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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  Good car for low price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mikeyman - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I like the car and would recommend it to anyone who wants a decent car for a good price.

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  Diesel Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By duner - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Eddie bauer Diesel excursion is a fine truck.18k miles on 6.0 diesel has gobs of power and torque and we get 21 mpg at 70 plus cruising and 10 plus mpg when towering our 9000# toy hauler. We have not had any issues with the truck except for squeeking of the rubber door seals when it was new , these went away after a month or so "worn in i guess" Excellent brakes, added load riderite bags in rear for extra stabiloity and leveling. Its a big truck in the city

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  Reliable, Comfortable Workhorse - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By BoatingFan - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my Expy used with 80K miles to use as a tow vehicle for my boat. Ive put nearly 30K miles on her since then and other than front and rear brake jobs, Ive had her in the shop once to replace an ignition coil. Shes been very reliable. The 5.4L V8 runs strong and with the 3.55 diff. I get a respectable 19-20 mpg on the road, 15mpg when pulling the boat.I find myself driving it more because its comfortable and allows me to see the road much better than from behind the wheel of my Camry.Placement of controls are well thought out and easy to reach. Cloth seats are comfortable too. We also love the 3rd row seat, rear a/c. The lighted running boards mak

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  First truck Ive owned...and still own. - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jim N. - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Mines only a 2WD/4cyl/5speed, but its taken me thru 4 Colorado winters. Great for light hauling around town and helping friends move. I use 85octane gas and get an average of 25mpg. If I put 87octane, I can usually squeeze out 1-2 more mpg. Im at about 98k miles now. No major work has been needed. Regular LOF changes, brakes every 30k, tires at 45k and 90k (prolly my fault for the tires). I replaced shocks, fuel filter and had tune-up at 92k miles. Only annoying thing was the cab light would stay on during the summer after the drivers door was shut. Ended up unplugging the cable in the door.

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  Design Flaw? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By spar07 - July 22 - 7:49 pm

  My wife bought her truck about 4 years ago. A little less than 4 months later, the front passenger wheel literally broke off at a speed of approximately 60 mph. The reason for the problem was due to the wheel bearing freezing up. The dealer where she bought the truck was surprised that the vehicle did not roll and do some serious damage to life and property. This winter, just short of 4 years later, the bearing froze up again and was on the brink of breaking once again. The only conclusion is that there has to be some kind of design or material flaw in the materials used for this model. The truck has been inspected in attempt to find the problem. Owners beware!!

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  NEW CAR - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By elysse - July 22 - 7:06 pm

  Just got it. I love it except I am alredy having a problem with the electric. The airbag gauge is flashing on and off. Hopefully its not a a bad omen; otherwise the car is SOOO fun, and fast.

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  Very durable explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Ted - July 22 - 11:53 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4x4 with 138645 miles on it now it has 155,558 miles on it and it runs like when I first bought iti put in Bosch platinum 2 spark plugs changed all the fluids (trans, both axles, trans case, power steering) It runs exceptional better then all my sports cars I owned in the past in power and speed. I put in k&n filter it is pretty good on gas for a SUV. I love it! I hope it hits 300000 miles!

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  great car - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Tleah - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I call it my energizer bunny. Except for NY state rust it is doing very well. When bought a lot of money had to be put into it because of the winters and other non care of it but since then it has done wonders for me. I do not have a lot of money and I keep this car going on a shoestring budget. I would get another one.

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  Good car, Bad Transmission - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By AmyLewis22 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Every Taurus Ive ever owned, the transmission drops before 100,000 miles. I had a 91 and the trans dropped at 98,000. Now my 99 trnas dropped at 70,000. Ive heard rumors that the Taurus is known for having bad trans by mechanics. But I love evrything eles about. No other problems.

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  I LOVE MY TAURUS - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Ruby - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Taurus is a great car. We were given a great deal and the car is more than we ever expected it would be. Lots of room, sporty look, and a wonderful smooth ride and drive make it the best car I have ever owned. Ford has out done themselves on this one!! SO glad I looked at Ford or I would be stuck with a small foreign car.