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 old reliable truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By AZSoonerfan - January 19 - 3:50 pm

  I have owed this truck for 8 years now. I have not had any major issues with the truck. My only issues with the truck are that the interior light will sometimes say on after the driver door is closed and the brakes are a little weak. Other than that, the truck has been great. I would recommend the truck to any of my friends.

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  Happy Excursion Owner - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Bruce Gary - January 19 - 2:46 pm

  I like the Excursion because it is comfortable to drive and it allows you to see over most other traffic. With the 6.0 Diesel it is an excellent tow vehicle. I only wish it got much better mileage. So far it has never let me down or stranded me somewhere. The A/C and the DVD system are two of its most used items. The 4 wheel drive comes in very handy on bi-annual shooting trips to the desert areas of Southern California. I sold a 1 year old Crown Vic Sport to purchase this Excursion and have been very happy everyday since. In the past I have usually purchased either Chevys or Dodges, but I am very glad I gave Ford a second look in 2006 and 2007.

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  do not buy this car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Emilee - January 19 - 1:32 pm

  I have had my ford focus for one year and so far my ignition has gone out, my clutch has gone out, my fuel injector has gone out, my power steering has gone out, my windows have stopped going down and much more. Do not purchase this car. IT will be the worst mistake you ever make. I am still paying $200 a month for my mistake and cant get out of it because i am upside down in it.

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  Typical Ford family sedan - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By spidermann59 - January 19 - 12:26 pm

  This car reminds me of the family cars I grew up with. The all around everyday, and the two week summer vacation crusier. Room for everybody and everything. The power is there when you need. Handles well. Brakes well. Excellent value. Easy maintainence.

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  I love my explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ali - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I got my explorer in May of 2002, I had a 1991 explorer, and the difference was amazing. It rides like a car, it is so smooth on both the highway and trips to the grocery store. I am so happy with it, I never want to get a different car!

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  Happy with the car, but with exceptions - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Sweetwaterguy - January 18 - 10:37 pm

  I replaced my 98 Avalon with the 08 Taurus. It is as quiet as the Avalon, has more interior room, and comfortable- -even for a 65" guy. Fuel economy is very important to me, and I am very disappointed. A recent drive, Wyoming to Iowa and back netted only 25.5 mpg hand calculated. I would consistently get 30 on the old Avalon doing the same route. It missed the EPA estimate by 2.5 mpg, and I drove conservatively as I typically do. Also, I find the heater, a/c, and fan controls on the lower dashboard are small and difficult to locate and adjust when driving. I would give a strong recommendation for the Taurus, but my disappointing gas mileage might make it a deal killer.

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  A real sleeper value - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Ox - January 18 - 8:52 am

  Coming from 3 consecutive MB GLs friends think I am crazy until they see and drive and only 55k without discount yet. Unlike A GL this sob goes when you touch the throttle, seats are better, handling better, controls better but doors dont clunk like a Benz. Small price to pay and cost of ownership is half. Get the dealer to give you a platinum to drive overnight

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  My First Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By renetywang - January 18 - 4:00 am

  This is my first Mustang and I have absolutely no regrets. From the first day to now, driving this car puts this huge grin on my face. I have driven Cobras with much more horsepower, but this car is much more of a blast to drive. I am amazed still by how well it handles but the muscle car rumble and power is definitely there. Five months later, this car still turns heads! The build quality is obvious inside and out. Although I baby this car; garage and not my everyday driver; its still cool that I have had absolutely no problems with her. This car loves to be driven fast, and the gas mileage is a surprise.

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  Excellent car as a used purchase - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mike - January 18 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the car used with 15,000km on the clock. Bought it for the safety, space, comfort and reasonable economy. Learned later its not so safe on side impacts without the side airbags, which contradicts the brochure. Took a short road trip and found it very comfortable, with good economy of 8.2L/100km. It looks sharp and the interior is nicely laid out. Its very comfortable with lots of room. Relaxing and easy to drive around the city when driven at a reasonable pace due to the 6 speed. Good turning circle and steering weight is spot on. The heating controls are a tad low though and fiddly to use when driving. Compartment lid bubbling on dash as per TSB. Handles like a smaller car.

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  tempo from hell - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By striker5799 - January 17 - 11:08 pm

  i rather like the tempo. it has started to break down on me though, it only has 55k on it. but i put it through alot. i put a custom air intake in it though. it actually made it feel like it had more power. it also has an awesome sound system with a sony xplod stereo, 4 aftermarket speakers, and two 12 inch subs in the trunk. my oil pan gasket is bad and causing tranny fluid to slightly leak through so i had to keep adding more though. and it vibrates alot over 60 mph. also alot of screws have worked their way out of their holes, mostly due to vibrations from my sound system. i dont think itl last me much longer though