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 First Love - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By T-Bird Man - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first car and so far it has been very fun and good to drive. I like the room for the driver and passenger, and the car gets pretty good gas mileage for a 3.8 engine. Also the looks of the car are cool enough for me.

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  Fun to Drive, Expensive to Repair - 1995 Ford Probe
  By jdhemm13 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 95 Ford Probe GT for about a year and a half and it is a great car to drive. I have had one minor accident which was expensive to repair. Another problem, the power window broke six months after I purchased it. Other issues are the regular car things: new tires, brakes, alignment, etc. The V6 24 valve engine and the 5 speed manual provides a fast and fun car to drive. I get pretty good gas mileage, about 21-25 miles to the gallon, good for a V6. From my experience the car does not handle well in snow, even a few inches. I am about to trade it in for an 4x4 SUV to be able to travel in the snow. I would highly recommend this car.

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  I like it a lot - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By sbcloribelle - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I really like this SUV however the gas mileage is the killer. If this car could get at least 18miles to the gallon it would be much easier on my pocket. The rest of the car is great!!!! I love the horsepower.

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  Moved Up - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By bgblue - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Explorer for the Expedition, it 5.4 liter engine and carrying a bucnh of kids were the big reasons. I have to say the 5.4 is a great choice for towing, but i would have liked a choice of a 3.73 rearend instead of the 3.55 that it came with, but cant always choose when buying used. All in all a great move for me and the fuel milaege hasnt been as bad as one might think, im averaging 16.8 with both in town and highway mixed.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By fsuphi1430 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Just got traded in a mustand and go this truck off a lease with 16000 miles. I love it so far, i have room to do everything. Rides really well, and all the extra options with it are great. I dont know if i would like an xlt but the eddie bauer package makes it really worth it.

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  2016 Fprd Escape SE - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Andres Jaramillo - February 6 - 6:33 am

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  Excellent Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Matt c - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the vehicle for large families large cargo and large towing. We love the heated seats and mileage is 12 MPG around town and 17 MPG on the road with a V10. Sad to see Ford not continuing production. Those that own one, appreciate its quality. When compared to the Suburban, it has a much better materials and build quality.

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  Only 135,000 miles so far - 1993 Ford F-150
  By Ellis - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Great on road and off. The best truck Ive ever owned. Has the stronger twin traction beam front end that was replaced with the girlly-boy car suspension in the front that ford went to when the rules for off road racing changed. Finding a well maintained used vehicle is a must for reliability. I got lucky with this one.

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  BRONCO - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By BRONCOL - February 6 - 2:00 am

  WONDERFULL TRUCK/SUV CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL, THIS TRUCK IS VERY RELIABLE EXCEPT FOR THE GAS MILEAGE... GASSSSSSS SUCKS!!!!! BIG TIME

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  Had an Acura and "traded up" to the Ford Explorer - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By won over by Ford - February 5 - 10:25 am

  We purchased the Ford Explorer Platinum 2017 - So very pleased with it. From the size, the comfort, the technology, the safety features... Love this vehicle !! Went from an Acura MDX to the Ford Explorer Platinum and it was an upgrade plus it cost less then a new Acura!