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:

• 

  2002 Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Old Jer - June 6 - 3:34 pm

  For simple ability to take a large family and pull a big trailer, the Excursion is hard to beat. The vehicle can comfortably seat 9 big people, offering as much space as a larger van and a lot more besides. I found the power to pull a nearly 10,000 loaded trailer along the Alaska Highway both ways a joy. It offers safety from other vehicles, and we have not had stability problems.

• 

  Satisfied Consumer! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Debbie Ripley - June 6 - 9:10 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying my Ford Explorer! A friend of mine and I recently drove our vehicles, loaded with high school-aged kids, to a conference in Pennsylvania (approximately 600 miles one way). The kids who traveled in my vehicle were comfortable throughout the trip and upon arrival to our destination were ready to go! There were absolutely NO COMPLAINTS. The kids in the other vehicle felt cramped due to lack of space, were bored, and tired upon arrival. As the driver, I enjoyed every minute of the trip. I recently had a serious back surgery, yet I was comfortable throughout the trip and arrived at our destination with plenty of energy to spare. The other driver....well....

• 

  Amazing Performance - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By cstang - June 6 - 4:20 am

  Acceleration and handling are truly amazing. This car is a blast to drive! The exhaust note is intoxicating (who needs a stereo?) and the power when you step on the gas is breathtaking. The front seats are very supportive and comfortable. Ride quality with the svt package is better than I anticipated. Overall fit and finish are very good, not to European standards but very close. The one negative with this car is it attracts a lot of attention from everyone so if you dont like attention this is not the car for you.

• 

  2002 Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rrhh - June 6 - 3:18 am

  Bought with 46000 miles on in like new condition for less than $9k. Runs very smooth, has quiet and comfortable interior. Compare to "cramped" 2001 Honda Accord LX 2.3L I owned before, this Taurus is a winner.

• 

  I will never drive a regular car again! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By vcrawf1207 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  If you tons of driving like I do,you will love the comfort,and ruggedness, however it does really use the gas! Very comfortableand reliable here where the snowloves to fall!

• 

  Sweet SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Pencil - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My Eddie Bauer is sweet, great looks, great performance. Im 18 so I do a little street racing, my 2 ton+ SUV can move from 0-60 in 7.5 seconds (K&N intake and Superchip of course with no spare tire). I beat a 5.2L Cherokee with my 4.0L Eddie and a V6 Camry w/ exhaust. Top speed is 115mph (scary as hell). I rolled my Eddie once when racing and honestly it saved my life (wearing a seatbelt) and it didnt cost too much to repair. So far no major problems mechanically, it has started everytime. The exterior is killer, two tone paint only avaliable on Eddie Bauers looks better than any other model. Overall I recommend this vehicle

• 

  Crown Vic Lover - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob & his wife - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our 6th Crown Victoria (to date). We love these cars! We have 4 kids and this vehicle is a nice alternative to the mini-van. By the way, we are not old (mid-30s!).

• 

  DO NOT BUY!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Dizzy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 13,000 miles on it. At first it seemed to be just what I was looking for. Then 6 months later, I had an accident going 25 miles an hour (I couldnt stop the car in time), the air bags deployed and destroyed the dash area of my car. It cost my insurance company $3000 to fix everything. Right after that, I had to have my brakes changed as they were completely gone. MMM..wonder if thats why I couldnt stop the car during the accident?? My ignition switch went out this year and now my starter also had to be replaced. I also found out about a recall on the rear bearings. Whats next?? I just dont feel safe in this car anymore.

• 

  Great sports car--- and affordable!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By franky l1011 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  fun to own and drive

• 

  Wonderful Truck!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ford Enthusiast - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Powerful 5.4L V-8 pulls our 7,500 pound fifth-wheel with ease (in both 2WD & 4WD). Beautiful King Ranch leather is soft yet durable. It is a wonderful combination of form and function! Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, great looking truck! Outstanding value for $35,000.