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:

• 

  excellent - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By PONCE - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY MINIVAN

• 

  F-150 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By B Davis - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Brakes,tires,gas and oil is only money i have spent on this truck. Thanks Ford.

• 

  I love My Truck!! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By discodave34448 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Boguth it with 25000 miles put 75 on it in about 3.5 years. Just had to put a new alternator on it. Other than that only brakes and general maintenance. Very very well built truck, still drives unbelievably tight.

• 

  98 Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By continuedfordowner - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 98, put 3000+ miles first week on vacation from Dallas to Phoenix. Experienced violent cross (60mph-blowing motor homes off road) and head winds. Ran perfect in all conditions. Only one issue with brakes, which were replaced by Ford in 2000. Turns better than many cars, and better than all large SUVs. Hope my future Expedition runs as well as this one. Uses lots of gas, but its moving a large vehicle.

• 

  I love this car!! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By carrie6yoga - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I needed more room. And I like fords. So this rig really won me over, it looks better than the suburban and pulls better too!

• 

  I love it! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RB Jones - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with high miles in 2001. Since then, Ive had no major problems except last week I changed the thermostat. The exterior is the best lookin SUV out there, its not funky or bubblely like some other SUVs. Great interior look, dashboard and lots of cargo room. Adequate power and acceleration. Next week I am buying a new Explorer and will continue to own one for a while.

• 

  POS Car.....I got a pos car! - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By JCU - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased with 22K miles on the ticker. It wasnt long before I knew the relability of Ford products are poor. To make a long story short, in 78K miles of driving, it needed a new tranny ($2500) and a replacement engine ($3500). By the way, the engine failed due to a known design flaw on the camshaft sprocket which Ford wouldnt admit to. Now at 125K miles, only 50K since the last tranny, it needs replacing yet again. This car was never beat on or abused. It is a Taurus for gods sake. This car has never treated me good and quite honestly, I will never purchase another Ford product.

• 

  My first truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By kevin111 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have about 144000 mi. and its still running strong, it had a few electrical problems, like the wipers would go on whenever it wanted and the oil press. would sometime read high, abs sensors, and the switch for the right door. other than that everything else is orginal, exept for maintance stuff. I love this truck, i treat with care (looks brand new), but i am very hard on it, and it just keep on taking the abuse, even though it is a little four banger (kind of slow).

• 

  Dont buy this truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Ford POS - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 99 with 22k miles. While it has never broken down once, the smaller problems are really annoying. Interior lights will not go out. Truck will hardly run on 87 octane so we use 93 always. Has the small 4 banger which has 8 spark plugs, only 4 of which I can get to without removing the intake manifold. Rear suspension design is so poor that a moderate size bump will throw the truck into the other lane. Everyone I know with this truck has these same problems. Now at 104K miles, it needs new front wheel bearings. CD player quit at 35k. I dont understand why Edmunds has this truck in its "Top Ten" list.

• 

  Cool Cobra - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Scottie T - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. The interior is a masterpiece as is the exterior. It reminds me aa tiger about to pounce on its prey. So much can be done with this car in upgrades because of its versatility. Nothing is really needed to be done with this car because it is just amzing the way it is. Buying this car has been the best choice Ive ever made.