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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  A member of our family - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By John A. - January 6 - 9:28 pm

  After 4 1/2 years our family still loves our "Monster Truck". At 45,000 she still looks like new and runs even better. "Anytime, anywhere or anything" is her motto! We keep her 100% Ford including all servicing. Mileage with the V10 has improved over time averaging 11.5 city and 16 highway (light foot). Minor repairs included replacing the suspension bumpers (we do not off-road), turning the front rotors and a new set of Michelins. Large mirrors and reverse sensors are a must. Living in Miami makes a sport of parking but sitting high above traffic gives you the added security. Our family keeps cars on average 10 years. Well let you know how she is doing in another 4 1/2 years.

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  blue bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By IGOTAV8 - January 6 - 9:12 pm

  This car is a head-turner. Ive received plenty of comments concerning the looks but when asked if its fun to drive thats a harder question. The transmission jerks when you are coasting, then have to speed up. The hard top creaks and doesnt always provide a tight water seal. Ive had several unfound electrical problems such as shutting the trunk causes the lights to flash and sometimes when I turn the wheel it changes from CD to radio. I still like to turn heads and love the nice comments so Ill endure the minor problems.

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  JUST BOUGHT AND LOVE IT - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By ROBERT CARRICATO - January 6 - 12:48 pm

  The Ford Freestar is a good product. The only thing is the rear seat is low to floor. This is so the seat when folded can go into rear cargo space in floor. Ok for kids. Not so comfy for adults on long trips. The interior is great. Very comfy captains chairs in 2nd row...overall very nice van.

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  Safety FIRST - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Twins Dad - January 6 - 12:29 am

  I bought this to travel with my newborn twins when they got here. What a great truck. Lots of space for toys and strollers and groceries. Never had a problem in any weather. I like the respect it gets. Known as Godzilla to family and friends. Replaced the front brakes and the exhaust to vented disks and a Banks exhaust. Just the right finishing touches. The gas is a drag to buy but as I said safety first.

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  an Oldie but a Goodie - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Ford guy - January 5 - 9:13 pm

  My Explorer originally had an automatic transmission and drove great. Transmission blew up going up a steep highway hill (my own fault for NOT replacing the black fluid) & a buddy of mine & I wound up getting a manual from a Bronco II at a junkyard and converted it over. Well shes got PLENTY of power now ... the Bronco II transmission is geared lower & the "Exploder" is unstoppable in 4wd Low when going offroad in mud, water, you name it. Awesome truck! It goes anywhere & takes a good beating! I put offroad 31" tires on it, & without a lift she still goes just about every place my buddies go with their lifted Rangers w/ 33s. Plus the 4.0 motor knocks their 2.9s outta the water on the highway. (:-D)

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  Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sean - January 5 - 7:35 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle.

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  Focus a Lemon...Last Ford for me! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By RFMiller - January 5 - 6:21 pm

  I bought a 2001 Ford Focus in 2003 after hitting 185k on my Escort. I thought it was a cute car with great gas mileage (which was important because I commuted 1 1/2 hrs to graduate school everyday). The brake pads and rotors had to be replaced 3 times (Im not a fast driver, Ive only replaced the brakes once in my 99 Subaru). A spring in the front rusted out and for some reason wasnt included in the recall. The trunk latch was recalled, but no Ford dealer has the part. To make matters worse, the car all of a sudden started stalling and slipping gears. Now it wont go up hills (great to have in New England!) or accelerate. The car is useless for city driving. This car is a LEMON!

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  Long Term Review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By RB - January 5 - 1:47 pm

  Today is my SVTs 2nd birthday, so I thought it deserved a review. If I had rated this car when I first got it, it would have scored lower, as this car just grows on you. I am but months from 50, and I find this car just a blast to drive on a daily basis. I have 6 cars (2 Porsches) so thats saying a lot! The "fun-to-drive" level is just off the charts. You can tool around getting great gas mileage, or punch it to the 7200rpm redline for big grins. Just way too fun. And the brakes are world class (I run some Baer and Wilwoods), as is the handling. Reliability has been superb. If you ever get a chance go buy one of these, they are just way too much fun, while remaining totally practical!

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  My Crown Vic - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Arnold - January 5 - 12:33 am

  This car is a winner. It accelerates well, cruises without any problem and handles well in tight situations. No wonder law enforcement relies on this car to be its "police interceptor." I love this car.

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  All around good truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By KaiserM715 - January 4 - 4:47 pm

  I bought this truck new and have really enjoyed it. I have not had to make any repairs other than routine maintenance (truck has about 61k miles). I have used it for off-roading trail riding frequently and it has performed well, going any place a stock Wrangler can go. I have hauled over 1000 lbs in the bed with good results (went 65mph and got 20mpg!). The seats are comfortable for long trips and the interior has held up very well (seats still look new). The jump seats are not really good for much, however. 4.0L fuel economy could be better (avg 14-15mpg city and 18-20mpg hwy).