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:

• 

  The original and maybe the best - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wiredpair - May 9 - 7:22 pm

  Purchased my XLT AWD Explorer last year and so far, no complaints. The 5.0L 302CID is a tried and true motor and it doesnt disappoint here. Ive found it be very responsive when needed and it certainly outperformed my 96 Grand Cherokee with 4.0 I-6 engine. The AWD drive system is engaged at all times and if you have previously driven rear drive vehicles, youll notice this but quickly get used to it. The ride quality is smooth for a SUV and it also handles pretty well for a SUV. Styling is superior to the current styling IMHO, especially the chrome grille and bumpers. Fuel efficiency is as expected, I get around 19-20 MPG on the highway. Id recommend this SVU if you are in the market.

• 

  GT Baby - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Dianne - May 9 - 6:55 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and definitely a head-turner. You can feel the power of this baby the minute you hit the accelerator. Once youre on the road you really dont want to stop driving!

• 

  Ford - You lost us! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Lee - May 9 - 6:24 pm

  Our last 4 cars have all been Fords, before trading this one in for a Toyota Sienna van. Our first was a 91 wagon, which was awesome for its economy, and reliability (it finally gave out with 210k miles). The Windstar van was a mistake, and the last 2 Tauruses were only slightly better. We unloaded this wagon with 98k miles for fear of transmission problems. There also was little effort by the company to address our complaints (which included both calls and a letter). We would have loved to stay with a domestic maker, but it just didnt make sense. Ford - we were your customers, and you lost us!

• 

  Down with Ford! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ford is crap - May 9 - 4:45 pm

  Bought the car in 2000. Windshield broke in 5 months. Brakes and tires have always been bad, needing to be changed every 15 to 20 thousand miles. Replaced rotors, calipers, ignition and a tune-up was done at 35,000 miles. The Focus would be a great car if it worked properly, or if at least the dealer/manufacturer would take care of common problems.

• 

  very satisfied - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By jose cardenas - May 9 - 3:06 pm

  i travel to work in my car every day and it feels good to drive very smooth and handles great from me; no complaints, just needs more body side molding for other careless drivers out there. It feels like a luxury sedan. The engine has a lot of power, very nice sedan.

• 

  5-Passenger SE Value Package - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By JDUB81 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  For those of you interested in the Ford Taurus SE, I would highly recommend the 5-Passenger with SE Value Package. After test driving the 6-Passenger Seating version, I realized the front center seating would never be practical for any adult. Also, the 6-disc CD changer is mounted in the rear trunk which would not be convenient for long road trips. However, I was impressed with the 5-Pass version w/ floor mounted shifter and 6-disc CD changer in the center console. Not only is it easy changing CDs, but also adds some extra storage next to the CD player. Now I dont have to worry about hitting the CD changer when I throw my golf clubs in the trunk.

• 

  Good, solid car. - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By DavidL - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is totally satisfactory, and pleasant to drive. Good power, good looks.

• 

  My Second Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Florencio - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought a red XLT in June of 2001, and I loved it so much, that I traded it in for a new 2004 black Limited with the black leather interior and moonroof. I only wish I could have purchased the heated seats, maybe next time!

• 

  Fun for trips - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dansee - May 9 - 2:00 am

  My wife never thought she could handle a vehicle of this size, but the expedition drives like a car.

• 

  What they dont tell us - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dancer - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Well Im perfectly happy with my Eddie Bauer 04. But right away I noticed there is a problem with the air conditioner. Come to find out alot of people with the year 04 have complained of the same thing. Apparently the service department knew of this, and I asked, dont the salesmen know of this, it would of determined if I bought the truck or not. They said yes, but that they wouldnt tell me or anyone else because they want to make the sale. Im going to be patient and wait and see if Ford comes out with another unit to install. It should be recalled pretty soon. Otherwise Ive always been happy with the Ford Expedition.