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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  The first Fusion was mine! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bobby Gee - May 22 - 8:46 am

  I generally dont get excited with American cars. I drove the Fusion and immediately leased one. It reminds me of the Taurus SHO in handling and performance & oh yeah ... 30 MPG or so with a trunk I could camp out in. They even made the seats comfortable. Toyota hasnt figured out how to do that yet!

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  1996 Taurus Wagon - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Ilikeaford - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been totally satisfied with the Taurus wagon. There is ample room for the entire family (4) to ride comfortably even on long trips. We have experienced very little down time since purchasing the car seven years ago. One thing to keep a check on is the idler pulley.At around 110,000 miles ours broke and the bolt had to be drilled out for repair. Its a great car!

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  Taurus 2004 - HAYES - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Vhayestuu - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Was skeptical of performance, economy wise, during 1st 1000 miles. My 1st real test came during trip of 300mi. Averaged 24.1mpg, with some around town driving at the dest. Noticed appreciable increase in town driving since around 2000mi. Now averaging 20.6 town driving. Driving Taurus wagons since 1988. They fill my need for sedan like performance with extra cargo space. 1st experience with DOC engine. At first, a bit offset with the different sound resonated until I looked under the hood and saw the engine.

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  Ford ranger FX4 LevelI - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By coolhead03 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a Ranger with the level II package. I need a truck for work to haul equipment from job to job and also like to off-road some witch is the reason i bought the level II. For work and commuting I have found this truck to be on par with all the other vehicles in its catagory if not better. But the level II really comes to life when off-roading. The aggressive 31" BF Goodrich tires coupled whith plenty of ground clearance and full protective plates for piece of mind allow the ford to tackle trecherous approch and deparchure angles. The 4.0 litre powers you though deep mud and snow steadily.

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  Best truck you can buy - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Learn2Swim - May 22 - 2:00 am

  It can haul ass and a boat too. Its fast and practical, what more could you want?

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  Trouble Free - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Kern - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We have had 46000 trouble free miles with our Windstar Limited. Wish the third seat folded flat and worry like others about whether the doors will stop before crushing a childs arm. Otherwise we find it comfortable, easy to drive and great for long trips. It is more comfortable but less powerful than my daughters Honda O. Will buy the Freestar this year.

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  Wonderful experience. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Cletus slackjawyokel - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new have had only one problem repaired under warranty. Great vehicle, great towing, good fuel economy (come on it is a behemoth it takes fuel to move it.)

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  Air Conditioner Stinks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 32ndwave - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Ford truck, 2nd Expedition. Ive taken to dealer for A/C stink 4x in 8 mos w/o resolve. Stinks everytime I drive. Its terrible!!! Brake dust real bad, too. And, no power recline on drivers seat. Not worth the $40K paid. Improvements over last model, but there are other better alternatives, maybe not as big, but better.

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  Reliable - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By DG - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I have found little or no problem with my Explorer. The ride is smooth and comfortable, The Eddie Bauer model is the way to go, It is equiped with everything you would need in a SUV.

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  rockin sport trac......great - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By myfloyd - May 21 - 10:00 am

  ford did a great job on the design of this truck i am a moto crosser/desert rider/sound system audiophile, it hauls my bikes and all my gear with room to spare, for a stock sound system ford and pioneer did a nice job, wont blow your head off....but it will impress, has a great ride and decent power...which can be hopped up for more performamce