since I take the top down and put it back up a million times when I went out it had to break eventually! :) I plan on driving this bad boy until 200,000 miles and keeping it as my fun vehicle.

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  Taurus Rocks - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Mike W - June 26 - 4:06 pm

  I have owned this car about 3 months and I think it is great. Comfortable, reliable, stylish. I am getting pretty good gas mileage. Excellent safety record.

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  Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Freestar - June 26 - 1:15 pm

  The Freestar was the best van for me and my family. It had better exterior styling than the Chevrolet Uplander or the Venture. It also had a more refined interior than the Chevy vans. It was more comfort table and versatile and fit in with our life styles more.

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  Best truck I ever had - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By j phillips - June 26 - 10:13 am

  This truck has never had a problem, I pull out stumps, ride over sand dunes, and run it as hard as I can. One tough truck.