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:

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bernie D - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Just picked it up and it is absolutely incredible. Ride is smooth as silk. Glad I grabbed one.

• 

  Practical SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tatemark - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Explorer and we have been pleased with both. The improvements in the design, comfort and ride of the 2004 model are nothing short of amazing when compared with my trusty old workhorse 98. If you are looking for a reasonably priced mid- size SUV, look no further. Am looking forward to the development of the hybrid version--have enjoyed driving the Prius hybrid as a rental car and would love to have that kind of fuel economy in an SUV. As it stands now, we use the Explorer for carpool and hauling around town because of the mpgs. Other than that issue (which I admit is a big one) we love the car.

• 

  Does not miss a bump!!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Unhappy Suv Family - September 13 - 10:00 am

  On smooth raods the vehicle is great,But let there be a small bump,an uneven or the slightly bumpy freeway>> Good Lord!! The vehicle shakes and jerks your body to the point you are slowing down looking to avoid the small ruts,holes or any thing else causin this monster to jump up and down. The ride is very harsh!!! Too bad I test drove this on some pretty smooth streets or I wouldnt have bought it!! Now Im look for replacement suspension!!Can any one HELP? Dont ask the dealer... ?? THEY CLAIN THEREs NOTHING WRONG!! YEAH RIGHT!! Does not ride like my 1992 Nissan Pathfinder "IT WAS SMOOTHER!" WHAT HAPPENED FORD??

• 

  230,000 miles and still going strong!!!! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Pat - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 10 years, have 230,000 miles on it and have only changed the starter and air conditioner compressor!!!! This explorer runs like a charm and I still am not worried to bring it on 200 mile trips.

• 

  Unbelievably Reliable - 1992 Ford Escort
  By TLIY - September 13 - 2:00 am

  While not the best looking car on the road, I cannot believe how long this car has lasted me. I have 210,000 miles on this thing and its still going. It still has the original muffler for cripes sake. Ive been wanting to buy a new car for a couple years now but cant justify it because this thing simply wont die.

• 

  OK Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mike4743 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car- bought it in 2000. BAD- Speedometer, Cupholders, Transmission, Fuel Pump, Power with full load, gas mileage in town (17 mpg) GOOD- Power with no load, Comfortable, Handles well, Brakes, Steering, the ability to cram tons of people and stuff in. I bought w/ 92K, it now has 124K. During that time I have probably put $700 into it, but I do lots of work on my own.

• 

  Big mistake - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By flower - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van so we could have more room. We had the van only 4 days before the transmission gave out. I cannot believe that ford does not recall these transmissions. We are so sorry we ever bought this van. It is going to cost us $2,100 to fix it. We use to have a dodge caravan which we loved but was not as roomy as the windstar.

• 

  Ford didnt market this gem very well - 1995 Ford Contour
  By calhykr - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My grandparents bought a 95 SE with most of the goodies and let the car sit. I bought it at five years old with only 11,000 "grandparent" miles. To date, I have only had to tighten a coupling in the EGR system. The accompanying clicking-when-accelerating noise and check engine light no longer happen. The cup holder is now broken, but the important things still function as they should now that the car is a ripe 7 years old with 24K miles.

• 

  Ford Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By gatorpa - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  Great car. Very spacious inside yet doesnt feel big when driving. Its kinda a mix between a minivan and SUV. You get the family friendly features of a minivan with the looks of an SUV. Gas mileage better than an SUV 27Hwy. This is the perfect cool family car.

• 

  my F-150 super crew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By irh99 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my new truck . Ive always owned fords because of their reliability. Im sure this new pick-up going last a long time.