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 Big Truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Jersey Big Dog - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent family truck, very capable in the snow and tough driving conditions. Fuel economy is what youd expect from this large truck (I avg about 12 mpg combined), power is outstanding, and bad weather capability is exceptional. Forget parallel parking.

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  centament - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By sallystruthers - February 21 - 2:00 am

  good car awesome to drive fun egine keeps my through the day had since 1994 own now with 150000 mles and no major problems

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  2000 Ford Mustang Review - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Crouton37 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles great. It is reliable, however gas is a big issue. Car gets on an average between 16-18 miles per gallon, mostly highway driving, with either 87 or 89 octane.

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  Fun To Drive - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By schermen - February 20 - 2:03 am

  During summer enjoy rolling rear window down, open sun roof, feels very open. Negative is poor gas mileage. Have over 90,000 miles on it; had to replace A/C & front end parts. When in 2WD in rain or snow it gets pretty scary without weight. 4WD has a ghost, turns on and off by itself. Nice looking truck though. Bought 100,000 mile warranty; havent spent much on repairs because of that.

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  Fun in the Sun! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ConvertibleConvert - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used in 2003 from a private owner who stored it in the wintertime as I am now doing. Its a blast to drive especially with the top down. Im definitely going to consider a future Mustang convertible possibly a GT for some more power.

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  Love my Explorer! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By JBurg6 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This is not only a fun truck to drive, but its a great family vehicle. We have been considering replacing it with a minivan, but everytime I get into my Explorer I think "No way am I giving up this power!" Not to mention, it looks GREAT! We love this truck and it has been very good to us. We would buy another Explorer in a heartbeat...of course, with our growing family - it may need to be an Expedition!

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  One of a kind - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Matt McCord - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is what I think the best 5.0 made. Its one of the two years for the 5.0 engine, with the newer body style. Runs strong since I had it, no problems what so ever, great muscle car.

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  Mustang 35th Anniversary - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By john canterbury - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Its a blast to drive and a real head turner espically with the top down. Big down side to me, no available "Roll Bar" offered and its a royal pain in the ___to put the tops "Boot Cover" on. The V6 could use some more HP but the gas mileage is good and the insurance rates are lower than witha V8. Just gets better with age. Recaro seats in front with be a nice touch and offer bette

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  Good Solid Reliable Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By DenisM - February 20 - 2:00 am

  My Expedition is easy to drive, comfy, roomy, smooth and reliable. The car has had no repairs except scheduled service. I tow, drag stumps, do mild off road, gobble up snow at least 26" deep with minimal resistance and it rides nice too.

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  Many problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By kfeels - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Transmission broke down at 42,000 miles. Had to take to various dealers until finally the dealer we bought it from agreed to pay for half the repair cost for a new transmission. Very disappointed with the attitude I received from some dealers. I was told that the reason the transmission broke was that the fluid was not changed at 30,000. I find that hard to believe since other Escape owners also were having transmission problems. We are shopping for a safer car and will not consider a Ford.