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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  Legend GT lives! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Legend GT - December 23 - 10:03 am

  All I can say is,what a fun car to drive! I have been driving this car for over a month now and it is simply exciting. The power, the sound of the throaty exhaust, the braking, the handling, just the total package. It also does fairly well on gas mileage; 19-21mpg isnt too bad for a 300 horsepower engine. Ford really did their homework on this car. The ride isnt bad considering the tire size and suspension set-up. I opted for the 5 speed transmission and Im glad. It is so much fun shifting.The shifter has real short throws. Talk about head turning! I get stares everywhere.

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  Excellent for the money - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Mike of Detroit - December 23 - 10:00 am

  In 1 year I have had 3 engine problems (nothing major but still inconvenient). Performance wise, the vehicle is excellent. The acceleration is quick and it handles like a dream! The cargo room is adequate. The back seats fold down with little effort, its great. However, I do worry about the vehicles thin, light-weight doors in an accident. They dont seem very safe. You must get the center console, without it it feels as though you are going to fall out of the drivers seat.

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  great car - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By jonjon - December 23 - 10:00 am

  i just bought this today and its great, great power, bigger then other small trucks, i am glad i bought it

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  Buy a Chevrolet Impala. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By keibieone - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The 3.0 Vulcan V6 engine belongs in a compact car. The pick up is sluggish and it has no top end. Other V6 base model Midsize Sedans such as the Chevrolet Impala and the Dodge Intrepid simply blow you away on the expressways. My 2001 Taurus has had a front end vibration from the date of purchase. After many visits to several dealerships for this and other issues, Ive simply given up and decided to live with my regretful decision for having purchased this car. Ive had the pleasure of driving a 2001 Chevrolet Impala recently, and what an all around positive difference.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DNR - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a used 2000 with 28,000mi. This vehicle has been in the shop 3 times in 6mo. Ive had both CV joints replaced. The most recent repair was for a blown TRANSMISSION! Dealer was horrible and rude. In addition to the major problems, the cassette deck doesnt work and much of the insde and outside trim work is constantly falling off. Im going back to a Japanese-made car, they still seem to care about quality.

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  Old 1999 still fun - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 1999ExpeditionDriver - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive got a 1999 Expedition, I still love to drive it. The all wheel drive makes this beast corner very well. Highway mileage is very good for the triton v8. If you live in a true city area, you might want to shy away from this vehicle because traffic jams eat up the gas quickly. Stop and go traffic is rough on a 4000+ lb vehicle. Any other drivers, suburbs or otherwise will be glad they no longer have to fear for their lives in the winter, it handles like a dream. Just slow down, you can go much faster than you can stop. To those critics who drive a euro sports sedan - dont kid yourself, your car is no friend of the environment either.

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  My Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By wild - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my explorer used several years back. It seemed to be in good condition. I only had it for a couple of months when I had to replace the head gaskets and timing chain gasket. Awhile later the another sensor went bad. Now I have a whirling noise coming from the front driver side at lower speeds. My mechanic can not find the problem. Overall I really like the truck. Its fun to drive and hany when hauling kids and stuff. Gas milage even with the six is poor.

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  Awesome Car For the Price - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Chris P - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a Ford Taurus SE Fully Loaded with 76k miles for $6,000. The dealer replaces the front breaks and preformed an allignment. Have had the car sence september and have had zero problems. Just put new tires on it and it handles well and the breaks are right there. Cupholders are convenient, along with the remote trunk release and locks, stereo sounds great for a stock stereo. Handles great in the snow, and starts everytime in these new york winters. Trunk space is amazing, and teh car has a very unique look. Dont expect a Mercedes or Lexus when you buy a $6,000 Ford.

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  so far so good - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By r_erickson - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the tauras from an older lady with 75k, currently have a 100k. She broke it in gently, and Ive been driving it like a racecar. No major probs other than the rear power windows dont function. Horror stories about tranny failures after 100k make me a little leary, especially with the hard driving I give it. Im staying on top of preventive maintenance and its never hiccupped yet.

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  The Reat Ford Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By rlschultz - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 4 years and plan to keep it another 4 years.Its been very dependable and comfortable. The 4 wheel drive is sure footed and it has plenty of towing power for a small truck.