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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  Happy Ford Owner - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hdfatty - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice Truck. Handles, Stops, Starts, all good. I bought it because my last 2 F150 ran without major problem up to 100K. I pray Henry made this ones as good.

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  my review - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By spartanss8 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  vehicle reliability is good, ride is bumpy but the vehicle is a truck. easy to clean interior.

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  Great Technology...horrible marketing. - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By geeemman - April 18 - 10:30 pm

  I looked at every Hybrid SUV and was convinced that the Ford Escape had the best technology for me. I wanted a Hybrid that the gasoline engine would turn off and it would run off batteries when possible. The Ford Escape was the ONLY SUV that would. I was surprised. What I hated was dealing with Ford! They make you take this very expensive and cheesy interior option package if you want an extra airbag. I think the option package added on an extra $3000! I was robbed ... especially when I found out that they downgraded the CD player from a 6 CD changer standard, to a single CD. Of course Id already paid before Id noticed. What a rip off!

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  Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By woodygap - April 17 - 5:16 pm

  Good Safe Van

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  Bullit lives up to its name - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By akorna - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Bullitt as an impulse buy, although I had been interested in it since it debuted as a concept car. I got #4942, Dark Highland Green, for a good price w/rebate and 0.9% Financing. The Bullitt is a great driving car - a real attitude adjuster that I take out only in nice weather, once a week or less. I have little to complain about the car. I mostly enjoy the wonderful exhaust note and well spaced transmission ratios. The factory modified 4.6L V8 is underated at 265 HP - published dyno tests suggest 270-280 HP. I have driven the same year regular Mustang GT, and this car is better in almost every category.

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  great suv - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By teckpart - April 17 - 10:00 am

  did not set out to by a suv but the new explorer realy caught my eye vast improvement over older models independent rear supension makes this suv i cut above nice driving quiet and smooth on open highway for my use 4.0L engine is fine great dealer prep and no problems since new good looks nice inside with a lot of nice xtras

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  Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ohmz42 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  My Sport Trac is very comfortable and fun to drive. Fuel Mileage is decent at 19 mpg average. Although it has ample pep, considering todays technology, Ford could improve performance and fuel economy just a wee bit better. Before I purchased this vehicle I was undecided between an SUV or pickup, but the Sport Trac has proven to be a nice mix of each. Would recommend! You get plenty of looks too.

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  GOOD BUT COULD BE BETTER - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By CORY G - April 13 - 10:00 am

  VERY GOOD LOOKING EXTERIOR. INTERIOR COULD USE A NEWER AND MORE ADVANCED DESIGN.I LIVE IN OHIO SO WINTERS HERE ARENT THE GREATEST AND SURPRISINGLY THE FEW TIMES I DID HAVE TO TAKE IT IN THE SNOW, THE CAR DID VERY WELL.BETTER THAN MY TRUCK IN FACT.THE 4.6L MOTOR RUNS THROUGH ALL THE GEARS GREAT EXCEPT 4TH GEAR IS A LITTLE SLUGGISH. BUT AM HAPPY WITH THE LOOK AND PERFORMANCE OF MY NEW MUSTANG.

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  Bopping Baby - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By firecracker - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The tires shine the dealership used stained my white car so parts of it had to be repainted. The clock/cd unit had to be replaced because the clock lost min. 10 minutes per wk. But my "Tang" is a beauty and lots of fun to drive. Get 21 mpg on local drives and 26mpg on trips. It is my Bopping Baby. Love it.

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  Bears Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bear - April 13 - 9:30 am

  For the price, an excellent commuter car. I love my Focus, drive it to work 6 days a week, gets great mileage, is comfortable, even for my 260 pounds. Not good for car pooling or long family trips.