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 Choice - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Good Driver - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to tow a boat and has the power and smooth ride to make it a good experience.

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  Escape into the Future - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LaChanda Hawkins - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck easter weekend this year. I wouldnt trade it for anything. It is dependale, great on gas, easy to handle and very spacious for my family of four.

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  I love my SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Lorraine Coffey - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my SUV! I cant find anything to complain about so far:) The cupholders could be deeper.

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  I love my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Romana Primus - September 3 - 6:20 pm

  I havent really loved a vehicle for 2 decades! My Freestyle drives beautifully. The CVT transmission is great - you dont feel it shifting. We had two snow storms in the past 5 days, and my AWD enables me to drive effortlessly over the snow; I drove easily through my unplowed driveway yesterday, over 5-6 inches of snow. The seats fold down with a simple tug on a wide, clearly marked loop at the back of the seat. I can do it with one hand, while holding packages in the other. The 3rd row seats are slightly higher than the front seats, so people sitting there have good visibility. All that and the Volvo safety cage body! I also like the storage module on top of the dash

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  Just Right - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Lee D. - September 2 - 6:33 pm

  This is just right for most SUV buyers. Overall quality vs cost makes it a good value. Started looking at the Escapes, went up to the Explorer because of the interior noise and less space. Then went to the XLT for the moon roof. Then added the 3rd row seating. Spent a little more, but think its worth it. Look forwar to the 4WD this winter.

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  fun truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By dougmrusty - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Love this truck. Been my favorite vehicle to own. Great for light duty activities such as hunting, towing boat/trailer, hauling rock/refuse/bark/dirt. Great road trip vehicle w/ 4 door super crew cab and bed extender. Can pack average size family, gear and dog with no problem. Handles great off road and build quality has been very good.

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  Dependable racer - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Kimgrlrcr - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for 3 years now and I love it now as much as I did when I bought it. I still get compliments on a car that is now 4 years old

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  Great little work horse - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jleg - September 2 - 2:00 am

  No major recals or significant shop time on this little truck. The dealerships have been night and day from my chevy. I trade keys for the rental after I describe the problem and thats that. No arguments about weather its covered or not. I get a call when its fixed and that is that. Ford dealerships are great. I have yet to come across one in the detroit area that is bad. I have not had the same experience with Chevrolet dealers.

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  Impressed - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Cory Teff - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Taurus for its five star crash safety record, and Im very impressed with its handling and styling.

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  great car and fun to drive - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By xxsweetazsinxx - September 2 - 2:00 am

  very reliable and depenable car comfort affordable and beautiful