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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  my wife loves it more than me - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By cinda - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I thought I would have to really sell my wife on this huge truck. We looked at everything on the market and brought half of it home for overnight evaluations.tried the v10 ended up with the power stroke diesel! we wanted lots of room for traveling and wanted something safe for the kids.Bought the LTD with every option

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  I love my PGT - 1994 Ford Probe
  By easye_24 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  My 94 PGT has over 155,000 miles on it and still runs great. The engine has a lot of wear and tear on it with all those miles like oil burning, but it starts everytime i want it to, the tires spin when want them to, and she is quick and fast. I love to driving ever since I purchased my probe because it is the funnest car i have ever driven.

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  Another Ford... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By 99LX62K - March 25 - 2:00 am

  It is a good car but there are several design flaws. Like many I have seen, the door ajar light is always lit. The brakes leave a lot to be desired. The seats are very comfortable and it really is a nice riding car. Handling isnt as good as the import sedans but the suspension is definately better. I would lease this car but I would never buy a new one. The resale value on this car drops so much that it will cost you $3K a year to drive it. This 99 was purchased new for $16K and it is now worth $5K.

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  1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 1999 Crown Vic P71 - March 24 - 11:13 am

  Purchased 2/2008, 98,000 miles, $2700. Crown Vic has very good handling, excellent style. I installed extra reflectors that are well placed, interceptor emblem, converted to honey comb grille, impressive looking vehicle. With the spotlight, dark wheels and recognizable style, people tend to move out of the way or even better stay away. Also converted to Goodyear touring instead of high rated, ride is significantly smoother. Performance is very good but it seems to shift into overdrive at a low rpm, however push the pedal and the Crown Vic has impressive power for a heavy vehicle. Interior design is basic but fine with the center console installed, overall rating 8.

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  Top Dog - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Ford Fusion - March 24 - 4:06 am

  I drive to Prescott and back to cordes, so I only have highway miles, my best mileage is 42+ and my lowest is 39.5. I fill my tank once a month. This car has made a Ford person out of me with a four cylinder that has good power although I do not push it, it has made me smile when I have had to use the passing gear. This car is something special and Ford should push it`s quality because it is there. I have made my best decision and I have never owned a foreign car and do not care for them, buy American.

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  This is a good car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By ssmircich - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car! Sure, its a stodge-mobile, but the purpose of a car is to get from point A to point B, which this car always does. The A/C is dying, but its been dying for the past 6 years. I hope my next car is the gem this has been. Some of the design is poor, such as the one piece bumpers which cost an outrageous sum to replace.

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  Very Satisfied - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Stevenff - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 1998 Windstar with 89000 miles on it from a GM dealer. It was on their back row. The price was right. I have put on another 45000 miles with absolutely no problems. The only thing I have replace is tires. I really didnt expect this kind of service. Figured I would have to repair something, but everything keeps on going. Was afraid the lack of a 4th door would be a problem, but Fords stopgap solution of a large drivers door and sliding drivers seat gives adequate access to left rear passenger seat.

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  Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By wlittl9466 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I have the V-10 powerplant. Very good engine which has all the power you would ever need. The ride is stiff around town due to the F-250 heavy duty frame the Excursion sits on. However, the highway is where this truck really shines. It is very smooth and stable with little wind noise. I modified the engine with a Flowmaster dual exhaust and high flow air filter which improved fuel economy dramatically. Fuel mileage increased from 11c/14h to 13c/16h, which is as good as the Suburban but with more pulling power.

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  Ranger Rough - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By sherwould - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 1994, fully loaded Ranger new. It now has 132,000 miles 9 years later. It has truly been an outstanding little truck. I have never had a problem with it. It still has the get- up-and-go it had when new (4.0 L engine). I am now a believer in the "Built Ford Tough" slogan. If your thinking of buying a used truck, this is a great choice!

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  Sweet Chariot - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Deborah Oliver - March 23 - 4:06 pm

  This car is awesome for the money. I Love it so much. I have to be careful with it or a I will get a ticket from the nice policeman! We own a 1970 Mach 1 and it looks just like it. The car makes me smile every time I drive it. If you are thinking of getting one, good luck and get the GT with a standard transmission. There is a lot of aftermarket for this car to make it even sweeter than it is.