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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  2000 Explorer XLT - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jrsygirl - January 5 - 2:05 pm

  I LOVE my Ford Explorer. It handles beautifully. I love the ease of loading/unloading in the back. Its comfortable to drive. I have had no major mechanical issues and have had to do very little maintenance. The only down-side is the gas mileage. I would recommend an Explorer to anyone interested in an SUV.

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  Great truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By David - January 5 - 1:58 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Reliability has been excellant. Very convenient getting objects out of bed and easy to get in and out. While my new 150 Supercrew is more fun to drive on the highway, the Ranger is a better everyday useage vehicle.

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  2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By J W Kellogg - January 5 - 10:36 am

  I purchased the 2005 Expedition in November to replace my 2000. I could not be more pleased. The 300 hp engine provides the power and quickness that the older version needed. It took Ford a while to match the engine with the vehicle but they did a good job. The Expedition is well behaved on slick and icy streets and is a pleasure to drive in good weather. I find I get almost 16 mpg in the city and 20+ on the highway. Fuel economy can still increase but it is better than it was.

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  Ralph - 2013 Ford Shelby GT500
  By ralph0711 - January 5 - 9:44 am

  Love My New Ride 2013 gt 500

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  Perfect - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Yesenia - January 5 - 9:33 am

  I enjoy this vehicle, however, I dare not to drive it with the rear windows down alone. You might find your ears hurt A LOT!

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  Cant Cruise Around All You Want - 2008 Ford Escape
  By allysmom - January 4 - 11:06 pm

  I love this SUV! This is my first vehicle purchase. I was driving a 93 Suburban, and this is a great improvement! Great gas mileage, love the interior. Only problems I have had, was, I wasnt aware you needed to ask if a vehicle came with cruise control, I just thought it was a standard feature. I mean, it came with the Stability Control System, but no cruise control. That would have been a selling point for me. Also I was sold the vehicle as a 6 CD player, but it is only a single, no biggie, but why the need for a load button if you can only do one CD at a time?

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  My GT - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By semaj281 - January 4 - 8:20 pm

  If youre looking for a cheap, reliable, fun-to-drive performance car thats not too hard on gas, then this is your car. This car looks good from the inside and out and the exhaust note I hear everytime I start it is like therapy. Everything is set up perfectly for the young enthusiast.

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  2000 SE Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jjrwang - January 4 - 3:22 am

  Good basic people & everyday cargo hauler. Do not log too much miles annually, thus havent experienced all the problems that other owners have posted on discussion. But very leery about long term ownership. Will send it to truck heaven in the sky at the first sign of major problem. Have a series of little electrical and recall items since new. Currenty have check engine code P0171 & P0174 still to be resolved. Out of warranty, and very reluctant to send back to dealer. Knowledge and willingness to help you daunts me. Dealers themselves need to update themselves. The last time I need the Windstar to be reflashed, the had to "order" the flash cable!

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  Dont Laugh Its Paid For - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By singnchef - January 4 - 12:53 am

  We bought this car with 76,000 miles on it. I have had no trouble at all. She runs like a dream. We average about 27 mpg on the road. The only thing I have had to do is change the plugs and oil. It only uses 1/3rd quart oil per 1000 miles.

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  Enjoyable - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Don - January 3 - 11:30 pm

  Extended cab allows for the seating of up to 4 people comfortably and up to 5.