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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  drove a rented Focus in Germany - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hiaxi - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I was in Germany on business and rented an Audi A3. My trip got extended and Hertz needed the Audi back so they swapped me for a Ford Focus SE Wagon. I ended up driving it for two weeks, and I commuted from the hotel to the office on an "unlimited speed" portion of the Autobahn. This car is fantastic! I had no problems in town with acceleration, and I was able to maintain 120 mph on the way to and from work! I like the shape of the key: less wear. The interior space is gigantic, even by medium size wagon standards. The ride is Euro-firm, but softened a tad for the US model. I treated it like the rental car that it was, and nothing disappointed me, that says a lot! I now plan to buy one!

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  My third Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Skip Yoder - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have now owned three Mustangs starting with one from back in the sixtys. Then one from the early eightys. My 2000 Mustang is a fun vehicle that is also economical to drive. I am getting 20+ MPG in in town. It has enough pep to force you back into the seat and if you get the urge to hit a widing road it gives you the feeling of a true sprots car. When I was thinking about purchasing it I was worried that it wouldnt match up to my previous Mustangs. It doesnt have the muscle from my 67 but it sure handles alot better.

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  Coveted For 30 Years-No Disappointments - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By TDP - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Coveting for 3 decades can lead to one heck of a fall. This ragtop GT has satisfied my every childhood and adult expectation, unwaveringly. The car came out of the factory problem- free, as specced. Not a single problem has arisen in 6 fine months of ownership. Worried about reliability? Forget it. My 89 LX 5.0 has 149+k and is STILL kicking fast, fast, fast. Fit and finish are excellent, as are the price, peformance, steering, braking and handling. You want upscale luxury and similar features? Thats your problem. Ill take this Ford and retire younger. Live below your means, folks. The real fun is behind that chromed galloping pony.

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  Best commute ever! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By FD - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I am one of those poor bastards having to commute 50 miles up and down every day. What better way than to do it in a Mustang convertible! It sounds great (both with the top up and down), not in the least because of the great Mach sound system. My wife loves it too, especially when she straps the kiddy seats in the back (they actually fit!) and the girls sit there with the top down trying to keep the long hair out of their faces. You should hear them screaming "Yahoo!" every time she pulls up from a traffic light.

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  Love my Eddie Bauer! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Rchap - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the vehicle for almost 2.5 yrs and it is as pleasurable to drive today as it was on day one. The V8 engine has plenty of oomph and gas mileage has been better than expected (15 city/18 hwy). The brute force of the engine and luxurious styling and features make the vehicle very versatile. Even though it is 4x2, I have taken it off road in the Arizona desert and it performed fine. So far, have not had any problems except for a minor electrical glitch with the wipers that was promptly fixed. Also, replaced the Firestone tires, even though I really liked them and didnt think it was necessary (dealer really pushed to replace on a maintenance visit).

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  Rattle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TOPGUN - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The only problem after owning the vehicle for 7-8 months is that there is a rattle coming from the front end. Its not like it jumps out and hits you, but at speeds below 30 MPH and somewhat rough roads it really starts to sing. It reminds of when my radial bushing starts to go on my 91 Explorer. What scares me is taking it to the dealer to only have them say that they cant hear or feel it.

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  Great First Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By jfmq123 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first truck and I could not ask for a better one. I have lowered the truck with ease. I have three 12 inch audiobahn subwoofers in the back with a custom box that fits perfect. It still drives like a stock truck.I also have put a K&N air filter on it(it really does give it more power).I am still under construction on this truck.I plan on body dropping it with air bags. I have recently purchased a set of 20 inch Billet Specialtie Rims for it. I am having a small problem getting them to tuck under the fender wells, but I am going to send it to the Drop Shop in Kentucky(great shop)to get them to cut the fender wells. That is why I rate this truck a 10.

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  Truely Awesome - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By jmac - September 11 - 2:00 am

  After careful research, I decided to go for it and purchase a SHO! 97 British Green fully loaded. all the claims that I read were pretty much on the mark. the car looks great and handles very well, car has 54000 miles and it looks as good as it did the first day it rolled out of the showroom. Plenty of room and very comfortable. great acceleration and it will eat up bmrs and stangs!

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  Wow! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Marcy - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car so far! I bought it used with 52,000 miles. It has the 7.3L Turbo Diesel and it seems that it will continue driving strong for a long time to come. Im 6 feet tall and this is the car I was meant to drive because of its comfort, reliability and luxuriousness. I wont want a new car for a very long time! Thanks Ford!

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  Better than the Sub - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By jim west - September 11 - 2:00 am

  my wife was on vacation when i got truck she said what did you get this bus for i have a 02 sub she said what did you get this thing for we go to destin fl. every mo. i said to hall my 7 grand kids to make things short she want let me drive it she says it is hers now she has not drove the sub nomore she just loves it so i will trade the sub for 04 good mi. 22 on the hiway the best truck out their