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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  Best Bang per Buck! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By MadMax - May 6 - 3:47 pm

  Impressed with build quality, and ruggedness.

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  Great car, would definitely buy again - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By JBoge - May 5 - 11:31 pm

  I purchased my Explorer Sport new and currently have 172,500 miles and counting. It has been a great car and virtually maintenance free. After 160,miles, I had to replace the brakes, front shocks and ball joints. Changed the shift motor twice and I have some rust on the rear bumper and running boards. Other than that, it is as good as the day I bought it.

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  Best Truck I have ever owned - 2005 Ford F-150
  By edgarsdad - May 5 - 4:26 pm

  I have a 1999 F150 extended cab 4.6L Triton engine. This has been the best truck I have ever owned. I called the Ford dealership at 70,000 miles to check on how much a tune up, brakes you know, what I thought was time or past time, to have done to keep it up to date on maintenance, and was told or asked why? Its not recommended until 100,00 miles. I was shocked! I had run into a little extra money and wanted to have this done while I had the money. To my great surprise, it was not time. The ride and comfort is superb. I will definitely buy another one, if this one EVER runs down. Its like the Energizer Bunny ... It keeps going and going and going! I LOVE IT!

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  Love my Red T-Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By lou - May 5 - 12:51 am

  I bought my T-Bird in 96 as a dealer demo with 8,000 miles. It has 88,900 now with no major problems, looks and runs like a dream. I love this car, and can tell if there are any problems coming up just by the "feel"...you T-Bird owners know what I mean. Just bought a 2001 Taurus was going to trade the T-Bird in, but when I saw them start to take her away, I choked up and changed my mind. Now I have a Taurus and the T-bird. Im going to drive the Taurus in the winter.

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  Good looking and reliable! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By David H. - May 4 - 10:52 pm

  Bought this truck brand new in 2000 and has been one great truck. If you take care of it, it will take care of you! Ive had mine now for 5 years and not once have I had any major problems or concerns with her. She looks good, rides good and pulls good, what more could you ask for! Ive learned with Ford, you really do get what you pay for.

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  ARTY - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ARTY - May 4 - 10:00 am

  HANDLES WELL 14 MPG AROUND TOWN 20 ON HIGHWAY

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  Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jeffhe - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Best damn truck I ever owened,

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  2004 ford freestar wow wow wow - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By patrick 777 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  this 2004 ford freestar is a real winner rides better than a lincoln town car gets almost 600 miles to the 26 gal tank wow wow wow very happy 3.9 liter eng is very powerful excellent on the highway good response and holds the road plenty of pep good on long trips very dependale get one today you wont be sorry also has a powerful stereo system ac is frezing cold no sway on the highway thank you ford for making this great vichele

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  Focus Driven - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Focus on Tracie - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my new Focus ZX3 all over town and went on my first long trip, I have never had so much fun driving! The ride was comfortable and smooth, yeha for cruise control. I just want to say my car has not suffered a case of Focus abuse yet! Thanks Ford for making such a great vehicle! A Loyal Ford Driver!

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  Super Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By David Mathis - May 3 - 10:13 pm

  Had this car 1 week. drives like a dream, elec to gas to elec motors are fantastically not detectable. Smooth seamless shifts with trany. I have city mpg of high 40s with careful acceleration. Combined city hwy gets 42+ mpg. Love the back up camera (502A pkg)in the Navigation screen! The side warning radar feature is accurate and reliable.