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:

• 

  An Owners Opinion - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By William Carns - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I am 63, 250 lbs., for me the seating is comfortable but snug. The headroom is there, thats #1. I pull an 18 ft. runabout boat with ease. We load up for our trips to Mexico and the roof rack is a must. The car drives well and my fuel milage is 17.5 in town, 21 on the road, 6 cyl SOHC. This SUV fits well in the garage and is easy to park. If I wanted more out of this vehicle, I would have bought an Expidition. Im happy.

• 

  Ford missed a few things... - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jon renner - September 6 - 2:00 am

  ...Like lighted power window and door lock toggles, light for interior of console between seats, power adjustable lumbar seats, headliner console with compass/temp displays. Come on Ford... there are many of us outh here who actually want and use this stuff and will pay for it - just make it available. Also, the seats are not at all comfortable. I may sell this unit just because I spend so much time in these crappy seats.

• 

  EXPLORER SPORT - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jacob - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Nissan Pathfinder and gave a US brand another chance. Im extremely happy with my purchase of a 2001 Explorer Sport. I love the PM schedule versus the Pathfinder, which had costly PMs every 30k. Its fun to drive and the upgraded interior adds comfort. Job well done FORD.

• 

  EXPLORER SPORT - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Jacob - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Nissan Pathfinder and gave a US brand another chance. Im extremely happy with my purchase of a 2001 Explorer Sport. I love the PM schedule versus the Pathfinder, which had costly PMs every 30k. Its fun to drive and the upgraded interior adds comfort. Job well done FORD.

• 

  High performance commuter - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By JerryB - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The Cobra is a high performance sports car, but, when driven sanely, is a nice ride, very reliable, and a lot of fun. I drive 120 miles/day commuting. I have not had a single problem with this car, which I have owned for over a year now. The car is docile and easy to drive, but when you need the power and handling, its there for the asking. (I get a consistent 20.5 mpg. Premium fuel is required.) I did get new tires at 25,000 miles, as the OEM were wearing fast and not good in the rain. I had a 91 5.0 LS Convertible that was equally reliable for the 135,000 miles that I drove it.

• 

  review - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - September 6 - 1:40 am

  Very nice auto, smooth ride, radio should not be so generic -- it looks cheap. Needs better speakers.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Greg - September 5 - 10:54 pm

  Awesome car, upgraded from a Jeep and love it.

• 

  Nice Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By redneck - September 5 - 10:36 pm

  I have had the truck for almost a month, F-150 supercab. It has excelled at its intended function, a truck. I have used it to carry and haul materials from city to city.

• 

  Excellent car that feels safe to drive. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By MagicMarv - September 5 - 10:28 pm

  Big but not too big. Comfortable and great sound system. Low road noise. Great acceleration and more.

• 

  Best van for the money - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brolis - September 5 - 6:14 pm

  I own a 1999 Windstar SEL which I bought used. The van is fantastic. Very comfy for short and long haul driving. Am getting 22 mpg on the highway which is great, but it drops to 17 city driving. This is a very solid, well built van which I like much better than the 1999 counterparts. It is long wheelbase but very easy to park. The dual a/c is fantastic and ice cold. Just oil change every 6 months along with regular service and it keeps running great. Now approaching 80k and knock on wood, no problems. Highly recommend this wonderful minivan.