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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  2001 Ford Explorer Ltd. - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - July 31 - 3:08 pm

  I love my Explorer Ltd. but am just ready for a newer model vehicle. I test drove the 2005 Explorer Ltd. and was not very impressed. I think Ford used cheaper materials in the interior construction of the 2005 model, as my interior is much nicer in my opinion. The engines are pretty much the same and I have never (knock on wood) had a major mechanical problem or been stranded on the side of the road with my 2001. The only minor thing was a hose broke. It cost me around $70. I do however keep up on the maintenance.

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  Love my 03 GT, but .... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Nathan - July 31 - 3:04 pm

  I love the Mustang, but they need to build them better. My car looks great, especially with the chrome wheels. Its fast, handles great, but it does eat gas, which I guess is to be expected. And my car has problems starting once in a while when I start and stop it several times. It doesnt have that instant start that it should. Stereo is great and I love the 6 disc CD. The leather could be nicer, and it gets to be a little uncomfortable driving after a while. I think they should offer more options like heated seats or heads up display or something. The seat belts are no fun for the driver and passenger. It never retracts well and its always getting stuck.

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  My Lemon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Phil Menico - July 31 - 10:43 am

  During February my doors did not latch and I almost fell out (no indication). Then my daughter got out and the door would not close. The next day the same thing. The dealer said "We cant find the issue." Be careful in cold weather. The rear passenger door does not close properly and the dealer said "It is a design feature, all Freestyles are like that." Watch your kids. Try driving this car with any open window at above 35 MPH. You cant because there is a flapping wind noise that gives you a headache and you cannot hear anyone talking to you. The dealer said "It is a design feature." My Explorers V8 got better mileage than this car.

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  2002 GT - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Catmanjj - July 31 - 10:00 am

  2002 GT bought in March of 2002 and I love every second of driving it. The only thing that is bad as far as Im concerned is how thirsty it is. But thats understandable cause I new what I was getting into when I was buying a V8.

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  7/8 Marauder - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dr511scj - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Until the price gouging on Mercury Marauders subsides, the Crown Victoria LX Sport is a worthwhile alternative. Although in a side-by-side test drive, I could really notice the Marauders extra horsepower, better sound and larger tires, it wasnt $10,000 better than the LX Sport (including incentives). Both the Marauder and the LX Sport are VASTLY superior to their progenitors (Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria, respectively). Both are much quicker and handle significantly better. The LX Sport is as close to a Police Interceptor as a the average civilian can buy.

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  Know Your Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By CWT - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ordered 2002 Escape XLT 4x4 with every option. Dealer didnt have one in stock, so couldnt see one before ordering. Expected interior to be similar to my F-150 SuperCrew Lariat...bad assumption! It is extremely cheap, uncomforatable, and noisy. (see suggestions below). This is a highly cost-engineered vehicle that is a latent entry designed to compete with the highly-successful Honda CR-V. In looking around, Ive discovered the Escape re-sale value is weak, and I would probably go with the Hyundai Santa Fe if I were to buy another mini-SUV.

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  I love my focus! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By maribela21 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I used to owe an escort, and the difference with my new focus is night and day. I look forward to driving my car everyday......im still in love with my car, thats what buying a car should feel like......wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  Nice truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By phil47 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck, love the power, love the style. Not completely satisfied with the manufacture of the truck...loose parts, missing parts..nothing major,,but could prove important as the truck gets older...Needed front end alignment in the first 5000 miles...found this unusual...

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  "Worth the Wait" - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Poppa - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Explorer and "what a difference"!! My previous two were trouble free; however, this 2002 is a "GEM" to drive. Recently had to drive in a torrential rainstorm & this Explorer handled extremely well. Looking forward to taking some trips in this newly redesigned Explorer, as I know Im going to throughly enjo them

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  99 Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Eren - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in summer of 99 with 11k miles on it and now 3yrs later and now at 60k miles, it still runs great! It was my first car at age 15 and I think this vehicle makes a GREAT beginners car. The Winsheild wipers and Firestone recalls were a bit of a problem but the people at Ford replaced the wipers hassle-free and Firestone bought me $400 Goodyears. This SUV is really good when towing(Jet Ski) and I didnt have to buy a towing package (Just a ball). Overall an EXCELLENT car!