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 buy! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Tenderloin - September 11 - 7:20 pm

  This SUV is worth a serious look. Roomy, comfy, plenty of power. Well laid out interior. MPG is less than I would like, but great pricing buys a lot of gasoline.

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  A fun to drive hunk of GARBAGE?!?! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By David in Oregon - September 10 - 10:00 am

  At 24 months and 12000 miles the transmission came apart inside, Ford kept it 3 weeks. Four months later, same thing, dealer kept it for 3 weeks. Interior trim has come loose, one seat belt would no longer latch, another seat belt could no longer be pulled out. Dealer repairs are iffy at best, replaced ALL the seatbelts with the WRONG COLOR (black belts, grey interior? BARF!) The recalls did not bother me, its a new design, but the multitude of other problems anger us both. With only 7 months left on the factory warantee, we are thinking of getting rid of this car.

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  DARLAS NEW RIDE - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By BINNY - September 10 - 10:00 am

  TRADED IN 2001EXPEDTION.MISS EXTRA ROOM IN 2NDROW SEAT AND WITDH,BUT NOT SLOPY HANDLING OR 3RD SEAT.HANDLING WITH IRS IN EXPORER IS EXCELLENT.V8 POWER IS GREAT,RIDE GOOD HIGH TOW RATING,DID NOT COME WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS BIG MISTAKE AT ONLY 100$THEY SHOULD BE STANDARD.IM TALL MY WIFES SHORT.OVERALL LOVE THE SIZE,TURNING RADIUS,BRAKES AND STEERING LOOKS GREAT WITH CUSTOM WHEELS!

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  Great New Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By MillerLite - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Escape with "Midnight" appearance package. It was more than I wanted but got a great deal. The glossy black finish really caught my eye because its so much classier looking than standard Escapes and I like the fact they only made 5,000 of the "Midnight." I get lots of stares from other drivers! Plus dark leather interior is nice too! Great power with the V6. Handles like a car, smooth and no noice or rattles. Stereo is great and the size of the Escape is deceiving. It has more room than youd think. Looks like a mini Explorer almost. Love my Escape!

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  6Cyl Auto - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Mobile Detailer - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck specifically for pulling my work trailer. At around 3500 pounds w/ 2 tanks of water, the trailer was a bit much for my 3.0 6 Cyl. Ranger. The F150 Heritage and its torquey V6 pulls it with no problems. Towing on the highway ia a breeze. The 4 wheel ABS Disc Brakes work great, even with the weight. Great affordability and hey...Its a Ford.

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  Fuel 12 mpg/14 mpg realistic - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rick Swartwood - September 5 - 10:00 am

  14 mpg/18 mpg is something that you will never see if you live in Minnestota. I have never been able to reach anything above 14.78 mpg. (Cruise control set on 65 mph. No wind that day. Flat ground with little hills.)

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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SteveF - September 5 - 10:00 am

  A great handling SUV My first one , powerful and comfy

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  Reliable but boring - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ncstewart - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for four months and wish I hadnt jumped so quickly -- especially since I made the mistake of getting a 4x2 vs. a 4x4. I intended to trade in about 4 years anyway but with this latest rollover news, resale is going to be even more in the toilet.

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  Ranger Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By roldham123tx - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This being the first Ford Product that I have purchased, I must say that I am surprised by the quality of the vehicle. The Ranger Edge Plus is certainly far superior to GMs offering. The ride of the truck is somewhat rough, but then again this is no town car. The vehicle is underpowered with the 3.0L V6 and I would definetly recommend the 4.0L V6. Too bad a V8 option was not available as this would truly round out an otherwise wonderful light truck. The truck comes fairly well equipped in the Edge package and the layout of the vehicle is good. The seats need improvement as they are somewhat uncomfortable on trips lasting longer than 2 hours.

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  First 4000 miles - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By klaus Meyer - September 1 - 12:40 pm

  I took delivery of the car on October 15th abd drove it from Seattle to Palm Springs and back. The ride is very smooth and the seats are very comfortable. This is truly a luxury car like ride . The average mileage I got was 20.5 miles p/gallon on regular gas. We were 2 persons with 4 suitcases plus misc. items such as an icebox ,golf clubs etc. The accelleration in the mountains was very good and I left it on cruise at 70 miles when possible. I like the variable transmission a lot and you do not notice any hesitation at all, and it operates in such a smooth way. Before I bought the car I drove the Lexus RX 330, Volvo CX 70, Cadillac SRX and the Ford gave me the best value for the money.