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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  1994 Ford Ranger 2WD SuperCab 4.0L - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By idrivearanger5 - May 4 - 7:34 am

  Even though I have only had it for a few months, my Ranger has proved itself to be a reliable, tough and fun to drive truck. With the odometer nearly touching 150,000, this Ranger is a true American workhorse. The city MPG is really pitiful(12-16), but the highway is pretty good, I calcuated 24 mpg. These Rangers can take a beating Ill tell you what! I am 100% sold on Ford vehicles and I will never buy anything else. We also own a 2005 Ford Freestyle AWD and we love that too. Kudos to Ford!

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  Expedition better than Lambda Platform? - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By mk10108 - May 4 - 2:47 am

  As a life long Toyota buyer. I evaluated all the large SUVs and the Lambda platform and chose the Ford Expedition. Heres why: More leg room and thigh support for driver & passenger. Fold flat 2nd & third row seats. Rear ratio of 3.37 gets equal gas milage with the Lambda AWD. I get 15 city / 22 Highway driving the speed limit. Its a quieter ride. (Dual weather stripping) 6 Sp trans that doesnt hunt for gears. 6000 lb tow is 1500 more lbs than the tow package Lamabda. Adjustable pedals. Interior fit and finish is top notch and better equip for less money. Insurance is less. The Expedition is more capable and a better overall value.

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  Loving it so far - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Explorer. I traded in my Toyota Highlander in for it. Prior to owning Highlander I owned a 2002 EB Expedition. I traded for better gas mileage. The biggest mistake, The Highlander was so uncomfortable to drive I had to ditch it with only 3700 miles on it! The Explorer has comfort that cannot compare! I love my FORDS! I will never buy a foreign again! I have never had any problem with FORD SUVs or Super Duty trucks!

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  NBX Review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mayday - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Just got it & I love it.

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  My 2002 Focus ZTS - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Devls1 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a great vehicle for what I do for a living (Real Estate Appraiser). I travel to several different counties, and the Focus is perfect for what I needed. A comfortable ride (and Im 6 ft 2, 235 lbs.), and handles extremely well. Maintenance costs are minimal, and I am very pleased with that. Im happy where I got it from, and I would definitely buy another one.

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  AWSOME SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Gero - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Ford Escape is a one-of-a- kind SUV. very reliable and fun to drive. Very powerful V6 with a great 2.4/1 4x4 system. Very Loud and well built audio system. Smooth ride and great engine preformance.

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  My new Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Matt Allen - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my truck for about a month but I am already very pleased with it. We took it up in the snow this weekend and the posi-tracktion and anti- slip differetials work great. I love the design and the interior noise level is beyond my expectations. The Truck was a little spendy, I payed a little over 30k for the FX4 with the 5.4l (extras- bed liner, 6 disc changer, tubular running boards, 2 toned yellow paint), but with the 1.9apr I took the deal.

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  Escape Hybrid Seen in LA - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mark - May 3 - 10:46 pm

  Within hours of the announcement, I was aware that Ford was going to produce a Escape Hybrid. Well, their Kansas City Assembly Plant did produce a well built vehicle, beautiful vehicle that delivers great gas mileage. The Hybrid has indeed delivered on its promise of improved gas mileage, but as usual not to the EPA specs. The vehicle is so quiet that pedestrians are unaware it is running. My dealership recognized that the premiums other dealers were demanding was killing sales; I got mine without the premium. Unlike others I did not have to wait, picked mine on the lot on day of visit. All that and it looks better than a Prius.

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  What a diamond in the rough - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By KM - May 3 - 10:22 am

  How am I ever going to part with this van? At 212000 it has taken children and all their stuff to college in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pottsdam in upstate NY. It has made countless trip to Indiana again loaded to the top with product, my husband owns his own business. I has taken me to Minnesota to visit my first grandchild. A last the transmission has started to slip and we are holding on. This van has been a reliable workhorse, it sits outside all year, in western NY, and starts every morning without fail. I have had very few problems with it and the comfort for all my family including my 67" son has been great. Everyone can drive it from my son to myself at 51". I can haul anything

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  Excellent SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By J. OBrien - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I Love It.... this SUV has been fun to drive, reliable and it handles very well in bad weather. Other than 2 minor recalls and the Firestone mess, I have no mechanical problems at all with my Explorer. I put Pirelli Scorpions on to replace the Firestones...what a difference. This truck handles like a dream.