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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  Sweet beast - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MacDaddyMD - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Leaps and bounds above prior Expeditions. Easily matches comfort with Sequoia. Not as powerfiul as it oughta be, but fit, finish, styling and extras are great. Best suspension in this class. Very atractive, fun, safe and easy to drive. Highly recommended!

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  product manager - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By iwurn - December 31 - 10:00 am

  great truck, fun to drive, good visibilty, good power , good handling

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  I cant believe it!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer II - December 31 - 10:00 am

  You could have knocked me over with a feather if you would have told me Id be buying another explorer. I just had a 93 for 9 years and was ready for another vehicle. I was origninally thinking of a BMW X5 but the price was way out their, especially in this economy. I took the 02 explorer for a test drive and "thats all she wrote", I was sold. Rides like a luxury car and feels the same. Would not even know you were in an SUV. Ill know more in the upcoming New England winter but I would think this babys gonna perform as advertised, magnificently. So far, so good and am quite satisfied.

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  Ford got it right - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By JB830 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Seems the blue oval guys got it right this time.Fun to drive,good to look at and all priced right.Drive it down the road and relax or throw it into a corner and have fun.Already been to the track Rt 66 and had a 12.88 and only was beat by a Z06 by a fenderwell forget the cameros and firebirds. All with only 450 miles on it.Thanks Ford.

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  honesty. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I like my Ford Windstar, however we have had nothing but minor problems with this or that since the get go... over all i would have to say that these problems have been quite... frustrating... Ford should pay more attention to the details.

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  Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bob9876 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  93,000 miles has yet to see a service dept.

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  a great value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By cwesley - December 31 - 10:00 am

  With a son in college and some big tuition payments to make, I decided to step down from a 2000 Lincoln LS to a Taurus SEL. The LS was wonderful and very hard to give up. To ease the pain, I got the SEL Premium configuration with all of the options (Silver exterior with Dark Charcoal leather interior). While no match for the LS, it is a great car for the money. It has good power for its class and an impressive array of creature comforts. It handles well when driven aggressively and is smooth down the turnpike. The duratec is know for taking some time to break-in. Even so, I got 27 mpg within the first 1,000 miles. Also can say enough for the Mach stereo.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Timmy Powell - December 30 - 11:33 pm

  This is the 2nd Mustang GT that I have owned the first being a 2000. I love everything about the car. It is fun to drive on the freeway and through the curves. The 02 is much improved over the 2000. The clutch and transmission seem to be in better harmony with the car and the driver. Given the chance, I would purchase the same car again.

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  love my truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By brian - December 30 - 2:33 pm

  I love having a truck that is so luxurious; it turns heads whereever I go. The interior and exterior design are flawless.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anfmichael82 - December 30 - 9:03 am

  I leased the 05 Ford Escape in April of 04. I absolutely love this truck! I have had no problems with it, and have been very satisfied. This is a very reliable vehicle. The only things that I didnt care for was that it needed better gas mileage, and when on uneven ground the interior started to sound like cheap plastic. Overall I would definitely lease this car again.