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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  Great Truck For Your Buck! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Sheriff Jay - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In my job I have driven dozens of Trucks. This truck is truely a delight to drive! Over the years I have found that Ford builds a quality truck. My truck gets great milage for the distances I travel. And; it provides me with a reliable transportation base for hauling the hundreds of lbs of rescue equipment to and from work each day. Quiet, comfort, reliability, hauling and milage. What more could you ask for?

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  for the price, very good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By got to love ford - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Fairly inexpensive. Great ride. Lots of room. Looked at many suvs. Explorer 2002 rides like most of the more expensive suvs. Little noisy at higher speeds.

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  SOLID SEDAN - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Crowned Vic - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Fortunately, there is still a nice driving rear wheel drive sedan. The Crown Vic has plenty of power for the highway, and is comfortable on long hauls. The only thing wrong with the car is the dealer that I purchased the car from. If youre ever in Southern California, avoid San Juan Capistrano Ford. There are plenty of other Ford dealers.

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  UNFOCUSED - 2002 Ford Focus
  By FADED FOCUS - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The car is junk. In order to vent the car with outside air, you have to open the windows, otherwise you get engine fumes. For a compact/economy car the mileage is terrible. If you are on freeways that travel over 55 miles per hour, the fuel mileage drops exponentially. When you reach sixty miles per hour, the engine just has no extra guts. Not one of Fords better ideas. The Focus basically sucks!!!

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  Never get a Ford - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Cobra owner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  All this car has gave me is troubles. I thought a Cobra can be floored once an awhile? But all it did was crack the head, gasket leak, and throttle body defects. I had to take it back to the dealer which gladely fixed it but for me to come back. I would say it has kick ass power, but lacks the quality I paid for it.

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  Better than my last car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By pinkfloyd333 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a few months, but I love it. The design is great, inside features are great, nice handling. It has great interior room, a trunk you can live in. I reccomend this car definately.

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  Amazing! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By james - June 1 - 11:50 pm

  Fastest V6 engine I ever drove. Smooth driving, better on MPG than its bigger brother the GT. Perfect for the city and lots of fun to drive.

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  Great Truck, Poor power train - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rob - June 1 - 6:08 pm

  I have had this truck for 27 months and up until this week I have been very happy with it and its performance. For a 4X4 I constantly saw 15mpg (city) and 20mpg (highway). I have had problems with the truck. Three months ago the 4 wheel drive system would try to engage 4 wheel low while I was driving down the road at 50mph. The local dealer repaired the problem within a day. Just after 37K miles, while driving down the road the truck stopped applying power to the rear wheels. I had the truck towed to the dealership and was informed I would have to replace the transfer case. If you are looking to own a vehicle for an extended period of time I would stay away from this product line.

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  Shanes Nightmare - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Shane - June 1 - 2:01 pm

  When this car was purchased, I had just gotten rid of an 1990 Ford Taurus (never had a problem, just died). Since Ive bought this car Ive suffered through a blown head gasket, 2 alternators, a water pump, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, alignments, tires, brakes, rotors, battery, gas cap opening problems, check engine light that wont go out, brake fluid & oil that leaks from nowhere (mechanics cant find the source of leak), headlights, lights burning out inside vehicle, along with various electrical problems. Yesterday the speedometer finally went for the long goodbye. Ive never spent so much money for car repairs & maintenance in my years of driving. This car completely stinks!

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  Ford does make quality vehicles - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By emach1 - June 1 - 12:52 pm

  Before getting the Mach1, I despised Fords and believed I would never buy one. The Mach1 was too good looking and fast to pass up. Its 40th anniversary emblems with its hood scoop and awesome rims turned heads. Its performance is great as well, but you pay for it in terms of gas mileage. Since owning the Mach1, I have not had anything go wrong. At worst, the interior dashboard and fixtures are cheap and quality but not something that cannot be replaced. Tires are costly but that is one of the costs anticipated when purchasing a high performance car. This is one vehicle