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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  no wonder is # 1 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By felipe - February 18 - 2:00 am

  this truck is the best i ever diven in 20 years, i have chevrolet,toyota dodge and also ford, but this one is supreme. THE SUSPENSION is execellent the intirior superior the towing no mash.

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  My New Bull - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By rental ralph - February 18 - 12:45 am

  Our mint 2003 SES was a real steal at $10.1K, including tax and tags. This ex Hertz/IBM company car looks and drives new. Great choice for a family car. Roomy, solid build, rugged engine and a very smooth transmission. No rattles, squeaks or groans. Doors, hood and trunk all close with little effort. Suspension does a nice job in taking the jolt out of NYCÂ’s best potholes. Very controlled at speed with little wind noise and little effect from cross winds. No problem passing buses and 18 wheelers.

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  2001 Mustang Convertable - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Bryan - February 17 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this 01 Mustang with 44K miles already logged. Mileage is now 68K with only one tune up and a change of disk brakes pads. Very reliable, averages 23mpg all the time. Convertible top is very easy to operate. Great fun economical car. Looks fast sitting still. :-)

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  Best for Domestics - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Truckfan - February 17 - 4:50 am

  My company take-home vehicle is a 2001 Ford Supercrew 4x4 Lariat, fully loaded including moon roof and offroad package. The ride, power, versatility and refinement makes my fully loaded 2001 Dodge Quadcab 4x4 SLTplus seem crude and cheaply built. GM has better engines (IMO) but build quality and materials are not up to Ford either and have styling (my 2000 Tahoe a testament to that).

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  2003 GT Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 2ndcarstang - February 17 - 1:55 am

  I was looking for a ragtop as my second car and I found an 03 with 3500 miles on it. Ive had the car for two months and what a kick in the pants to drive. It has a great sound system (Mach 1000), upgraded wheels, more than enough power, handles tight, I could go on an on. Im just kicking myself for waiting this long to buy a pony car.

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  ITS MY THIRD ONE - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By EXPLORER0411 - February 17 - 1:23 am

  GREAT OVERALL SUV, THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER. SOLID AND FUN TO DRIVE.

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  The surprising ride... - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Emerson Biggans - February 17 - 12:50 am

  I love this vehicle. After test driving 3 other Eddie Bauer Expeditions (two 02s and one 98 model), I settled on the 01 XLT because of its nearly identical options package and $10,000 less price tag. The most surprising thing about the Expedition 4x4 is the fact that it rides like a luxury car, handles like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is, and has outstanding traction (nothing stops this thing). The only thing I could ask for is a little firmer shift from the 4 speed auto-transmission. But then again, I am partial to 400+ horsepower vehicles, and I guess its not really bad for a bone stock family ride (my 3 daughters and my son love it).

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  Car is a gas hog! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Fran - February 16 - 5:00 pm

  Id hoped to come close to the sticker advertised MPG rating but so far, cant come close. I am not a hot rodder, but a 76 year old female who drives to drive the posted speed limit, city or highway and dont dig out at stop signs. The last fill up I got 17.95--not anywhere near the 33 or 29 MPG as advertised. I wished I had kept my 2000 Sable, as I got 24 MPG with that and did not have to sit in a furnace at a stop light unless I turn on the Max Air which turn on the engine. I have conferred with the dealer two times, the last time they said I should try PREMIUM GASOLINE!!! I bought this vehicle for economy not to break my budget. Is anyone else out there getting this bad gasoline mileage?

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  Fords best engine ever - 1995 Ford F-150
  By PaulR - February 16 - 3:35 pm

  The long-stroke 4.9 liter six is the best engine (most durable and trouble free) Ford ever built. But, I must qualify that. It is durable and dependable, and it has tons of low-end torque. But, it hits its peak torque at only 2,000 RPM, so it has nothing left at the top end. It strains to go faster than 60-65 MPH. The truck is a typical Ford. Even though it only has 61,000 miles, lots of little things are popping up. Door handle hardware, door fit, vinyl upholstery wear, window knobs, EGR valve, interior trim panels, automatic locking hubs, all have broken. I think a truck should be more durable than that, but it probably is no worse than a Chevy or Dodge in that respect.

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  2003 SEL Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Carpoof - February 16 - 2:46 pm

  I am very happy with this vehicle. It is very smooth and overall there have not been any problems with it. It feels much more solid than the older Tauruses.