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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  V6 Stang - not bad at all - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By 90 SALEEN - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I own a modified Saleen Mustang as well as this stang, so the V6 is a turtle compared to the Saleen. But as a daily driver it is a fun, reasonably quick, good looking commuter that also gets pretty good mileage (averaging 25-26mpg). I have had no mechanical problems with the car in over 3 years of ownership. The one exception being a defective seat belt roller, which was replaced under warranty. All in all it is a good vehicle, probably will be traded for a 2005 stang next year.

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  Taurus Rules!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By JCShaw - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The Vehicle is very good at getting you there when you need to go. The Favorite thing about this vehicle to me is that it can speed up very fast!!!! Comfort, Style, Reliability, and Saftey, are the most important things though.

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  The Greatest SUV on the Earth! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Beartracker001 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I can not be any happier than I am about my Expedition. It hasnt missed a beat since bought it. I love its off- road capabilities while still remaining comfortable and sylish. It is also a great help to me because it is so roomy. I just cant say enough about the Ford Expedition.

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  Fun and Affordable - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By VJ - November 7 - 5:36 am

  Had a Ford 18 years ago in high school. Since then not very excited about the line up. My buddy who works for Ford said "just get in to one" I test drove the Fusion Sport and was so impressed I purchased it. The only negative was the Eagle RSA tires. You give the fusion some gas and the tires squack instead of grab. I immediately replaced them with my favorite tire Michelin Pilots. Climate control buttons could be angled better. Fun car pretty good gas mileage (27 HWY, 18 city so far). Definitely a car to consider.

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  178,000 miles and still strong - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By CWTeel - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this one new in 1998. Excellent vehicle other than leveling system wore out and is expensive - compressor 695.00, front dealer only air shocks 1200.00 for both. Had two value coils go out at $400.00 each. When they start to go it is better to replace all eight of them for about $1200.00 which I did later. Seat leather and armrest are poor quality and cracked at 75,000 miles. Steering wheel leather is cheap and cannot be cleaned without rubbing off color. Great engine still runs like new. Four wheel drive and transmission are perfect and never a problem! Will buy another. Will drive this one till it dies. Trade in value is very low.

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  Great Vehicle, But... - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By ArkFan - November 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my Excursion!! From my experience and from the comments of friends and family who have ridden with me, it is the best riding vehicle ever on the highway. It does ride a little rough when in town and going into and out of parking lots, etc. The "but" is that it does use a LOT of gas. I average about 15 MPG on the highway and about 10 MPG in town.

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  Luxury at its best - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By MrC - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought my 2002 Ford Excursion, I love to travel in it, because of its safety rating, and comfort. It handles good, and has power to spare. The gas mileage isnt to bad for the size and weight of the vehicle. It is big enough to carry my whole family in comfort, along with anything we may want to take along. It has the power to pull most trailers without any problem. Suspension a little stiff on rough roads, but still rides good.

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  The best van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By bob denver - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This van has everything a family needs. It has a very strong V6 engine that generates 200 hp and 240 lb. ft. of tourqe . The interior is nice and comfortable and most vans dosent let u adjust the middle and rear seats for leg room , the windstar does!My fanily just went on a fishing trip and we took the family , all their stuff and a 3500 pound boat . Again , this van has alot to offer , use it.

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  Family Fun..... and room to grow :) - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By TaxiMom - November 7 - 2:00 am

  It was a BIG mental step, being in my mid 30s and not wanting to be a labeled over the hill. But it was the best thing for me and my family. Room for everybody, smooth ride, easy in and out. Great gas milage & quite ride. I wasnt hip on having a TV in the van, but the split sound system and VCR have been very helpful for times when one child is in an appointment or class to keep the others entertained.

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  Love My F150 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By TazMan - November 7 - 2:00 am

  I got the F150 4X4 with the Off Road package and the 5.4L V-8. It runs great. I have towed a bunch of furniture when I was moving and it did not even phase the motor or the transmission. I have even gotten over 57000 miles on the original tires. It did not even slow me down when I have gone off-roading as well. A great truck.