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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  Great Family Car - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Harm Lahy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  The best all-around-car I ever bought. Roomy, practical and solid. Excellent mileage with the 7.3 ltr. Diesel too. On a recent 2700 mile trip the Excursion averaged 21 mpg and that included plenty of in-town (New York City) driving! As too reliability: At 34800 miles: Zero problems! Easy on maintenance, but each oilchange (5000 miles) takes 15 qts. Shell Rotella T 15W-40 plus filter. About $ 32.- at the local WalMart.

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  I love my Ford Explorer. - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Catherine Mansolilli - June 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle because we now owned a cottage in the Maine lakes region and needed 4 wheel drive. I am the main driver and I cant say enough about it. It has over 150,000 miles and the only major problem has been the fuel pump. Grant it that we have been very fortunate in that regard, although my husband is faithful about checking the vehicle and changing the oil and rotating the tires. I would recommend the 1995 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition to anyone.

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  A Great Value - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Donna (Dallas, TX) - June 8 - 8:53 pm

  I was very skeptical about owning a Ford due to all the concerns about reliability and depreciation. The newly redesigned Explorer definitely proved me wrong. This vehicle is a very good value for its price. Its not fancy, but very utilitarian (as an SUV should be). The fuel economy is actually not too bad for its size (I got 20.5 hwy and 15 local). Loved all the different compartments in the cargo area. Ride is somewhat truck-like but seats were comfortable and this was our "go to" roadtrip car. Didnt have too many problems with it except for the recall about the hatch (which was noisy over large bumps). Exterior clear gloss paint started fading around the windows after 5 years.

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  I just love driving this car! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Janelle - June 8 - 4:23 pm

  Every time I get behind the wheel of my beautiful blue car, I cant help but smile. I love the stereo controls, etc. on the steering wheel, the handling, the little touches like the mirror for viewing the back seat, the storage capacity, how easy it is to fold the seats down, and how great it has been on several long trips. My daughter just loves to sit in the 3rd row seat with her friends. We have had no problems with the car and have put 8500 miles on it so far! This car just feels like it is solidly built.

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  Full of surprises but still a truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Mohawk - June 8 - 4:13 pm

  This is my 7th Ford truck in 36 years. I was in the market for the F- 150 Super Crew with the Lariat package. When I saw this truck and the price, I changed my mind on the spot. This is the first new truck I have purchased that did not have all the "bells and whistles." It is the basic regular cab with air conditioning and the work truck option. I am pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the ride is. The vinyl captains chairs provide plenty of passenger room and the storage space behind the seat is surprisingly large. I was also surprised at the maximum load capacity. This extra carrying and towing capacity is great. This is the best value truck I have ever purchased regardless of price.

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  Birthday Present - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Pirrung Family - June 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought me a White 2004 Sport Trac. I absolutely love it. It is fun to drive and has all the room I need and more. It even fits in the garage of my apartment building. I feel safe and protected in it. Thanks Ford for building such a great vehicle. Sincerely, Mary and Family

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  SUPER TRUCK - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Khuong D.Chau - June 8 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE ALL OTHER TRUCKS IN OUR FAMILY, AND THIS IS ONLY TRUCK CAN MAKE US FEEL SAFE,COMFORTABLE IN THE CITY EVERY DAY, AT HOME IMPROVEMENT BUILDINGS ON THE WEEKEND OR ON VACATION,SO WE ARE LOOKING AT FORDS PRODUCTS UP COMING YEARS,AND THIS IS THE BEST TRUCK I WOULD PREFERED TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

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  THE Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mommy Dina - June 8 - 10:00 am

  So far so good...I will another Ford Expedition.

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  better then expected. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jdft - June 8 - 10:00 am

  i was expecting to settle for a plain car, due to my financial limits. but this 2.3liter engine is very fast. it has more horsepower then my huge (in comparison) sable wagon had. the only areas of concern is lower gas mileage then expected, but perhaps that is because i like to drive it hard. the a/c is weak and blow dust and leaf debris thru the vents. love the new stereo system that lets me see title of song playing.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By terry b - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the SVT about a month, and it has met my high expectations. For the money, nothing can touch it. Drove it 1800 miles up and down the Oregon coast, and had too much fun... the only car that could stay with it was a 740i that took me on an uphill passing lane... The car is docile around town, but when it comes on the cam, its like Jekyll and Hyde. My brother has a Cooper S, and the SVT has equivalent performance, a better ride, a usable back seat and costs $6K less... the Cooper is cuter, though. Only problem has been that throwout bearing noise, which seems to be chronic with these cars