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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  Looked at many Large SUVs - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By pushka21 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2001 XLT used. The ride is fantastic and I got the 9 passenger with the front bench seat.

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  Ford Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By jmk - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is great and can hold up to 8 adults or 9 (kids) very comfortably. In fact one friend, while riding in the very back row said he felt like he was in another time zone or zip code. Only thing that new attention is the fan for the rear seats. Dials and controls are there but it is really controlled by the front seat controls. A little misleading.

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  6.0 Powerstroke Excursion - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Higgins - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This Excursion with the new 6.0 Powerstroke is absolutely the most powerful vehicle I have ever owned. At the same time I am getting a combined mileage of about 17.5 Mpg. If you want to haul the family in a "big un" this is the vehicle. We love it.

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Horst Odparlik - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a tremendously reliable vehicle. I would have bought 10 of them if I had known what little this car would have cost me over the course of these 4+ years.

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  NEEDS A BETTER TRANNY - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jwwi715 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  My girlfriend and I bought to car with 61,000 miles and the tranny was gone by 64,000 cost $1,100 fix to much for repairs on 98 car with 64,000 miles. I get scared to pass at times because I dont know if its going to shift right. Something you should not half to worry about in a car that has the power of the DURATECH V-6.

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  Noise and brakes - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TM - February 15 - 9:36 am

  Wind noise on drivers side is loud and the dealer has "tried" to fix it two times. The front end makes a loud sweaking noise when I turn the wheels hard to make a U turn. If I open the back window I hear a lot a sweaking from the rear bed. at 17,000 the brakes are making a swealing noise and in they need to be changed

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  I Love My Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Andie Funk - February 15 - 6:36 am

  I did not realize how well these cars handled until I drove one. There is a ton of power, when you hit the gas it goes fast. And it still gets about 28 MPG on the freeway. Also, Im a big guy. So, I needed a car that I could fit into easily. The interior of this car is huge and it also has a massive trunk. Great for sports equipment or large subwoofers like I put in mine. I would say this car is a fantastic balance between luxury and price.

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  1995 Ford F-150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By RichCasa - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my Ford F-150 over 107,000 miles. It has the 4.9 Liter engine and 5 speed Manual Trans. Other than minor problems and I have never had a Major problem with the truck. Since I used this truck for mostly highway travel I still have the orginal brake pads on it.

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  F150 A Great Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By AKB - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great Vehicle

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  STAY AWAY - 1996 Ford Contour
  By ShiltZone - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I had a lot of problems with the car after 60,000 miles. Around 70,000 to 80,000 most people who own this model will need to get a new transmission. The check engine light now around 90,000 is constantly on. I am about to get rid of it and I dont even want to sell it to anyone, I am trading it in for a Honda Civic.