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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  Fords Performance Pick-up - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Indiana_Jones - June 6 - 10:00 am

  The most performance made pickup ever made is an extreme pleasure to own and drive. The engineering is outstanding, all the way from the engine, transmission, drive train & suspension. What a thrill to drive. Gauranted to raise your heart rate when you stomp down on the gas. Blow away Corvetts and Mustangs off the line.

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  ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By sex pot - June 6 - 10:00 am

  this ranger is fun but it cut out at 92mph until i got a super chip

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  2001XLT - 2001 Ford Escape
  By aedtrs - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, poor on gas, wish there was a 5spd V6.

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  1998 Ford Windstar GL - Big disappointme - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Mia - June 6 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1998 Ford Windstar GL which I bought new in 1997. It needed a transmission within 2 years, has made a squeaking noise which they can not find since I first bought it. Now 4 years & 64,000 miles later it stalls when you stop for a light the whole car shakes when stopped and chugs and sounds like there is a washing machine in the engine and no one can figure out what it wrong with it. I spent two years running back and forth to the dealer with it and they never fixed some of the problems that exist to this day!! I will never buy a FORD product again. Ford should stand for fix or repair daily or found on road dead!!!!!

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  Buy a Chevy - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By edt - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Truck ran great for the first three years, then just about after the warranty ran out the check engine light came on. In the shop multiple times, damn thing just runs rough. Mileage sucks, too. Only about 15 mpg...and thats highway fellas!

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  I want my Excursion back !! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Patrick E - June 6 - 2:00 am

  6 months ago, my Excursions lease expired. At that point, I thought it was a good idea to down size. WRONG!!! Presently I am seriously considering to trade my 6 month old Jeep Grand Cherokee ltd V8 in for another new Excursion. This would mean that I am probably going to lose $10000+ in 6 month time on my Jeep. I think my opinion about this SUV speaks for it self considering that I am willing to lose a rather high amount on my present car (which is not even that bad) to get back in an Excursion.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By jhs - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Love It!!!!4.6 liter engine has great power and not bad on gas for its size. I am a Realtor and it has plenty of room to fit the whole family. will buy again

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  Awesome SUV - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Dallas B. - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any major problems with my Expy. It was involved in a transmission, tire and seatbelt recall (but I never experienced any problem) and put in the shop once for sudden race of the engine while idling. They replaced a filter and the problem was solved. I have the 5.4 liter and it has great power and the gas mileage is actually pretty good for an SUV.

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  My shopping buddy - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jo - June 5 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Explorer, when I first got it the transmission went out, but it was under warranty, no big deal and they gave me a loaner. The car runs very smooth for an SUV, its pretty quiet, seats are comfortable and anyone can fix it.

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  Gotta get One - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Bones187 - June 5 - 12:30 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive I have to constantly tell myself to slow down. Car demands respect and gets plenty of looks from other people. My wife didnt like it until she drove it. She now wants to take the car whenever she can and punch it at green lights.