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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  Ford Excursion Diesel. King of the Road. - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By rob - February 8 - 9:15 am

  The Ford Excursion diesel is one of the nicest large SUVs I have ever driven, great fuel mileage, roomy, handles well, great in the snow. What more can you ask for?

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  fun, safe family car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Dan - February 8 - 7:10 am

  This is a great car. Just dealt with, meaning put 110 miles in a Michigan blizzard yesterday. We traveled all over west Michigan in a certified blizzard. The all-wheel drive was flawless! I have never felt safer. Braking ABS worked great. Warm, comfortable. My only complain was the washer fluid nozzles froze quickly. My last VW had heated nozzels, but I also have no idea what kind of fluid was in them. Putting the better winter washer fluid would probably solve that. We really did well. Even when our highway shut down. I had my pregnant wife with me the whole time. She was worried but that is mostly my fault for going in the first place. I am really happy I bought this car for her.

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  my best ride - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By rb - February 8 - 5:08 am

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  A lemon right off the lot - 2004 Ford Escape
  By John - February 8 - 3:09 am

  I bought a new, left over 2004 Escape. Within two hours of leaving the dealer the accelerator would not release and I found myself going 85 mph on the highway with the speed increasing. I managed to put it into neutral and pull over to the side with the engine racing. A tow truck was called and took me and the car back to the dealer. I found out Ford Motor Company had recalled 2002 through 2004 Escapes to fix accelerator problems, but my dealer had failed to fix it before selling it to me. He is claiming ice build up was the problem, not the accelerator cable. Either way, a car that dangerous should not be on the road.

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  Kermitt Bites - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By kermitt bites - February 7 - 5:22 pm

  This truck has been a nightmare since the beginning. The problems have been from brakes squealing, the driverside power seat motor going out to the rear end being worked on four times. We even got the Ford rep involved and she claims that the truck is fixed even though the clutches in the rearend are still messing up. We now have 17,000 miles on the truck and we are going to have to eat several thousand dollars in order to trade it. We have resulted to putting poster boards on the truck with lemon signs on it and driving it around Oklahoma City

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  the truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By nat - February 7 - 5:15 pm

  Ive owned two F150s and six Fords total this truck has been so far the best vehicle Ive owned. Ford has a winner with the King Ranch and they know it.

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  POOR CHOICE - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Edward - February 7 - 7:06 am

  I wanted to add another hot rod for my garage so I purchased a 2007 Mustang GT, it would be good company for my 2005 GTO...it ended up as a poor choice. The GT has a much harsher ride, interior looks cheap and steering is a little sluggish. It does sound great at all speeds but with 300 HP I expected more of a rush when I jump on the gas. Compared to my GTO this car feels like it is pulling or carrying a trailer behind it.

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  Excellent runner and worker - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Tom F. - February 7 - 5:26 am

  I managed to snatch one of these from my boss for $700. It has the Ford 5.0L with only 91,000 original miles. Body is in great shape - minor dings and a couple of rust spots. Only work it needed was in the steering (cost less than $120). Boss had to either trade to Honda for $500 or sell to me for $700, so I took the offer. Im glad I did because this truck is great and will last a longtime! No worries when I go camping this year!

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  Best Value for Money - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By CNN - February 7 - 1:28 am

  Bought it in 1997 brand new fell in love with it on test drive forgot about all the other cars I test drove. Very smooth, very comfortable, great looking car for a very reasonable price. At 7+ years, it still looks and feels new! This car has spoiled me. No trouble at all after all these years.

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  Overpriced American Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris K. - February 6 - 11:46 pm

  The car is nice looking. But thats about as far as it goes. There is no back seat room. The dash and instrument panel are very inexpensive, looking like something you would find in a $10K car. Even the leather seats have room for improvement. The automatic transmission clunks when you put it in gear. The rear end feels like your riding on marbles. The list goes on. My wife wanted this car for its looks and from driving it, thats all it has.