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 Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jaime - May 3 - 10:00 am

  First ever Explorer and Love it. Lots of room, great get up and go, fun and easy to drive. Make sure to check the manufacturing dates - model changed after 1/28/02

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  New design, Better Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Two Ford Owner - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive, Great comfort, Always turn heads.

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  Kid Hauler - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Tov - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been to the shop much more than my previous Fords. An A/C leak the dealer cant find has required multiple recharge visits. Weird electronic lock "cycling" while driving has been fixed once but still happens occasionally. Transmission seems a little clumsy, but acceleration unsurpassed. Rear bench seat weighs too much, difficult to take in/out. The 2nd row captains chairs also heavier than they should be. Dual A/C awesome even in Florida summer. Just wish dealers could find the leak.

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  Worst Lemon Ever Owned! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Trent Mindeman - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this wagon after reviewing other buyers comments 2 years ago. My inlaws also have 2 wagons and have had great success. At 56,000 miles one front wheel bearing and the clutch went. 3,000 miles later the clutch went again and it was discovered that the transmission was leaking fluid into the clutch so we replaced the transmission. Now at 61,000 the car is surging on the highway and I have a 5 hour trip planned for this weekend. The mechanic looked it over good and found a cracked fan belt, broken rear spring, look tie rod end and the surging.... well its definately the clutch.

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  Have had my GT for 7 months now......... - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By NV02GT - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mustang since 1983, and Ford, IMO, continues to improve on quality and performance with each new offering. Hey, this great bang for your buck vehicle aint a Corvette or Camaro, but if you really need a Chevy killer, order yourself a new 03 Cobra. Some of the above reviewers express a dissatifaction with their new ride; youve got to thoroughly test drive and check for interior/exterior flaws before you sign the dotted line! I went through 4 new GTs on 3 different lots before I found one with a flawless paint job and mechanical operation. Hood and side scoops are fake - so what! They add to the overall looks of a great car!

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  King Ranch Rules - 2002 Ford F-150
  By BCheney - May 3 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Lightning the last two years I wanted a vehicle that could hold 4 large adults with ease. The Super Crew version of the F150 does that, and the King Ranch with its 4 leather bucket seats does that in style. Power (5.4L) and handling is not what the Lightning is but what truck is?

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  Great truck and deal - 2002 Ford F-150
  By cuz - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck for the money, and current rebates and cash incentives make it even more attractive. For those in the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana area - there is an additional discount on the TX-OK-LA package.

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  Very happy with the 2008 Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By LisaK - May 3 - 9:57 am

  The Ford Edge fun to drive. Really hugs the road and turns on a dime. I have more confidence than with the extra long SUV we had before this. It does not shift too hard, its very good going up hills and getting on highways. I cant wait to drive it in the snow!

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  My Ranger is the best - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jnmrb - May 3 - 12:01 am

  I got a great deal on my used Ranger 4 years ago and have replaced 4 tires and brakes and wiper blades and thats all. There is no broken trim etc. like you would expect on a 5 year old vehicle. It is very confortable ride for a truck. It gets about 18 mpg city and 22 highway. Not the best but ok for a truck. My teenage boys arent embarassed to be seen riding in it and even want to drive it. This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. My mechanic told me to let him know when Im ready to sell it.

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  Update after 3 years. Even better. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JDP - May 2 - 7:03 pm

  I wanted to give an update after owing the Ranger for 3 years. I am even more impressed with this little truck than earlier. Mileage is still great for a truck (4cyl,5spd) I still have the original tires. No squeaks or rattles, and it is a truck. Moved from Austin to DFW with a full load and a trailer load behind. Probably 2000lbs total. I thought it would be a slow 4th gear go. Not a bit of it. Got out on I35, shifted up to 5th gear and away we went. I love this truck. I have met several owners that have owned more than one and now I know why.