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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  bummer - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By kurt - December 1 - 9:36 pm

  Having a hard time putting gas in the tank. It takes about 15 minutes to put gas in the car. It will only go in at very slow speed, like in between off and start.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By L. Martin - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck so far...............

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cmcquade1974 - November 29 - 8:40 am

  Living in Texas you need a truck, however living in the city you need a car. This truck is it! Best of both worlds!

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  Unsatisfied - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By EG - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I was very excited now disgruntled. The car has slow reaction to manuevering around, I find it to be poor. The back of the car is light and is a big problem when its windy. The door knobs inside the car are in a odd place. These are the negatives of the car. The positives are, very comfortable, rather quiet ride, no problems yet with the engine. The stereo system is fantastic. Overall, I wouldnt buy it again, not the car to have if you live in the snow or a windy area but if you stay within a community and dont do much traveling, maybe you want to think about it. Ill probably get rid of mine soon and purchase another ford vehcile.

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  Needs higher quality material design - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Kevins - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is fun to drive and handles well. The only thing I would be concerned with this little jewel of an SUV is the quality of material used to design of the vehicle. I would be willing to pay an extra $1000.00 if the interior components(Plastic, leather seats, etc..) were of higher quality and careful/attention to detail. Overall Ford has got a nice vehicle and I would like to see some improvements in the choice of interior material.

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  Lincoln Aviator has baby! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cletus - November 28 - 9:53 am

  I have been driving Ford Explorers since 1990, starting with a 1991 4X4 Eddie Bauer Edition. Drove it 13 years (loved it!) Drove a 2000 Model Limited for year and a half (O.K.). Got 2005 Escape LTD AWD (gold ash metallic - beautiful!)first week of July 2005. Looks like baby of friends Lincoln Aviator. Like it a lot. With Explorers went everywhere in snow. If the Escape with AWD equals the Explorers, then I will be a 100% Escape Fan. Its only 2 inches narrower and wheelbase is only 10 inches shorter than Explorer so no noticeable interior difference to me. My friends call me Hugh Jass.

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  Surprising car. I really like it! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By abeachdog - November 26 - 5:13 pm

  I needed an economical, dependable, third car with a rack for my longboards. It has exceded all of my expectations. I have put 5,300 miles on it in 3 months. I modified a set of INNO racks and they work great. The Focus carries a ton of stuff, 2 9 foot plus boards on top, is very fun to drive, and gets decent gas mileage (25 to 30 mpg with the PZEV). I did not expect such a versatile vehicle. Ford should consider making an "Outback" style car based on the Focus. Unfortunately, this model is discontinued. Great cheap surf car for solo trips! Excellent commuter and general purpose vehicle. Amazingly quick and agile. Highly recommend.

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  Focus Drives Well - 2001 Ford Focus
  By martyiv - November 26 - 3:36 pm

  I have had nothing but a great time with my Focus and I am glad I chose it over the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Echo. The Focus gets up and goes with the Zetec option and is great for my long commutes to work. A joy to drive!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BBarnum - November 23 - 2:00 am

  So far, this has been a pleasent experience. The center console shift is very nice to have as well as an interior design that is hard to find comperable in any truck period. The new F-150 has cme a long way

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  Worth the risk? - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By VegasGT - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I do love this car, and I often get compliments from strangers, and more often than that I get stares. But it developed a stalling problem the week I bought it. Then the clutch started rattling, then it got recalled for the parking break, then the stereo died. All that is now fixed, but it has left me a bit sour. For the money youre hard pressed to find a more powerful car, and it IS a blast to drive, although its a bit choppy over bumpy corners. Some Mustang owners have had no problems at all - it may be worth the risk. Oh yeah and the seats absolutely suck.