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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  Were happy! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By R & C Malcolm - May 1 - 2:00 am

  First we narrowed our search through the net. We found Greene Ford in Gainsville, Ga. The Staff was great... in fact when we were going to meet our rep for the first time. Our trade in blew a radiator hose about 20 mmiles out of Gainsville... On a rollback we pulled in. They showed us what we and they picked out. Just what we were looking for.. The car is great. lovely drive, comfortable and spacious. for reliability... ITs A FORD! We are Happy!

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  Great truck @ great price.... - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By aparrothead888 - April 30 - 8:40 pm

  I really love this car. I had been wanting to get this car for the past year. After someone hitting me in the end of 2006, I was then willing to buy one if I could get a good price. I got a FULLY loaded Limited for $26,000 with tax and all other junk! About $7500 off MSRP! I really love the truck now.

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  Superb Ford Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JasenG - April 30 - 5:30 pm

  This is my seventh Ford vehicle and after a blissful, 3,700 mile cross- country trip, will undoubtedly not be my last. I have never had any problems with a Ford car or truck and my latest F-150 is no exception. The rugged styling, luxury-car ride quality, and smooth performance, makes the 2004 F- 150 the modern-day truck enthusiastÂ’s ultimate and overwhelming choice. The new fully boxed frame and outboard mounted shocks lends to the demise of the harsh, stereotypical ride. The interior is comfortable and stylish and gone is the drab, plastic looking console of the previous models. One test drive will persuade all hesitant truck buyers and ensure the Ford F-150 dynasty.

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  Doesnt disappoint! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Rick - April 30 - 9:16 am

  This is the first F150 for me in 20 years, and it doesnt disappoint! Comfortable, reliable, and rides/handles like a car! What a great experience.

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  2003 Ford Explorer XLT Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By davem2003 - April 30 - 7:58 am

  I purchased my 2003 Ford Explorer Sport back in 2006 truck was 2.5 years old and had 32000 Miles on it. I am a Heavy equipment mechanic so I service my own vehicles. regular oil changes every 3000 K, front rear diff t-case oil every 50000 K, I have replaced brakes many of times approx. every 40000K fronts and 60000K rear, I tow a 3500 l b trailer a few times a year across country in summer rest of driving is around town, Truck now has 172500 K on it and still runs well, Ive also replaced the tires twice and battery once everything else is all original!! This vehicle does everything I ask for.

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  dead again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rayovac - April 30 - 2:00 am

  With 25,000 miles and regular maintenance our Windstar Had the engine replaced at the dealer. At 28,000 miles the transmission needed to be rebuilt.

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  Our Favorite Car !! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By alared - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I highly recommend the SEL, very luxurious interior. I purchased this from the showroom over 3 years ago and it has remains a new looking car. The only problem we have encountered is the keyless entry, it seems to get moisture in it and is not fully reliable. On the other hand, we probably run our Taurus through a car wash 3 times a week, and daily in the winter.

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  Big Beast - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By mike - April 30 - 2:00 am

  My wife and love this truck. The diesel engine is great with lots of power to pull, great gas mileage. Has no problem with staying in fast lane. Feel very safe driving. Great for trips and kids have lots of room to spread out.I would buy another. To bad Ford has decided to dicontinue this truck. Had a suburban before and had nothing but problems.

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  Big Beast - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By boarhog - April 30 - 2:00 am

  My wife and love this truck. The diesel engine is great with lots of power to pull, great gas mileage. Has no problem with staying in fast lane. Feel very safe driving. Great for trips and kids have lots of room to spread out.I would buy another. To bad Ford has decided to dicontinue this truck. Had a suburban before and had nothing but problems.

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  Performance, quality, style & value in high MPG car! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jpaul4 - April 29 - 3:24 pm

  I reviewed and tested many cars in this class including Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Matrix, and VW Golf and the Ford Focus SEL hatchback easily stood out it this class. I continue to be amazed by the handling and quality as I approach 2000 miles. I am averaging right at 28 MPG for mostly in town driving (about 95% in town, 5% highway). I chose the SEL since it provided best value with improved handling, safety and convience features at just over $20k. This car is fun to drive with great balance between handling and smooth ride that easily exceeded anything else I drove in its class. Many buttons are overwhelming at first, but quickly become simple and intuitive with use.