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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  Kickin - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Don Durfey - April 25 - 1:56 pm

  I love my new SUV. I purchased a 2001 Explorer Sport used with 20,000 miles on it off of a lease. It is a major improvement from my Jetta. Its got tons of power, plenty of room, and still small enough I can park it anywhere I could park my Jetta. Its got plenty of cargo space, very easy to work on, and excellent new body lines. Ive had it offroad a few times and never had a problem. I never thought Id own a FORD, but now I realized that Ive been missing out.

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  Fun SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By NPFlorida - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I leased a 2001 Sport Explorer. I really enjoy this truck. It has just enough power for those who are not race frenzy. Gas mileage is phenominal for an SUV.(17 gal tank - 300 miles) Comfortable seating (love the leather quality) Radio is pretty good. In 2 years (June 2002) I have never had a problem yet! Love it.

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  Not that bad - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tosh - April 25 - 10:00 am

  No matter how I drive, I always get 15.6 to 16 MPG. Some times brakes makes noise (The dealer cannt help), A strange noise on my side windows (Dont know where its coming from). Anyway other then those probems, its not bad.

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  ford junk - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By steve b - April 25 - 10:00 am

  first ford i ever bought i bought the conv v-6 with every option ,at 27000 miles the transmisson failed,the door bolts on the hinge fell out,the valves rattaled all the time ford really let me down with the quality of this car.i will not buy a ford again

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  Just another ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dre - April 25 - 10:00 am

  It is awful people DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE

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  Nice handling suv - 2002 Ford Escape
  By MikeM - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Have had for two months now, continue to be impressed with the handling of this unit. Drives very much like a car. Wind noise around the A pillar is a bit of a pain, and the front seats could be a little more grippy. No major manufacturing defects have surfaced. One piece of rubber door seal has been a bit loose around the headliner area, but thats about it. Having test drove the Honda CRV extensively, this unit compares very favorably, particularly when you go to accelerate or take long crusing road trips. Strongly recommend the power driver seat as an option. Interior layout is very well thought out.

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  Lousy Interior - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Scott - April 25 - 5:46 am

  The cars unbelievably powerful. And it looks great. But in typical Mustang design, the interior is cheap, plastic and does not hold the promise of durability. Theres an obnoxious seam across the top of the auto shifter. The rear passenger leather seat is missing stitching in three seams. The lever to move the seat back scratches and digs into the side panel. So the car will do 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. Thats great, but the interior design and quality ... horrible.

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  Fabulous Little Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Krista - April 24 - 10:33 pm

  I have never had so much fun driving a car. The Sync takes time to get used to but i figure once i get time to read the book and figure it out i will thoroughly enjoy the car. Great on hills, surprised me! drives real smooth. Lots of power, more than i expected.

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  500 miles...Review #1 - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By VC - April 24 - 10:10 pm

  I restored a 67 Mustang Fastback and then sold it when I got married 8 years ago. Since then, Ive been wishing for a replacement. Well, my wish finally came true. This car not only fills my need for the retro styling (outside and in) but also gives me the modern conveniences and safety of a 2006 model. Sitting behind the wheel and turning the key puts a smile on my face every time. Cruising in this car is exciting and comfortable. The seating position is confidence inspiring since you have all controls at your fingertips. Since Im still under 1000 miles, I have yet to rev it up past 3000 RPM. I will add another review in a month or so regarding performance. First gas tank I got 21 MPG.

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  1997 Thunderbird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Kerry - April 24 - 9:03 pm

  I drove this car for seven years without a single problem. I wish they still built this car. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. It has 154,000 miles on it and still rides, drives excellent.