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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  Luxury on the cheap - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Wal-Tar - June 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I decided on the 2003 Taurus SEL w/Leather, wood, adjstble pedals, mnroof, 6-cd console changer, MACH sound, auto climate control, window lock-out, 200-hp v6, 24valve DOHC, ABS, cruise control, side- mirror entry light, keyless entry, theft/perimeter alarm and more. The car is very, very comfortable (coming from an ex-SUV driver, this wasnt hard to find, however), handles very well, gets about 24mpg on the hwy (I speed a lot). The CD changer in the center console makes access a lot easier than in the trunk. The dealer dropped $1200 off retail list and the $500 rebate from Ford plus the 0.0 percent Ford Credit financing for 60 months.

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  The best damn truck beats any truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jose"bigbossman" - June 26 - 10:00 am

  all i can say its the best truck it can beat any truck out there even the new Dodge hemy

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  Occasionally the 3rd time ISNT a charm! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WJM - June 26 - 10:00 am

  3rd Explorer-nothing like the first one (1991)no concerns for 60000+ miles until 3/4 ton Chevy turned into me at 60mph. It took a beating but saved me! This vehicle is not what I thought it would be. Trouble on wet roads w/traction-wind noise around front windows that you cant hear a conversation w/pass. unless you both shout(occurs at 35 or higher mph). Gas milage is terrible town 11mpg & highway about 14+mpg. All kings of engine noises under the hood. Many more concerns also. Car seems very poorly assembled. My 91 was the best followed by 96 Eddie B. and this one is a distant 3rd, very distant!!

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  Surprises, Surprises... - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By PGH_FORD - June 25 - 8:17 pm

  I bought this Taurus SES new in 2000. It had no major problems for the first three years, other than 3 recalls. After 3 years things got interesting. At 44K, one of the rear coil springs snapped which destroyed a new tire as well as a rear strut. I ended up having to have both rear springs replaced, a new strut mount, 2 new struts, a new tire, and an alignment. The cost was over $1,500. The kicker was, this very problem was considered a safety recall on the front wheels, but not the back. Ford Customer service was not helpful. At 60,000 miles, my transmission began leaking fluid all over the garage floor. This ended up costing me $925 to for new gaskets and a torque converter.

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  I wish I had bought one too! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mboulis - June 25 - 3:51 pm

  My husband has been a diehard Ford Escort fan for years. He drives 135 miles to work each day and his 1997 Escort (288,000 miles) finally started to give out. He had been extremely reluctant to get a Focus but decided to test drive two of them on the way home from work. He was completely impressed with this car! He bought the ZX4 ST right then and there and drove it home. The handling is smooth, steering is tight and the shifting is close geared and smooth. We cannot say enough good things about this car. The car is a lot of fun to drive! Personally, if I had known what driving a Focus ZX4 ST would be like, Id have bought one of these instead of the Grand Am GT I bought!

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  USED purchase....NO REGRETS! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By M.Smith - June 25 - 8:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer in 4/2006. It was used and only had 15,000 miles. I paid roughly $15000 and dont regret this purchase.Compared to my Impala, which I gladly traded in, and considering size difference, the Explorer gets the better mileage. I originally wanted a Chevy Trailblazer but for the price of a used Trailblazer and after speaking with people who owned Trailblazers (I found out numerous complaints), I decided to LOOK at Explorers. I was anti-Ford, and still am except for the line of SUV/trucks. I fell in love and found zero complaints from Explorer owners. Its wonderful for travels, T-ball, and friends with kids, roomy enough for me, my linebacker husband, and our linebacker son!

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  just love it - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Chris - June 25 - 4:36 am

  Ours happens to be a 2000 conversion van setup, high-top, and it is the best van we have had. At first when we bought it we had to get used to its massive size, but once you climb inside itÂ’s a total different view. Equipped with a TV and DVD system it makes long road trips a lot more fun and relaxing. The captain chairs are plenty wide and well cushioned for those long hauls. Ours came with leather interior and separate sound systems front and rear. ItÂ’s perfect for almost everything we do with it and it stands out which makes peoples heads turn and we like the comments. I would definitely buy another one in the future.

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  ......good for the money - 2006 Ford Escape
  By teendriver - June 25 - 1:38 am

  I have driven the Jeep Liberty and the Escape cant even compare to the Jeep. The Escape seems more...finished and sturdy. it is easy to drive and I dont feel like Im going to top over every time I turn. Get the upgraded sound package because it sounds great! The moonroof makes driving even more fun. Compared to other suvs I guess its good on gas but I put $85 already in this week so its not great. i dont suggest the 4 cylinder...it could use little more pep!

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  My Little Pony - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Bigwig - June 24 - 9:52 pm

  Bought this car Aug 02 before any pictures were available of the hood that was different from earlier models. Was pleasantly surprised with the newer hood style (similar to 99 Cobra). Had a horrible howling noise from the rear end in less than 5000 miles which was replaced. I got the Dark Shadow Grey exterior which is the absolute prettiest color on a sunny day, and the absolute plainest color on a cloudy day. I put on a cat-back dual exhaust from Kenny Brown performance which adds a couple HP, deeper exhaust note and dresses up the rear with the nice polished SS tips. I also slapped on the Mach1 chin spoiler which gives it a nice front end appearance.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Resuscidoc - June 24 - 4:00 am

  Great design inside and out. This is easily the quietest vehicle I have owned, which is a surprise for a truck. Handles heavy loads without breaking a sweat from the engine and powertrain. I also like the deeper box for carrying more loose material. The 4 wheel drive works very well, but you have to be careful when cleaning since Ford designers put several blind pockets near the wheel wells which tend to fill with mud.