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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  Slick! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Reece - May 5 - 9:17 am

  Owned it for a year....great van!

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  V6 XLT Sport - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Mike - May 5 - 5:59 am

  Car has been very reliable and fun to drive. The only problem I ever had was the seat belt retract system on the driver side. Would like to see more power out of the V6 in the future.

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  American Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By A.C. - May 5 - 2:34 am

  Bought my Taurus in May 2000. Now it has 87,000 miles on it. The problems: Brake sensor failed (recall) power steering pump made wining noise - replaced under warranty right front window scratched pretty bad - replaced under warranty drivers door is not tight, hense wind noise funny noise in suspension - repaired under warranty, dealer never said what was wrong power steering fluid leaked from under the filling cap fuel gauge gives wrong reading the warning light for the ABS doesnt work right rear power window motor blew twice - replaced under warranty the steering wheel air bags cover is painted(!), had cracks in it after only 5 months, the paint rubs off easily. Fuel economy - none.

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  Love my Red T-Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By lou - May 5 - 12:51 am

  I bought my T-Bird in 96 as a dealer demo with 8,000 miles. It has 88,900 now with no major problems, looks and runs like a dream. I love this car, and can tell if there are any problems coming up just by the "feel"...you T-Bird owners know what I mean. Just bought a 2001 Taurus was going to trade the T-Bird in, but when I saw them start to take her away, I choked up and changed my mind. Now I have a Taurus and the T-bird. Im going to drive the Taurus in the winter.

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  Good looking and reliable! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By David H. - May 4 - 10:52 pm

  Bought this truck brand new in 2000 and has been one great truck. If you take care of it, it will take care of you! Ive had mine now for 5 years and not once have I had any major problems or concerns with her. She looks good, rides good and pulls good, what more could you ask for! Ive learned with Ford, you really do get what you pay for.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Becky - May 4 - 1:41 pm

  I love my Excursion Diesel! I use it extensively in my business, and also have four children, so nothing else compares. Always used to drive Suburbans, but had problems with lights, electric windows, etc. - little annoying problems, never a problem with my Excursion, and have put over 70K miles on it so far. The only two things that are problems, especially if you pull a lot of trailers, is the turning radius, which I believe has improved in the 05 model and the horsepower. It does not keep up at all with my 03 F350, but I will gladly give up the comfort of those two items, for the inside comfort and room! Would strongly recommend the diesel versus the gas model for gas purposes.

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  Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jeffhe - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Best damn truck I ever owened,

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  listen to the consumer!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By exploderdriver - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has had numerous problems similar to those mentioned throuhout these consumer reveiws (transmission, rear-end noise, back glass, etc...) Obviously these are common problems; however, Ford or any of their dealerships will admit to any of them, or try to fix them correctly. A few recalls would solve a lot of problems! By the way...if you live in Knoxville, TN....stay away from Lance Cunningham Ford, and Ted Russell Ford! Their service depts. are the pits!!!

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  ARTY - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ARTY - May 4 - 10:00 am

  HANDLES WELL 14 MPG AROUND TOWN 20 ON HIGHWAY

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  love it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By EX-ped - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Im rough. My vehicle needs to be too. The expedition fits. Its not a pick-up but its just as good. You can haul groceries when its raining.