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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  Patrol Car? - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MgmFlyer - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this Mustang as my work car. Much less suspecting than a CrownVic for law enforcement purposes. Handles well, no complaints on the road. Not made to transport large people in the rear seats, but plenty of room in the trunk. Anxious to get the 2005 and put it into service!

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  V8 (5.0 LITRE) KICKS BUT!! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Big Eddy Sochable - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my V8 Explorer AWD XLT for over 6 years and driven it on the beach and in Snow storms. Its traction in all terrian is excellent (which gives the driver some nice peace of mind). I had 1992 V6 Explorer before this one and the V6 didint cut it (too underpowered). The 92 I had got totalled when I got t-boned by a teenager in a Volvo in 1997. The truck rolled onto its roof and the only injury I suffered was a dislocated shoulder. Thats whay I went out and bought my 97 Explorer. GOOD, DEPENDABLE SUV!!

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  2000 Explorer - watch the transmission - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By V12Merlin - February 2 - 2:00 am

  It appears the 2000 Explorer was built to last around 60,000 miles. Our 2000 Eddie Bauer is now falling apart with barely 65,000 miles. Most recently, we discovered Ford put a $50 transmission in a $36,000 vehicle. The transmission is going out. Shocking, considering 90% of this vehicles miles were on the highway in overdrive and has NEVER towed anything! From the repair shops, Im hearing Ford put far too flimsy a unit in the V6 Explorers. Many do not last as long as mine.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By derb - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We take our kids, their friends, our friends- a lot of people on short trips, family vacations etc. With our gear and family we can fit everything. It drives great and I always feel SAFE! It is hard to park sometimes, but I find it easier to BACK into a space. You get used to it and now I cant stand to ride in a small car.

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  Fun to Drive Expensive to fix. - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Erinf - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in 2000, off a lease. Got the extended warranty. Until 60k the car was fine. I had one transmission problem, which the dealership fixed and gave me a rental for a week. At around 60k things got scarey. Repairs in the 2-3k range, all over the place. It like the car had been built to survive just past the warranty then totally fall apart... hondas and toyotas dont do this, why do fords?

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  GOOD CAR - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By FRANKITO - February 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR, EASY TO HANDLE

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  Great Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By RYNO369 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My ford F150 was my first vehicle, and I bought it used with 100,000 miles, and it still runs like a new one. I always know it will get me where i want to be and on time. My next truck will be the same, a more expensive model.

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  Eh...Its OK - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Rob - January 31 - 1:10 pm

  I have had this one for just over a year now. It kept stalling at low speeds. The dealer kept saying it was a calibration issue. We took it in 3 times for it to be properly calibrated. The Continental Touring tires that came OEM are bald at 14000 miles. They only come with a 12 month 12000 mile warranty and trust me...they wont last much longer than that. I would think after paying this much for a car that I could get some better OEM tires that I wouldnt have to replace in one year. The transmission is just plain goofy. It jumps all over the place at the wrong times. The front bumper is starting to come off. Dealer doesnt know why, but will try to fix it. Overall, the car is just..OK

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  fun truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By rayaccord - January 31 - 10:00 am

  great sport and fun drve, only complait is that the interior looks the same every year, they need to upgraded to compete with the hondas and the toyotas. The suspension could be little tighter. overall its a good truck

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  My New Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Moland - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I never thought driving a manual transmission could be some much fun. I like the car being so small outside and yet still roomy on the inside. I got mine in Patriot Blue and just love the brightness of it.