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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  2002 Explorer review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By richard stover - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Replaced an 83 Explorer. I have been very impressed with the ride, comfort, and design.+

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  Comments - 2002 Ford F-150
  By saber - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent basic, full-size truck. Does exactly what it is designed to do, that is be a basic, large truck. With 255 size tires on 16 inch wheels it sits a little higher than I would like for ease of entry/exit. Tilt steering wheel would help a lot. V-6 engine is plenty for my use. I would like better gas mileage. Power mirrors, door locks, and windows would make the large cab easier to operate, but it is still a great basic full-size truck. Limited slip differential excellent on slick roads.

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  hoping for the best - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By nappy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer sport used about a month ago. Its beautiful, it has every option available, i love the sun roof leather, and the strong motor. ive out almost 1500 miles on it in that time cuz i cant stop driving it ill drive it just to kill time. But i am a little nervouse have noticed a few minor prob.s one it hesitates on some shifts, and jerks into others not all the time but sometimes. And once it did not want to start in the morning, but it was cold so who knows.

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  1996 Mustang Cobra (they didnt list it) - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Lover - October 20 - 10:50 pm

  Wonderful car to own. I have had several Mustangs in the past 8 years. I have had V-8s and 1 V-6. All have been a pleasure to own. If you are looking for a V-6 spend the extra money for the extra HP you will happy that you did. The back seat is for looks basically, handling is wonderful, & speed is great!

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  Great 08 updates - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By James - October 20 - 9:56 pm

  Mountain driving with 26-27mpg. Smart AWD system works better than my Jeeps system. Comfortable heated leather seats and easy to use dashboard controls. Driver visibility and ride height higher than other SUVs. Could not justify the extra cost for the Toyota. Durability remains to be seen, for my Ford track record is not good. Good crash test results but not the best. Handles great in deep snow. Perfect for a family of 4 and winter gear in the back for a weekend in the mountains.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2009 Ford Focus
  By sean - October 20 - 12:40 pm

  We rented a focus while waiting for a 20" replacement tire for our mini van. My wife loved it but it was very plain. After getting the van back we stopped by the local dealer and were surprised at the new model lineup. Our van had 75,000 miles and it was time for a change. The SES package was very well equipped. Better auido system. 6 disk MP3, SYNC, sunroof and nice rims. The LED interior lights are cool and ours is an automatic not 5 speed. Got a very fair deal at 15,000. And much more then expected on the old van. It drives well for a 2.0 and handels just fine. Not much wind noise at freeway speed and cruise control is a plus.

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  The Perfect Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Refugee1 - October 20 - 7:10 am

  What a smooth ride! Its FAST and MANEUVERABLE and has great stopping power. It looks GREAT and turns heads. Its very sporty.

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  It is not good choice for a long run - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By proAm - October 20 - 5:46 am

  4 and 1/2 yrs old and only 57k miles. I bought it for value. Dont like it for poor quality. Brake makes noises from day one. The 1st issue, the car died immediate after start. The 2nd air-condition. Both are covered under warranty within 3 years. Since then, power steering made noises and the car shakes at cold start some time. I added in a little steering fluid help a little. Yesterday the engine light on for vacuum leak at isolator bolts in intake manifold. It costs over $500 to fix it. It seems more troubles ahead. Now the car lost 2/3 value after 4 yrs. I did my part for maintain (3000 miles oil change, transmission fluid and filter change once. Air filter twice.) Ford not.

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  Good, solid car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Paul - October 20 - 3:43 am

  I put a lot of highway miles on a car, over 40k per year. I now have over 85k on my 500 and its not even 2 years old yet. It has been a good, solid car. No major repairs to date. The brakes are just now starting to wear. Only problem has been sealant around windshield (had to replace), and the power lock sticking on one of the rear doors. As for the horsepower issue, I find that the car gives me what I need when I want it. You wont beat anyone off the line, but its power on the interstate will surprise you. Also, the handling is great. Love the visibility and ease of controls, especially on the steering wheel.

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  Great Expectations - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By roseyrayf - October 20 - 12:38 am

  Purchased from a neighbors daughter who finished nursing school. Car appears well cared for. Pulled a trailer across the Continental Divide both ways with a U-Hual. They were able to keep it in cruise with AC. I will be the third owner. How it lasts in the long term is to be seen. I keep my cars a long time.