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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  BLAHHH - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By BLAHBLAHBLAHPOOP - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY MUSTANG!!!

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  GT - 5 Speed Auto - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Allan - May 13 - 5:56 am

  There is nothing like it for the money. Period. The automatic is unbelieveable. Cant wait for the 2007 Cobra.

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  On its last legs? - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jasonelki - May 13 - 2:00 am

  My ranger had 55,000 miles when I bought it in 1997, today it has 183,000. Other than the usual maintanance of brakes, tires, etc, havent had many problems, except one. At 100,000 miles I replaced the leaky slave cylinder and put in a new clutch. At 150,000 the slave started leaking again, but this time I had the dealership fix it, which set me back about $700. Now, with 183,000, I will be letting her go soon. I have the 4.0 V6 with the 5-speed. This truck still has tons of snap, doesnt leak a drop of any fluid and ranges from 20 to 22mpg.

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  not that shabby - 1997 Ford F-150
  By kboz - May 13 - 2:00 am

  not all the F-150s break down. I bought mine used with 90k miles on it, now have it up to 112k. Never have had engine problems. Only things were new tires, passenger side window motor replaced, battery replaced at 100k, taillights replaced. Rides a little rough b/c of worn down suspension. V6 is lousy for quick power needs, go with a V8. Interior is plain, nothing great about it, but for a good truck overall it cant be beat.

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  REVIEW - 1998 Ford F-150
  By HECTOR CASTILLO - May 13 - 2:00 am

  VERY CONFORTABLE BEUTIFUL DESIGN RELIABLE FEW MECHANIC PROBLEMS

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  Best SUV - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By TxFiveO - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Large comfortable SUV. Good turning radius, much better than Suburban. Mine has the 7.3L powerstroke diesel and gets 16 mpg around town and 20 mpg on the highway. With the 44 gallon fuel tank you want to to stop during a trip before you need need to stop for fuel. It is the best vehicle ever for that long road trip. Plenty of room for passengers and luggage.

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  Opinion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By G. Garton - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, but it has been in the shop twice for electrical breakdowns. First the accelerator went out, then the alternator and batteries. Thank goodness for warranty service, but what a pain. But, it a a glorious vehicle to drive and tow my toys.

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  Very Good so far - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By RockiesExp - May 13 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Expedition for 2 months now and we love it. It rides great over most roads and the only time you can tell its truck origins is when you go over tall bumps. I drove it cross country and it was a dream on the road. The seats are very comfortable for long trips and the cruise control works perfectly. The adjustable pedals really make it easy to find the perfect driving position. Overall this is a great vehicle that we are very happy to own.

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  Very good buy - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Connor54 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car two years ago with a salvage title - it had been totaled. Milage was low, the price was right, and I needed a car. I figured Id get a year of commuting out of it. Not only have I gotten my year, this is the car we use as our main vehicle. Our other 1995 Taurus is the wifes car which we bought the year before. Both cars have served well. They are not exciting but we can count on them. Gas Milage is not bad 24 general, 32 highway cruising. The only major expense so far has been the odometers and cables. If the odometer goes - replace the cable at the same time. Also, change transmission fluid at 40,000 or so.

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  A great truck - 1995 Ford F-250
  By Paul Schmitz - May 13 - 2:00 am

  What a work horse. The truck will pull a house. Very poor turning radius but this is not a race car either. I love the truck. A truck is there to work not drive like a caddy. I recomend it to everyone that needs a good work truck.