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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  Built Ford Touch For Me - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Antnee - January 11 - 4:23 pm

  First SUV I have ever had. Love it. Like driving a car! Fantastic

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  More than expected - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By kayman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  For sub $12K for a base XLT w/2.3 manual ride comfort handling, and performance is better than expected for an economy small truck. Seat comfort is poor with no lumbar, engine very buzzy. Cant imagine paying $20K+ for the high end models.

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  Heaven on Four Wheels - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dave - January 11 - 8:46 am

  A totally redesigned vehicle. Very tight body and mechanics. A dream to drive. It is truly the hottest looking/driving vehicle on the road right now. Not a day goes by that someone doesnt give me the thumbs up or a smile. Was at a mall the other day and someone bowed twice to the car - really. It is an all American icon that would make Steve McQueen proud. And a real deal. Could buy four GTs for the price of a Porsche, Vette, etc. This baby boomer just loves it more and more every day. Get the five speed manual or dont get the car at all.

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  Inexpensive family car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By philnjean - January 11 - 2:00 am

  A decent family car. Good interior size, large back seat, good size trunk. Adjustable brake pedal is neat. Exterior is stylish and good looking. Poor brakes. Front rotors and pads had to be replaced with just over 36K on them. No standard antilock. Poor fuel economy, about 18 mpg around town. Crappy resale value.

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  oxcursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By brad summitt - January 11 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck. it pulls my camper everywhere i go. gas mileage really stinks. (12.2 avg)

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  Cant complain! - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By schmidtchap - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I mean... I really cant complain. Ive owned an escort, probe, and mustang, all within the last 3 years. I could find several things to complain about with each car though each had its strengths. However, when it comes to the Thunderbird, I just stand (or sit there it the heated leather) with my mouth hanging open and saliva trickling down. Just look at the ratings... 9.8! The consumers have it right this time... not the editors. Ford does have a better idea from time to time, but this time they put all their better.. no best ideas into one car. What a car! The perfect blend of luxury, sport, and classic styling.

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  Aerostar still going - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Tony40 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Aerostar, and I still love it. I canÂ’t find anything out there to replace it without stepping up to a big van (to do this I would have to sacrifice my great fuel economy 18/23). I bought my first Aerostar, an 89, in 1991, put 192,000 miles on it. My next one was a 92 that I traded with 132,000 miles. My next one was a 91. It was totaled (rear-ended) with only 99,000 miles. My current Aerostar, I bought to replace the totaled 91, is a 1995 with 155,000 miles on it. I still take it on family vacations. Out of all 4 Aerostars, I have not done any engine overhauls or tranny jobs. Just normal repairs including changing fluids regularly.

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  Pretty good SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By FlyingLow - January 10 - 2:00 am

  After year 3 (warranty expiration), we braced for any breakdown. Apart from the differential gear seal leak and one set of new tires, weve had no problems (major nor minor). The leather option is starting to show its wear (once I added lotion to my elbow, it stop wearing down). Great kid car.

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  Ill buy another! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By nicegurl - January 10 - 2:00 am

  The Expedition has everything I could want, it has the luxury, the size, the towing capacity, the safety features, the storage room, and much more!

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  Good truck - but post warranty problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Sarka - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Great people mover - family, kids and friends. Good performance from the 5.4. My main complaint is that right after Manuf warranty expired- Im talking 3 months and 2500 miles - I had problems with 2 power windows, door locks (child locks) air suspension tubing and compressor. This is my first Ford and because of these issues I doubt I go back.