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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Stormin Normin - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Actually its a 2WD XLT. Fantastic vehicle!! Hauls my 4 ton trailer like it wasnt there..seats 8 people in comfort..6.8L V-10 w/4.30 axle ratio gives great fuel economy and performance for its size. Added Edelbrock shocks and the handling is even good. This vehicle is perfect for the rough roads in the SE Michigan area...the big tires and wheels handle the bumps and holes with ease. 44 gallon fuel tank is big plus.

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  Built Ford Tough - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Tough - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought Used, Replaced Clutch First Thing. Used as Salesmans / Deliver Truck, Always Overloaded by alot!!!! Always been reliable, just normal wear items replaced and normal service. Used to teach son how to drive w/clutch and towed behind motor home on vacation, now pushing 200m and still going strong!!!

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  Good, Reliable SUV - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By sdgrant - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My wife purchased it in 92, and I begain driving it in 99 when we met. It had a tranny rebuild at 94K miles (has 114K now), but I hear thats typical. Performance improved when the Air Flow Meter was cleaned (not replaced) recently. We just drove it 1000 miles from LA to Utah and back, 120+ degrees in the desert, A/C blasting, stereo cranked, loaded with camping gear, ran cool & smooth.

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  Living with our Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mac merritt - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This Explorer has been phenominally dependable.Only once in 7 years was it necessary to visit service dealer. Fixed loose hose in 40 minutes.Has been serviced regularly (oil change, tires, air filter, etc.)Now has 4 brand new Michelin tires (1 month old). Car slightly sideswiped in parking lot. Extremely light damage..almost unnoticeable..on right rear door. Hit a deer once..completely replaced front bumper assembly..no other damage.

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  Value for $ - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jcTX - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a Sedan in Europe so I thought I knew what I was getting. I wanted more room, so bought the Wagon here in US. I have the same engine as I had in UK, but milage is much worse [current: 22 town/26 road] and power is less. Ford mechanics cant give me any reason - I assume it has to do with emission control tuning of the engine. Road noise is there, but for this price it is low [lot less than my Ranger Truck!]. Fun to drive, but here in TX I expect to be crushed by a Hummer2 any day now.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By pickens - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful SUV. I just had a wreck in it where I hydroplaned on the Interstate and hit the concrete wall divider. My wife and I were unharmed and the car held up great!

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  RIDE ON. - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By sayyed - August 6 - 10:00 am

  good rugged front end on the sport trac. everyone & everybody should own one of these.

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  FUN CAR TO DRIVE AND GOOD DEAL TOO! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By zippadeedudah - August 6 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS MORE ROOM INSIDE THAN WOULD EVER BE EXPECTED. IT IS EXCELLENTLY DESIGNED AND IS AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. THE GAS MILEAGE IS FANTASTIC AND IT IS AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO DRIVE. I THOUGHT THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE OUT FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE MAKING THE JUMP AND I CERTAINLY DO LIKE THIS CAR.

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  SVT Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By mkm - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Willing engine, superb suspension, excellent braking, loads of interior space, very well equipped (heated seats and mirrors even). Yeah, it could use more hp but it certainly is quick enough. High initial quality for a small car.

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  Good car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Tony P. - August 6 - 5:13 am

  I find this car to be a good value; lots of room, good performance, great gas mileage. It sort of reminds me of a mini-SUV. The seats are overstuffed and very comfortable. It has the road manners of a more expensive car. This car has surprising power for a 4 cylinder vehicle. Fully featured with power windows, locks, tilt steering, and an excellent audio system. I would recommend this car to anyone.