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:

• 

  Not worth the money - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Leon Pollack - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems. My electrical system started failing before I reached 40,000 miles. I have a vehicle that has less than 65,000 miles and Im replacing the electrical system in the column for $1200. I ahve put more than $6000 into this vehicle over the past two years. next week im going out to buy me a Japanese (Toyota sequoia or Nissan Armarda) SUV. I ahve had it with American vehicles. I have owned all brands and now i understand why people buy foreign vehicles. I also understand why American companies give you a three year warranty, their vehicles are onbly designed to last three years.

• 

  i love it!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By C. Marks - December 20 - 2:00 am

  bought it used with 84000 mi on it, drove it to NC and back with no problems at all!!! all my friends love it. love the "on the fly" 4wd. the only thing i wish was for better gas milage...thats about it. great SUV.

• 

  Good car, especially with children - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Nicola - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle, I was in an accident not one week after having the vehicle. The other car was totaled and mine just sustained minor damage. It safety rating was put to the test right away and passed. It drives smoothly and is spacious for my kids and siblings.

• 

  BEST TRUCK BUILT - 2002 Ford F-150
  By GOODY - December 20 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS THE MOST SOLIDLY BUILT VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED OR DRIVEN. IT HAS A 5.4 LITER ENGINE WHICH HAS PLENTY OF POWER. IVE ADDED BIGGER & WIDER TIRES FOR BETTER WET WEATHER DRIVING. THIS TRUCK IS DEFINITELY BETTER QUALITY THAN FRIENDS 2002 DODGE TRUCK.

• 

  2003 F150 STX Super Cab 4.6V8 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Bob Bailey - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Love the STX 2003 truck! It is a one of a kind. Dont even look at the 2004 STX, it is lacking the package when you compare it with the 2003.

• 

  My 1992 Taurus L Wagon - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By lgake4 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Car starts flawlessly every time, the heater warms up fast. The 3.0 liter, automatic accelerates and shifts swift and smooth and the ride is quiet and smooth as well. There is some roll when cornering hard and fast, what youd expect from a wagon. Otherwise handling is very good, especially in panic moves/stops. Braking is very good. Interior is roomy (ligitimately can fit 8 passengers), egronomics are excellent, seats are comfortable, original sound system is very good. Reliability is excellent. Have serviced regularly, as suggested, with no problems. Replaced tires/wheel alignment at 57000 mi., front pads at 62000 mi. I am extremely satisfied.

• 

  Caaaar - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By rdtyrfrh - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Drives ok Should be more comfortable and reliable. Handles ok in the turns. The highway noise seems excessive.

• 

  moody lone ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By CPMOFLO - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 Ranger has been a reliable work horse. It has never let me down, unlike the 3 different Ford dealers that have worked on it. It took them 3 years to fix a problem with the CPU that was causing power loss and terrible pinging in the motor while accelerating. Other than that aggravating problem I would recommend this truck to anyone who has a job to do and needs a truck that can do it.

• 

  brians 1999 Ranger XLT - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bri719 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Good engine(2.5L) for gas usage and reliable with 5-speed. Console handy. Like interior and exterior. Tires nothing special, but able to get 60k out of them. ABS a + but got serviced one time (warranty). Suspension, front shocks not holding up for more than 40k. Manual trans. could be better shifting a little stiffer and the clutchs ability to grab lags a bit. Front seats a pain to adj. back into pos. Driver seat springs worn and needs to be replaced after 70k miles, fabric held up well. New models better front susp. Truck a solid overall value. I had a few ext. warranty repairs, small stuff. I suggest the later models esp., 4L engine and 4-door a +

• 

  Mustang GT Impressions - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By MachZ2871 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I leased the GT, the ending up with it over a Chevy Z-28 in a decision of economics (The Z-28 was $5K more). Having traded in a 1997 V-6. I had some expectations. I expected the 4.6 litre V8 to perform better than the Chevy V6, but I really had to rev it up because the low-end torque wasnt there, which in turn exposed the laziness of the 4-speed automatic when commanded to downshift (even manually!). Overall, the GT was a good American muscle car, but lacked some of the really hard-core attributes, road-handling felt soft and and sometimes not sure-footed when pressed hard. Casual drivers would get a kick out of it.