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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  Love my SUV - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Cindi - January 6 - 12:52 am

  This SUV gave me the luxury to hold passengers and cargo and not lose the comfort and ease of either. I have found the Excursion easier to drive then I expected for a truck this size. I love carrying my entire family and their gear!

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  Most un-reliable car on 4 wheels - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 2012 Ford Focus - January 6 - 12:34 am

  Ford blew it with this car. Due to my wifes job we buy a car ever other year. This car has left us stranded 4 times with only 70k miles. There stupid dual clutch design transmission in this car has been nothing but problems. Car slips out of gear, sometimes wont even back up, makes chattering shifting noise while sitting in park. Took it to 2 Ford dealerships. AutoNation Ford technician in Katy said the best thing for me to do is run from this car and sell it. (This is after the third transmission reprogram). Finally took to Joe Meyers Ford they ripped me off and said faulty shift solenoid Charged $500 (after I told them I dont believe this is the problem because car runs fine for about a week after re-program), while still in shop then they said "Oh faulty transmission computer". Ford replaced computer under warranty. Now 1 month later car has a roaring noise coming from inside the transmission ( no its no the hub bearings). If Ford would have left the hydraulic style transmission in this car it would be a great car everything else is nice. New transmission is $3,101.02 screw that. THANKS FORD FOR MAKING JUNK!!!!!! YOU MUST BE SO PROUD. Go on Craigslist and look at how many 2012-2014 Ford Focus there are. Save yourself a headache and do not buy. I guess its true Foreign cars are better then Ford cars. RUN! RUN! RUN! RUN!

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  My 2003 Expedition XLT - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Colleen - January 6 - 12:17 am

  I love this truck! It has tons of room. With 3 young kids, (4, 3, 16 months), a double & single stroller & a dog I still can go food shopping without worrying about room. One of the best features is the 2nd seat in the 2nd row moves forward so a newborn/infant can be closer to mom. Another plus & must have is the rear sensing system. The biggest & best feature.... Its affordable!

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  My 99 Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By nascarlar - January 5 - 11:33 pm

  My 99 Ranger is my second Ford Ranger my first one was a stick and Idrove it 110,000 miles with no major repair besides the general maintenance. Also never replaced the clutch. I am going on 5 years now with this one and no major repairs besides the general maintenace. Thank you Ford for the Ranger. i am looking at a Ford f-150 as my next purchase but the problem is I do not know when because the Ranger is still going strong.

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  My Ford Escape 2004 - 2004 Ford Escape
  By John Brown - January 5 - 11:19 pm

  More then I expected. Ride is great. Power for a 6 cylinder is more then you need. Room in the interior is a lot more then I expected. Handles with ease. My wife loves the car. I am very happy with the choice of suv we have made. I would recomend looking & driving one to anyone who is looking to purchase a suv.

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  Solid truck 99 XL - 1999 Ford F-150
  By E.K. - January 5 - 10:48 pm

  I am happy with my truck purchase. I researched the small & full sized trucks and had to consider the F-150 since it is the most popular vehicle ever built. The XL is the low end model but the interior is still quite nice. I have had to replace to ABS sensor for the rear brakes for about $21. No other problems yet. Seems very well built. I like the new F-150 also and may trade up in a year or two.

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  Great for beginners - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Karen - January 5 - 9:27 pm

  I bought this car for myself and handed it over to my teenage daughter for her first car. We have had very little problems with the vehicle. She drives it all over to softball games. I would definitely buy another one.

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  The best SUV on the Market!! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Excursion - January 5 - 7:26 pm

  I love my car (truck). it drives excellent the room is well worth the money and the backing up signal has made even the tightest spots feel like large ones. Also my truck turns on a dime. I was almost killed in my Honda Accord and my husband wanted to put me and our 3 kids into something safe. I can almost take on the world with comfort, style and reliablility it has been worth every penny. I do get 21 mpg in my 7.3 diesel Eddie Bauer.

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  Great Driving Adventure - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Pat - January 5 - 6:45 pm

  This is the closest thing to a 1950s Thunderbird that is possible, but with the latest in auto technology. It is fun to drive, classic in looks, and elegant in detail. I recently drove a new Jag and it does not even compare to the new Thunderbird. I do not hesitate when I say that I would recommend it to anyone that wants a sporting opinion. By the way, I am 62 years old and love the power.

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By r. wiehe - January 5 - 2:27 pm

  I know its big. I know I only get from 13-14 MPG. I know what writers say. BUT .... we think this vehicle is the greatest platform to see the USA that could be built. It rides great. Pulls my 28 Airstream over any mountain in the continent. Both of us love to drive it. Takes more room to park, but when you get used to it you forget about that. Its also our third V-10. Couldnt be happier! Fords nuts if they quit making this package that the people that own it like.