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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  GREAT FOR A WOMAN THAT WANTS A TRUCK - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TERESA - October 29 - 8:50 am

  I am woman with children and hauls a lot of kids around. It is great for hauling flowers and taking kids to the football game all at the same time.

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  wish they would fix it now! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By syndy67 - October 29 - 6:26 am

  Wow, we just did a 420 mile roadtrip last thursday and couldnt get past 28.7 mpg and that was mostly interstate driving. took it in to dealer and they said its just still trying to figure out your driving habits. WTH! and I dont like the jerky take offs we were told to drive it another1000-1500 miles and if its still doing it to bring it in. it is alittle cramped inside compared to my 2005 focus. But otherwise I like the car .

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  explorer experience was terrible - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By eddiejoe - October 29 - 2:00 am

  after buying what was rated by CR as a "good buy," Ive had nothing but trouble from this 1994 sport model. The undercarriage is rusting out, the tranny went out twice, the ignition module has been replaced twice, windshield washer motors replaced, ac gives out, emissions equipment no longer will pass smog requirements and so on... Without a warranty I would have paid twice for this vehicle, oh did I mention that I had to replace the firestones before the recall was established?

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  95 Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By MR. Hart - October 29 - 2:00 am

  best suv avalible they say i have to put atlest 15 words... no need it is a great car

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  Very nice vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By JayJervey - October 29 - 2:00 am

  2wd Limited with Cashmere clearcoat option (very nice color). Minimal options -- power rear seats, Homelink, and limited slip differential. Very roomy and tall -- this baby is big -- barely fits in the garage. A behemoth - - but it rules. Handles almost as well as my Lexus IS300 that I traded (well, not that good but...not bad either). And its plenty fast with the new 300hp V8. I love this thing. By the way, get the Ford ESP warranty on the web (Loman Ford) -- dont buy from dealer (unless you need to finance it).

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  ver y reliable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By turlet - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in Deceber 01. I was a single 28 yr old guy at the time and wanted something that I thought would be cool. I bought the Louisville made Explorer. I loved it. Still do for the most part. However my new wife has inherited it. Which is fine, she drives only 5 minutes to work and with the 17mpg it gets. I cant afford to pay 2 dollar gas. We still drive it when we go places. It has been very reliable for me. I know a lot of people have had some problems. If you dont drive it like a bat out of hell and change the oil it will be fine. Besides normal maintenance not had the 1st problem

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  Exellent - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Renegade Newl - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I carpool with another lady, and the kids love it too. Especially when we go shopping, theres room to put stuff. Also, I haul our boat, and my husbands rock buggy. When we take it our of town, the excursion is our hotel, we just sleep in it. I think, they shouldnt have took them off the line, but should have made only diesel ones available.

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  Excellent - 2005 Ford GT
  By Zimp - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car to drive. I love the fact that ib beat a Ferrari.

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  FORD TOUGH - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By ChaplainMartinez - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is beyond words to express what an outstanding SUV it is, This is iur fourth one, Ford Motor Company keep on making them, they are number one in all areas. EXCELLENT@@@

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  Worth every penny! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By burs757 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  i test drove almost every "hot hatch" avaliable at the time, and none could compete with the overall package Ford has put together, i have had this vehicle for almost a year and have no major complaints with anything. there have been a few trips to the dealership to work out PCM (computer) issues, but these were offset by the driving pleasure this vehicle serves up with every trip!! if you are in the market, i would definatly recomend snatching one of these up before they are no more. and spend the extra $$ and go with the Euro appearance package, the Recaro seats alone are worth the price!!