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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  this is funny - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Tony - February 12 - 11:20 pm

  This is funny. I see all these bad reviews for a GREAT vehicle. Dont let these affect your purchase. Ive put 130,000 miles on mine and only thing that went wrong was a rear wiper motor. The transmissions are fine as long as you service them correctly and arent pulling your boat behind it. I bet if i asked all these people with tranny probs if they were towing with it, theyd say yes. Its a MINIVAN. Not a workhorse.

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  fool me once, shame on me, twice shame.... - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By not job one - February 12 - 7:57 pm

  For a small truck (4.0L) the mileage is too low. Full size GMC small V8 is near the same. Like all Ford pickups the front brakes are junk. Rotors rusted apart in less than 60,000km, $100 CAD each to replace. The front wheel bearings BOTH went at 107,000Km. $800.00 CAD to replace! Ive never known these bearings to fail in other trucks past 275,000km. GARBAGE! Just waiting for the $500 ball joints next. Dont buy this truck, get a Toyota instead.

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  I Like it - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Rich - February 12 - 4:58 pm

  It is a good truck but lost some of the old ways of doing things on the inside, like seats that do more and visors that block the sun all the way around but overall it is a great truck.

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  We love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Kent - February 12 - 1:55 pm

  We dont tow but carry larger loads and the space is amazing. But, its the comfort we enjoy. The SUV is so fun to drive and the Powerstroke 6.0L diesel has to be driven to be believed. The acceleration is like a big V8 but we are getting 18 mpg on the highway--and only have 6,500 miles. I feel my wife is VERY safe in the vehicle and long trips are a dream for my whole family. We have the DVD player which is truly fun for our two boys on trips. Looks large, drives like an Explorer.

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  A great car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Michael - February 12 - 12:33 pm

  This Taurus has been terrific so far. For those looking for a reliable, comfortable vehicle with the backing of Ford, this is it. No problems so far. I will probably keep this car for the duration.

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  driver - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Pete - February 12 - 11:46 am

  Enjoy driving it, its a gas guzzler comparing it to other minivans and a has small gas tank. Averaging 300 miles to a tank or 12.3 miles to gallon of gas. Still dont know why they advertise it for 17 mpg city to 22 mpg for freeways.

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  good car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By mpstick - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 2001 and now I just bought the 2004 se model.Its roomy,comfortable ride and just gets the job done.Ive never had to repair anything on the 2001 except for regular mainteance,it had 124000 miles on it.The best feature about the taurus that people tend to forget are the safety features,it has just enough or exceeds in every segment,dont knock it just because its a Ford!

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  Quality of Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Tdrip - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The ride and handling of the truck is awesome, the interior is the best design of any make of truck on the market. The all wheel disc makes a differents in the braking of the truck.Changes to the lariat are great, If this truck has the quality built in that the 97 150 I had before I will remain a loyal Ford owner. Remember the TQM.

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  Love It - 2004 Ford F-150
  By SLO Bigdog - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my new F-150 Supercrew FX4. The only thing I dont like is the 5.5 bed, however I will get a lot more use out of the full size 4 door rear cab than I will over the bed. The optional bed extender makes a big difference. The ride is smooth and I love the feel of my leather captians chairs and the look of the flow thru shifter. I choose the power moonroof instead of the over head center rail console. The flow thru center console has plenty of space. All I need now is a humidor...

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  BAD TRANNY - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE-O - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Car is great, esp with the v8!. At 38k, the transmission completely failed. I thought it was a phenominal vehicle until this. As soon as the warranty was up, the transmission took a dump, and this car was not driven roughly. $3,000 for ford to get the car running again.