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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  Where does the gas go?? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By YIKES!! - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck with the exception of the gas mileage.... Sitting in traffic is a no go on gas....I think that you get about 2 miles to the gallon?? Also, the rear wiper.... Not a good feature if it does not work.

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  2000 Ford Explorer is a POS - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jack7175 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have experience very high maintenance and repair costs with the 2000 Ford Explorer. I am particularly disappointed in the number of electrical problems I started having once my 36/36,000 warranty expired. I have spent more than $1000 in repair costs since August of 2002 on this piece of crap vehicle. I will think twice, if not three time before buying another Ford vehicle.

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  I Love My New Stang! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kim - May 18 - 11:16 pm

  I love this car! It is the best and most fun car I have ever owned. Its eye catching, fun to drive, and makes me feel good whenever I get in it - especially when I can get out there with the top down and the music blaring. Its not possible to be mad, sad, or in a bad mood when you are in this car. I got it in Torch Red with a Parchment top - absolutely perfect!

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  Ford Taurus - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By Con law - May 18 - 10:00 pm

  I think my Ford Taurus handles the road really well. Its a very smooth driving vehicle.

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  Work Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By rodger - May 18 - 2:27 pm

  I wanted a bigger truck to replace my Ranger, but couldnt find what I really wanted - a big truck with good gas mileage. I typically drive a lot of highway miles at high altitude and high speeds on long trips and needed more power, speed and comfort than the Ranger could give and this truck does it all. From carrying 20 8ft railroad ties with the tailgate up to driving 800 miles per day or commuting. I think that with a tonneau cover I could regularly break 20 mpg, I regularly get 19-19.5 on the highway and up to 16 mpg in town. Interior has great space and is well designed. Low wind noise at speed and handles very well. Outright acceleration could be better but torque is sufficient.

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  poor reliability, electronic problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By lee - May 18 - 9:40 am

  Shifts uneven, no guts, electronic problems at 6000 miles. Otherwise the best looking truck on the road.

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  After 8 months looks good, BUT! - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By doctomof ws - May 17 - 11:43 pm

  After owning a 2005 version of the Explorer SportTrac I was ready to try the newer version. I was attracted by its upgraded styling which I found more appealing than the older version from 2000 to 2005. Also I liked the idea of the independent rear suspension on the newer version versus the live straight axle of the 2005 iteration. It still drives like a truck. Stiff and solid, which for me is a plus. It has the feeling of a vehicle that is strong and capable of hauling around my toys as well as being a dependable every day commuter. Thats a very nice compromise in my estimation

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Brian Yee - May 17 - 11:10 am

  I bought my Escape last December and it hasnt let me down yet. Its quick and comfortable like a car, like a quick car, and it still rides right over the bumps like an SUV. I can fit a lot in the rear area, including a few surf boards or my dogs crates. All of the seats in the back fold down and they are all comfortable. The front seat is fully adjustable and it feels really nicely put together, like a really stiff nice ride. The 6 CD changer is nice, but the speakers could be a little better. There are enough room for cups and CDs or whatever else. It looks great and it feels wonderful to drive, I really recommend going and driving an Escape for yourself.

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  Ford Quality & Gas Mileage Too - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BPjunkies - May 17 - 10:36 am

  We bought this car new as it was unloaded from the truck. My wife loves everything about it and wants to trade it in on a new one since they changed the body style. At first we used to just go for drives to see how high we could get the MPG value on the screen. We have seen high 50s for short drives but average in the upper 20s. It provides everything my wife wanted; She sits up high, it is extremely reliable, it gets great gas mileage, and she likes driving it.

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  Aging car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By scooter - May 17 - 9:26 am

  Car has the handling and performance package which I feel makes it lively and more fun to drive than the standard Crown Victoria. But, the car is far overdue for a complete update if Ford wants this last big cruiser to continue selling.