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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  Id definately buy another/ - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By pkd - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Have a need for lots of space and 4wd, definately HUGE vehicle, but so what, its better than needing to haul my family and gear with two mini vans. I would buy another and may do so even thoug this is their last year. 11.2- 11.9 are my average mpg ratings on the on board computer, and I find it to be close to accurate, but thats not much worse than my old Explorer (13) or my friends Expedition (12.4) Too bad Ford did not bother to promote this vehicle for what it is, a TRUCK with room for 8 and their gear without giving in to the whiners who have never had to drive a while in a blizzard.

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  LEMON - 1990 Ford Escort
  By alll - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Engine rebuilt at 50000km, tranny at 150000km, fuel pump twice, timing belt twice, ball joints and tie rods twice, numerous oil leaks, floor rusted right through

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  Peppy little Ford - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Peter flynn - January 26 - 6:03 pm

  The cars gas performance is less than advertised. The battery is inadequate. Otherwise its a great little car

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  Very good car - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By raimound eivazian - January 26 - 11:07 am

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  Its all good! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Tom Meyer - January 26 - 4:19 am

  This is a very good basic pickup. If you want super luxury youll need to spend a few dollars more.

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  DON"T DO IT - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mikey1971 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this behemoth becuase at the time it was the rage.Now I wonder what drug I was using at that time.Gas milage is a term we do not use,and the interior has pieces falling apart constantly.Only 54,000 miles and already had in shop twice for intake gasket and fuel pump(V-10).Poor excuse for a large SUV.If you insist on Ford,than get the diesel engine.Otherwise get a Chevy or GMC like I did 2 months ago.By the way,dont be surprised if you get laughed at when you tell the dealer you thought it "was worth more than that" on trade.Be prepared to take a beating on trade in value!!I am trying to sell mine private, and have had 0 calls on it.I wonder why?!@#.

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  Clankety-clank goes my dash... - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Female, Single, 25 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is good if youre only looking for fuel efficiency & a large cargo area. This car is bad when it comes to repairing it. It is half Mazda and half Ford - youll need both metric and standard tools to work on it yourself & the engine is really cramped & tightly packed - what a pain! After only 63000 miles and 6 years, my model has many rattles and many broken interior parts including problems with the door handles that have had extensive warranty work on them to no avail. The interior is just too cramped. I would not recommend this car to anyone but a teenager.

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  Chris bad ass truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Stopher - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2 yrs old w/ 21K miles. Love it but had some problems w/ it that shouldnt have happend w/ low miles. 50K replaced upper/lower ball joints. 52K replaced U-joints. 54K needed 1st tuneup w/ new plugs/wires. 55K replaced calipers, due to seizing up, ruining brakes & rotors (Ford just replaced brakes 15K miles ago & wouldnt cover). I currently have 59K on it. I baby it & dont drive much & maintain in accordance w/ owners manual. Fuel mileage sucks. 13 mpg City, 15 trip. When I tow sleds (not often), 9-10 mpg. I have extended 7yr 100K warranty which Ford dealership sold me, but it basically covers nothing! Great ride!

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  132000 Miles Strong - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Second_owner - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this in 1998 with 57,000 miles already on it. 75,000 miles and countless kids later and it has never left me stranded. A fine family vehicle

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  My White Elephant - 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  By B.D.Colleway - January 26 - 1:19 am

  Be Prepared To Have Other People, Comment On How Sharp It Looks !