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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  First looks may be incorrect - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Hibshman - February 23 - 7:53 pm

  I picked this truck up used by someone who jumped the gun. The Ford was getting around 12 miles to the gallon. After further research and previous knowledge. I picked a K&N air filter and changed the engine oil to 5w40 oil which is called for by Ford for the 4.0 v6. And by only filling half of the 22.5 gallon tank at gas stops, not to mention the flexible fuel feature. I am now doing better then 17 MPG city for a four wheel drive! The comfort level and look of the truck along with the versatility. So prior to chasing everyone to an import make sure you have correct oil and air filtration. Along with tire PSI.

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  Love the Focsus SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Otto - February 23 - 1:33 pm

  This car is fun to drive, looks good and gets great gas mileage. If youÂ’re looking for a great commuter or an efficient family car this is a good choice. My best mileage so far is 38.2 on my 30 mile drive to work.

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  public display of horsepower - 1995 Ford F-250
  By pdh - February 23 - 4:00 am

  I love my truck even though Ive done a lot lot to it. Bought it at 121,000 miles at 140,000 miles had to rebuild the engine - new Crane cam, pistions, pushrods, lifters, new alternator, new water pump but the alt and water pump lasted 125,000 miles. Factory original 2 sets of tires also put a k&n air filter Only use Rotella T 5-40 full synthetic and platnium plugs, premium wires premium every thing - also have a goose neck hitch and full range of 6 axle trailer brake and all lights, even rv hook ups pushing 270hp and 400 ft pds

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  Excellent car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Amy - February 22 - 2:47 am

  Very pleased with Taurus. Plenty of room. Reliable.

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  GT Premium Convertible - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jason - February 21 - 10:46 pm

  Just like many others out there, Ive been salivating over the 05 Mustang since Ford first announced the new design. I just got my car (Silver w/ black leather interior) and let me tell you, its worth every penny. The dealer was telling me that Ford is overwhelmed by demand and buyers are waiting 6 months for delivery of their GTs. I would like to share with you that it is possible to get one. I didnt order my car in advance, but rather convinced the salesman that I was a serious buyer and to call me if a buyer who ordered one changed his mind when the car came in. He (to my amazement) called a week later. I was at the dealer within 90 minutes. They didnt even charge over sticker!

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  Super flag car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Terrys flag car - February 21 - 8:08 pm

  I own a flag car business and escort oversize loads from Pennsylvania up and down the east cost. I went right to Mobile One and Slick Fifty when I bought this car. I average 11,000 miles a month, ha and you think you have a long drive to work. Plenty of power, 40+ miles per gallon at high speeds, fairly comfortable, plenty of room and Im 6 ft. Great little car. I do use 5 speeds for my work. Automatic transmissions would not hold up to to the pounding we give these little cars. I had a 91 wagon and put 300,000 miles on it. Again, a great little car.

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  Happy with My Eddie Bauer! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By KCB - February 21 - 12:45 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 4 years and have had NO problems with it whatsoever. Despite the bad press, it holds the road well and it an excellent vehicle.

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  Ranger XLT 2wd 5sp 4cyl - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Roger Vaughan - February 21 - 4:37 am

  Very good, reliable, comfortable basic truck. Kind of like pick-up trucks used to be. Not a huge, oversize gas and road hog. Wife says most comfortable seat she has been in. Gas mileage is great, always high 20s to 30.

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  Most Fun Ive Driven in Years - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By JonG - February 21 - 4:01 am

  Got rid of an XJ8VDP for this car. I own a 96 Red XJS that is supposed to be my summer fun car - BUT - This car gets more looks, comments and thumbs up than the Jaguar (mine is Yellow with the two-tone yellow black interior). SHARP. Best surprise was power and performance - way better than I expected and cheap to maintain. Plus now that they are going bye-bye itll be even a rarer sight. Not a practical car as far as 2 seater, shallow trunk.

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  First Time Ford Owner. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By The Five Farrells - February 20 - 5:19 am

  Main reason I wanted to purchase this was its stylish body look, and the feel I got when I was sitting behind the wheel.Totally feel at ease when the wife and kids are doing their thing (school, sports, errands, etc.). I am confident in their safety, and confident that the vehicle will perform as directed in the brochures we read. Ford did a quality job with the redesign because we are going to stay in the Ford Family of Freestar. Look for the five Farrells in 2006 when we will be ready to trade up to a newer version.I am impatient to wait...and confident you will continue to compete with the foreign vehicles on the market.