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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  Solid SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jlongn01 - October 25 - 2:20 am

  Has a nice ride with decent acceleration for an SUV. Good interior space - the third row seat is a nice feature although it doesnt fold completely flat which is a little annoying. Is a good tow vehicle and has been reliable.

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  An excellent all around vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Peter Leechh - October 24 - 4:40 pm

  My previous vehicle was a late model Lexus LS, a very good car, but I am just as happy driving the Freestar & it is more practical. Highly recommend it!

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  Not Great...Not Bad - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By dragonfly052172 - October 24 - 4:14 pm

  Great for first couple of years ... then it wears out. Electronics start to go. Rear wiper motor -- gone! Trim and door hardware start to come off. Interior is just plain ol cheap. So dont buy unless its for the long haul. Because it depreciates too fast. Oh yeah, gas mileage of 20 mpg on highway! Not good at all.

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  Cheap, Fun & Upgradeable - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Whoda - October 24 - 2:30 pm

  Its a fun car to drive and easy to maintain. My ZX2 gives out good handling and power, mostly due to its low weight.

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  Review 1994 Ford F-150 - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Danny - October 24 - 12:14 pm

  I bought my Ford F-150 XL SB from my Dad 4 years ago. It had 111K on it. I had a brand new Jeep Cherokee and sold it to buy my Dads. It was very clean and was finally broken in for me. My Dad bought a new 2002 Ford F-150 thinking the 1994 had too many miles to do any traveling. After driving his 2002 for a couple of months, he wanted his old one back. Sorry Dad, I waited 9 years to get this one!

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  my experience - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By joe - October 24 - 4:06 am

  This vehicle is so fun to drive, just looking at the interior makes you feel like youre driving a expensive car at a modest price. The outside is a sleek exotic yet elegant look to it yet the back lacks just a little more innovation. The front of this vehicle is completely redesigned but the back looks all to familiar on other cars which doesnt make it stand out much from the back visual part. Overall this vehicle is really impressive both visual and economically. I am really glad I choose to purchase this vehicle among the various choices I had to choose from.

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  Franks Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Giron - October 23 - 3:02 pm

  We purchased our Expedition at a Honda Dealership where we had taken our 2001 Honda Passport for an oil change, We had just returned from a fishing trip to the Sierras and were very disappointed with the Passports comfort zone, We purchased the Expedition with 30,000 miles on it it had been traded in by the company who initially purchased it. We installed a trailer hitch and have pulled a 26 ft travel trailer from Orange County California to Havasu, Arizona with no problems. While I would have preferred a little more horsepower I was very pleased in its performance climbing over mountain passes. It never heated up even while running the air conditioner and climbing. Comfort was great.

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  Wicked Little Ride! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By anubisankh1031 - October 23 - 2:50 pm

  Mine has 58,500 miles. Been hearing some squeaks. Strange vibration near the drivers side front when I turn the wheel all the way to the left. Transmission has a "hop" in it when starting from stand-still off the line. Had a 92 Escort LX and at 57K it did the same thing. MAINTAIN YOUR TRANSMISSION! Also, rotate tires & maintenance alignment regularly or it will PULL SHARP to one side because it is so light. Hydroplanes when wet out. Put weight in trunk to prevent this during winter. Engine run better on premium grade fuels. Fuel injectors cause drag if you use cheap fuel over time. Other than those typical high-mileage issues -- its fast, fuel-economical, and stylish.

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  XLT - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By J Esparza - October 23 - 2:20 pm

  Over all my experience is very good so far. I love the clearance, especially on construction sites. Im finding out that the replacing the IAC because it is stuck due to carbon build up is a is a common problem. It will cause the car not to start.

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  This Truck SAVED my life I love it. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Daniel M - October 23 - 10:23 am

  Update: My truck and I were in a massive crash with another vehicle. It hit me from the right side. Both side curtain airbags deployed perfectly. The Driver Side one SAVED MY LIFE!! Even though my truck may be a total loss, I am alive and with minor injuries and NO Head Injuries. You can rest assured that you are safe in this truck. Front brakes dont last long. Even expensive ones. Mostly due to the weight. It is super comfy for long road trips. Gas mileage is decent. I dont like the 6 speed automatic. Engine has plenty of power for whatever you need. Huge bed in this one.