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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  would not recommend - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By douglas durant - August 6 - 12:15 pm

  This vehicle does not get the gas mileage stated on the window sticker.

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  Ups and downs with the 04 Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - August 6 - 2:38 am

  We like our 04 Eddie Bauer, but it should be more refined for the money. I was reading reviews to find out if anyone else was experiencing some of the nuances of this vehicle. The rear hatch is very heavy, and yes, it is hard to find the seat warmer button. However, experiencing the rotten egg smell when you turn on the A/C (that the dealer cant seem to correct) and the sluggish transmission are main concerns. The turning radius is poor, and the car "lurches" when turning tight at slow speeds. Also, the car stalled out once while my wife was driving down the road! Snow sets the rear sensors off and each tire needs its own pressure sensor since the gauge is always on.

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  putt-putt - 1998 Ford Contour
  By niriana - August 5 - 4:46 pm

  Awesome first car. Easy and smooth driving. Not too old and not too new. Excellent for first time driver.

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  Review 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Loaded - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By John Minor - August 5 - 12:40 pm

  I need a dependable used SUV for some light off road trips for camping and fishing. Found this one with 166,000 miles on it but for its year it was in excellent condition. The leather seats were still in very good condition with no cracks or tears. The V8 engine is powerful and can pull a trailer it boat. The car drives nice both on and off the highway. It doesnt have all the safety bells and whistles a new explorer would, but it was perfect for my needs. Best of all was the price-$4500!!!

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  Big Safe Luxurious and Thirsty - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By thirstyButSafe - August 5 - 6:05 am

  This vehicle was in my family since new bought two new ones to get fleet discount. Wife and I just bought one of them from family. We were looking at BMW 5 series for safety and sportiness and at other sports sedans. We tried this out and were sold immediately. Entertainment package keeps kids happy and quiet. It is like a moving living room, comfy and safe. Steel girders in doors for side impact. "Handsome" styling. We said we would never buy one but once we drove it we loved it. Very easy for my petite wife to drive, drives like much smaller vehicle. Very luxurious inside and a lot of room. We are on CA freeways and I never worry about my wife and kids being safe in this thing. It is a luxury liner

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  Love my big Ford - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Iowa Bill - August 4 - 11:03 pm

  Just finished a 4,416.6 mile trip from IA to CA and my overall milage was 26.3 at 75MPH+. Took I-35 & I-80 out there then 101 to north CA and then i-80 home. Drove flatland and the high passes in the Mountins. I could not ask for a better car for the trip. Ford please do kill this car or it sister ships off. They are the best road trip cars around. Mine is a LX with the 224 hp single exhust and I never wanted for power in the hills.

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  Awesome Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By christine - August 4 - 9:58 pm

  Ive had my Explorer about a week now :) and its awesome. Its a great ride. Im nice and high up and can see EVERYTHING! I love the message center, since Im totally inept when it comes to automotive things like checking the levels -- it checks levels for me! The interior is beautiful, I have cloth seats, no bells or whistles really, but even the basic is great. Im still on my tank from the dealer, and Im kind of scared to fill her up, but since Im gaining safety and height I guess its ok. And it is a midsize SUV after all, wouldnt expect to fill up for $30. And its not bad, it makes you take it easy. So basically, while there are these family plans, go out and get an Explorer! Youll love it!

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  Happy with my Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tony - August 4 - 9:16 pm

  This has been a great truck. Fits our lifestyle nicely, can still put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back, seat 5 adults comfortably, tow a utility trailer and still drive the thing around downtown and not have difficulty finding a parking spot. Biggest disappointment is the gas mileage. I cant understand how a 6 cylinder not being driven hard gets such poor mileage. Build quality is great and I havent had a single problem with it.

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  This is a catchy review - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Inigo Montoya - August 4 - 5:27 pm

  I think Ford interviewed the wrong people when they decided to quit making the Ranger. If you dont need a full size truck the Ranger gets the job done with little fuss and muss. Ive put 225,000 miles on the truck and other than needing some basic maintenance it has been a good little truck and done everything I needed of a truck. For the price it was perfect, now if I stay with Ford I have to buy an F-150 that will be more expensive to drive and maintain. Part of me wants to see if I can get 500,000 miles out of this truck instead. Updated: Sadly a kid decided to bend the frame on my truck and the bumper while he was at it. I barely noticed the hit but was enough to total the truck. Final mileage was 237828. I just wish I could have kept her longer but I guess it wasnt in the cards.

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  never again! - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By bmc - August 4 - 2:22 pm

  It seems like everything that could have gone wrong on this car did. I replaced the oil pump the first week I owned the car. The transmission needed a rebuild, the engine had constant problems and even the front tie rods were falling apart. After $5000 it still didnt run and I gave up and ditched it. They are throw away cars and avoid them.