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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  Great Basic Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Bill - January 4 - 1:42 pm

  Bought this car in 9/05 with 35K on it for $9,100. Has everything you need really. V6, auto, electric, cruise, CD, ABS. Ride great, power good enough, smooth shifting, not bad looking. Ive put 30k miles on it in a little over a year and had NO problems other than turning the rotors, which need to be done again. I drive a lot of highway miles and get slightly over 25MPG. Following Fords manual you need 5/20 Synthetic oil which is a little costly. I love this car. Nothing fancy but a nice ride and decent gas mileage for a V6 and reliable so far (I did buy an extended warranty just in case). Would definitely buy a USED one again. There are so many of them on the street they are a great buy used.

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  Luv my "Little Ugly Truck" - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Brenda Scott - January 4 - 3:50 am

  Ive wanted one of these since they first came out in 2001. Ive always said "they are so ugly that they are cute". I was finally able to purchase one in March of 2005. Mine has the bed extender, the split tonneau cover, the moon roof ... the works. It handles very well and I love the roominess. I also love the separate heating and cooling controls for the backseat passengers. I am not pleased with the gas mileage. The sticker promised 15-20 mpg. I usually get 13.2 miles per gallon. Quite a big difference from what was promised!

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  2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mwp201 - January 4 - 2:48 am

  I like the Expedition, its a nice truck with a nice ride. The only thing I dont like about it is that the gas mileage is so poor. I manage about 12-13 mpg in the city. This SUV still goes and goes after 110,000 miles and still running strong. The 5.4 V8 is powerful.

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  Room with a view - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By RobbB - January 4 - 2:40 am

  Our family is getting bigger we needed the off-roading capability, we needed the hauling space. The Expedition has answered all our requirements, and given extra options to boot. It looks good, it rides like no other. Its big, bold.

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  Lots of Bang for the Buck - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - January 4 - 12:35 am

  Bought this car used with 18K for $10,500. Car has 42K now and it has been a very reliable and solid car. No major problems so far. It rides great, solid feel, firm almost sporty handling for a wagon. Quiet on highway and good mpg. I average 22 city/hwy without trying. Looked at SUVs before buying but the price was about 5K more. I use it mostly for business, constantly loading paper in and out (I own a printing company). Even with 800lbs of paper it handles sound ly with no surprises.This car is not sexy or fast but if you want to get around with lots of stuff or a family and not spend a fortune then its worth looking into. Overall I am very satisfied. This car is a good fit for my needs.

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  0000 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mildred funk - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  So far this suv drives well. Handles well behind the wheel. Im short, so its easy for me to get in an out of. Gets good gas mileage. I dont like the wiper control by the shift bar at all. Love the power it has. Gets up an go. I love opening the doors, with ease. Stops on a dime.

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  I would buy another - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Lisa - January 3 - 10:01 pm

  When we purchased this SUV we needed something that was big enough to tote around our very active children and be reliable, safe and spacious. We have had to fix a few things in the SUV, but we have been very satisfied with it. We love driving our Ford Excursion and would purchase another one again. Maybe a diesel for fuel economy. It is pricey to fill the tank.

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  So long, Bluebird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Sandi - January 3 - 9:57 pm

  I special-ordered this car back in Oct 95. Took delivery 2 days after Valentines Day in 1996, and man, has this car been a sweetheart. Smooth, quiet, stylish, and with the Sport Suspension, fun as heck to drive. This car has been my faithful companion, and ten years later, Im still getting regular compliments on the gorgeous Moonlight Blue paint job. The only major problem has been the intake manifold, Ford replaced it once under pressure of the threat of a class-action lawsuit. The manifold has cracked again, and due to the age of the vehicle, my family and friends are all urging me to replace it. My heart wants to pay for the repairs, but its time to put Bluebird out to pasture.

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  Great design terrible quality. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jim - January 3 - 9:27 pm

  Engine wire pulled loose while driving car stopped running and had to be towed. Engine sensor broke car would not run over 30 m.p.h. Tires worn out after 25,000 miles over $120 each to replace (Ford used a non-standard size). Rear brake pads worn out after 30,000 miles. While replacing pads, discovered bearing hub cap was never installed on one side. Tailgate wont stay open. CD player ate CDs and then stopped working (twice). Screws to open CD player require a special tool to remove. Ignition switch broke at 30,000 miles - key would not turn, could not start- drive car. Ford refused to pay for fix, despite dozens of owners reporting similar problems on websites.

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  01 Ford Ranger - Amazing Pickup - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeff bertino - January 3 - 7:33 pm

  Proud owner of 01 Ranger. Always runs great and never had ANY problems with it. Running dual exhaust on it with a great sound. Handles great on road and also great off road. This is a truck that is noticed for its great looks. I do not like the newer body styles from 2004-2006 the 2001-2003s look the best. Cant complain on this truck. Plan to keep it until the day she dies. The way it runs now I might be gone before this truck is.