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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  The bomb diggity - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Dave - April 8 - 4:53 pm

  This truck is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its big, bad, and hungry for fun. I have five kids in it at all times and we love it. I hope I can find a new one in the future. Weve had maintenance issues only and it has 80,000+ miles.

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  My Fo is Super! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By 4 dr hatchback - April 8 - 2:44 pm

  We bought a 2005 Focus SE hatchback for work and now we drive it more than our minivan! We fight over who gets to drive because this car is one fun machine. Fast pick up getting on and navigating the freeways. Just love it. Very minor issues when we first bought it - slight front end adjustment and tweaking of the idle. That has been it so far for 13,000 miles. We look forward to many happy miles with this car. Our Fo!

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  132,000 miles and counting - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By jlppimb - April 8 - 1:57 pm

  I bought the SUV new in 97. Have taken it off road a couple times and the truck was awesome. With higher mileage some things have started to wear out as is expected. The fuel mileage stinks, but what do you expect, its not a compact car so get used to it. Mileage can be increased by adding a new air filter and changing the computer chip if you want. I will hate the day I have to get rid of the truck but I know its coming soon.

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  my sport trac 2001 - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cwood0716 - April 8 - 9:22 am

  I purchased my Sport Trac used, it had 36,000 miles when i got it. It has over a hundred thousand now. I have had it for about 6 years and I love it.I have hauled everything I needed to haul on it.I have the roll down window, I just stick lumber right through the window if it is too long for the bed.I have had very little repair over the years and it still looks and runs great. I love the body style and it is a rugged little truck.I look forward to at least 6 more years with it.My truck is an automatic, this site did not give me the option to pick auto trans.

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  They are good until they start to have problems - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gus heim - April 8 - 6:47 am

  I have had this car for 14 years bought it fro my granddaughter, she needed help! Ehis model was recalled when new because it had a tendency to catch on fire! never had a problem until I needed scheduled maintenance, AND when the transmission finally went out at 123,000 miles. I dont drive very much! A few years ago, I decided to change the spark plugs and couldnt get anyone except the dealer to do it, Very expensive! YOU or I can not get the back plugs out to replace on the V6 4 liter! When the trans. had problems the maintenance is so expensive I decided to replace it myself! It is called the exploder by the shops that work on them. Badly designed and the updates on the 5e55r transmission change the design and engineering to make up for the defects in the original design., original doesnt pump enough oil to lubricate correctly. (No such thing as a recall on this transmission) .Designed badly! The removal of the trans is practically impossible FROM THE BOTTOM for normal people because you must cut the exhaust system out because everything is welded together including the exhaust pipe bolts. (there is very little space to loosen anything) Aluminum engine with iron exhaust manifold is a serious problems, when you loosen bolts they could break easily inside the head! I did the job! and now I will sell because it is a maintenance problem in the future,planned obsolescence! even though beautiful, with a better heavy duty transmission NOW) it is too difficult to work on because of the way it was engineered and put together at the factory,Too complicated,badly designed and hard to fix. BUT , par for the course today.. When I was fixing this SUV I drove my 69 DART GT I HAVE had FOR 40 years! They dont make them like this old car anymore, The question is WHY ? The Explorer is functional and is attractive and comfortable but it is designed to be replaced,not designed to last a long time. These types of vehicles are forced on the people by EPA , I Believe , but all we want is something we can fix and that lasts! 4 wheel drive and automatic, if not necessary is simply in the way of maintenance in the future

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Lorie Styles - April 8 - 6:25 am

  I purchased this truck because of the quality I heard from friends. It is a compact SUV with lots of room and such a smooth ride. My mother has health problems and it was easy for her to enter and exit the vehicle with little effort!

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  Stangs Rock - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Danny - April 8 - 5:50 am

  This is a very stable convertible. Very still ride, not all loose and rubbery like most convertibles and the power is awesome!

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  94 XL 4dr Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By steve - April 8 - 12:06 am

  An awesome SUV, great off road and in the snow. Only qualms are fuel economy, stiff ride, and lack of power.

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  Absolutely A Fun Car... - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By My Little Red Pony - April 7 - 11:13 pm

  Always wanted a little pony, and what I got was one with a lot of power and a pretty smooth ride for a sports car. It is the most fun to drive and it is definitely a head turner with its top down. I have had more compliments on this car than i had during my 35 years of driving! Ive had the car about a month now and I find it very comfortable inside and easy to drive. The stereo is super. I love the idea of the changing interior colors on the dash as well as the other features you would expect in a luxury car. The exterior is awesome. I have yet to take it on a long trip to see the gas mileage highway driving. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a sports car.

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  Unsatisfied consumer - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kantona - April 7 - 10:41 pm

  Good gas mileage, acceptable performance, not too uncomfortable, but pretty unreliable seems to break down every other month after two years.