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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  EXC - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By lj1691 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Excursion for over 2 years and so far no major problems. I wish I had gotten the beeping bumper because I did back into a pole. That option is well worth it. The only other problem I had is that someone broke into the car on the drivers side. Nothing was taken and since I was not out there I am not sure if the alarm went off or not.

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  Excursio - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Sheonemo - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Excursion is the best SUV in the world!! You can haul like any and evrything that you can think of and still have room for the kids, their stuff and yours as well!! The only thing is that you would come out alot better (fuel wise)if you were to purchase the diesel engine. The gas engine burns alot within the city, but on the highway the gas hibernates!!

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  Dont make my Mistake - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By No Ford - February 7 - 2:00 am

  At 55,000 miles we had a major transmission problem and simultaneously the enginge blew! During the next 10,000 miles it has been in the shop more days than out. It currently sits in the shop to have $2,000+ of transmission repairs completed. Ford could care less and has done nothing to help compsenate after persistant follow- up on my part. I strongly urge careful consideration and research prior to purchase of a Ford product.

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  The Peoples Wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Funits - February 6 - 2:33 pm

  Like the VW Bug (the peoples car), the Freestyle is a wagon for the people. I can carry up to 7 and I can flip and fold the seats to hold all kinds of stuff. The deep well behind the 3rd row of seats is perfect to hold groceries and the grill propane tank without flopping around. The interior is spacious and bright with the seats being comfortable in the front and 2nd row. And surprise, at 511" I am able to easily get in and sit in the 3rd row seats without any discomfort. I have found the power of my Freestyle never to lack; it pulls from stops very well and can cruises at any highway speed I choose, and the brakes stop the car well at any speed.

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  Watch Out Japan - 2008 Ford Focus
  By desertrat - February 6 - 6:40 am

  I only had this car for a little while but I can tell you it is right up there with the the Japanese brands. The retuned suspension is great, the ride is smooth,the interior is quiet except for a little road noise which is expected in a compact car. It handles great. Fuel economy is pretty good also. I would recommend this car over the Toyota Corolla. I test drove the Corolla and it had much more road noise and a ride that isnt as smooth as the Focus. I would highly recommend this car to anybody.

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  Great used car - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Kindreth - February 6 - 2:00 am

  After reading others experiences I went ahead and bought my 90 with 147K on it, and have added another 9K. Replaced plugs, wires, dist cap/rotor, front brakes (cheap!). Timing belt blew, but I should have changed it no valve damage. Amazingly reliable and inexpensive previous owner and I both use Mobil 1 oil. Best car buy Iceever made.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Shibble - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! Impressed with the gas mileage and comfort of the vehicle. Runs great and feels very solid on the road. Very comforting to know of the high safety rating - hope I never have to use it! All of this and I paid 10,500. at the dealership for this one year-old car!!! Unbelievable value.

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  2330 ford ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By kd - February 5 - 10:00 am

  so far so good more truck for less money compared to the toyota tocoma.

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  Best car at the best price - 2003 Ford Focus
  By newcar - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I test drove and researched each car in Edmunds 15K and lower list. The Ford Focus blew me away! It was the obvious choice. With the dealers special pricing at the time I purchased my vehicle, I paid less and got more than I would have for any car in the list. I love it! I cannot say enough great things about it.

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  Straightforward Design - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By ssw118 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Theres a reason why Edmunds ranks this car as a best bet. Its very smooth and comfortable and has plenty of power from the 4.6L V-8. Fords been making Crown Victorias for a long time so they should be pretty good. The only problem Ive had so far is with the front ball joints. The front end squeaks and creaks. My mechanic said that is a commone problem with these cars. Its been great other than that.