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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  ford tempo 90 - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Harvey Winter - April 19 - 2:00 am

  fairly dependable and gets me where Im goping (most times)

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  Consumer - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By nana3l - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We test drove other SUVs and always came back to the Ford Excursion. The Expedition is popular and everybody seems like theyre buying it, but we wanted more towing power and more room for the family to stretch out and enjoy. The Excursion is set apart from the others and we can feel and see it as we drive up and down the interstate. Its fun, challenging and rewarding. The pricing was okay. And the gas mileage, well, we knew what we were getting ourselves into when we bought it. Had two Windstars prior to this and we accept the Excursion and the 10.2 or so gas mileage. We still put it on the highway.

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  Comfort - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By HAlleniii - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This Vehicle is made for the Big and Tall, built fot comfort! I love It. I have traveled form the East coast to the West Coast and back, could not have had a better (ride) Trip ! I just Towed my Daughters car and Family from Dallas Texas to Georgia at times I had forgotten I was towing another Vehicle, the ride was very smooth !

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  A Lemon Can Be Red, Too... - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Lemonade - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used with 46,000 miles on it. Have replaced all four rotors, the radiator, the AC system. AC is broken again. Thermostat has been replaced 3 times. Freeze plugs blew out on interstate highway at about 50,000 miles and had to have head gasket job. Car was in the shop nearly every six weeks from the time I bought it...

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  Absolutely Love it! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By bdscre - April 18 - 4:33 pm

  We bought our Fiesta a little over 2 weeks ago. We immediately took it on a 2000 mile trip. Im 6/4", and I was comfortable even after driving for hours. Not much legroom in the back, but plenty up front. We were amazed about how quiet it was, and how good the fit and finish was. When you close the doors, you get a nice satisfying solid sound, like its well built. It has several options normally only found on bigger cars, like heated leather seats, heated mirrors, sync, a soft-touch dash, and an auto-dimming mirror. So, after 2 weeks, and 2600 miles, we have found a lot to like about it, and I would highly recommend it.

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  The Long Haul - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JIM - April 18 - 9:40 am

  We live part time in Pittsburgh PA and winter in Spring Hill FL. The vehicle has been outstanding in ride and fuel economy; 28-30 on the Interstate. The only fault is too much road noise. We can pack it like a pickup due to the large trunk and the fold down seats. We see many other vehicles advertised but there are too many good points in the 500, especially the ability to have good visibility all around. It is an excellent over the road car. I now have 19,300 miles on it and will be taking a trip to Chicago in August, a round trip to Florida in September and a one way to Florida in November. Our 99 Cadillac will be sitting it out.

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  60s Mustang with todays best - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By California Tom - April 18 - 6:56 am

  I first read about the car last year and it reminded me of my 69. 5 months and 9000 miles later, it is my dream car. The distinction of my 69 with todays comfort and safety. The 5 speed manual isnt the smoothest around, but get it - an easy drop down to fourth and I am gone in traffic. Handling is spot on; I love taking curves in this thing. With upgrades, great interior/exterior styling cues; hardly a day goes by without a look, smile or comment. Averaging 23-26 MPG. The stereo sounds great and I can drive for hours either on cruise control or through traffic with a wide smile. Trunk holds golf bag, softball bags and groceries with ease, but not for a family of 4.

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  This hybrid is amazing! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By E Meyers - April 18 - 2:08 am

  I drive this car as hard as one of my prev cars 2001 Camero SS. Obvi not the power nor performance of a corvette engine but, the hybrid is a smooth running , quiet and with Sony surround kills the rest of what I might hear ;). Bought used 2 yrs in and now having it over 2 yrs still LOVE THIS CAR!

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  One Diehard SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By TheBrain - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had this SUV for 26 months and love it! Plenty of power out of the engine and the 4x4 has gotten me (into and) out of many muddy situations. Drives like a car and sits like a truck. I spend a lot of time in this toy and the seats are holding up quite nicely.

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  Blue Oval Power! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Riley42 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive got the 2002 F-150 lariat supercrew with the FX4 off road package. This truck rules! It looks better than the chevy and the dodge, AND has everything you could want or need in a truck. Despite what some say this truck has plenty of power I can spin the 265/70/17s, and it can haul those broke down chevys to the junk yard with no problem. Bottom line this is THE truck to own, problem is everybody does...