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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  great truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By tony t - April 19 - 2:00 am

  this mamoth of a truck for its overall size & weight is a excellent all around pleasure & workhorse..its trucky ride is acceptable because its feeling of safety and underbody strenth..on smooth roads it rides pleasurable..steering & braking are a little trucky but turning this beast is no problem....the turbo diesel engine is worth the extra money..its power is unbelievable and fuel economy under loaded conditions is about 16 mpg... a tight well built vehicle,no rattles or squeaks..

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  ford aerostar - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By thomas L - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have never had to do anything except the standard repairs..brakes, tires muffler,etc in 10 years..and with 60000 miles on it, its like new. I plan on driving it for serveral more years without any problem...

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  bulletproof - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By cbrett - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Full size Bronco is one tough vehicle. Terrible mileage (13-15mpg) and prehistoric design (unchanged since the 70s), but utilitarian and very safe and reliable. Not a good choice for long range commuting, but an excellent utility vehicle.

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  Great truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By chris0987 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I had great experiences in it and it took me places where I wasnt able to go with any of my previous trucks. Towing my boat has been fun and the truck is been running great. Oil and filter change is the only maintenance this truck needs.

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  Getting parts a mystery - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Bluejay6 - April 19 - 1:24 am

  Bought 2016 Explorer LTD in August. Enjoyed car ran fine including a trip to Florida. Middle of March with 13,000 miles car went into "limp home mode" which caused loss of speed, power and safety. I went from 55mph on the expressway to 8mph with giant trucks on my tail. Needed a new Electronic Throttle Body, none available anywhere in the country. Its been TWO weeks so far without any fix in site. Ford has not stepped on this one, very poor customer relations. Its a nice car, lots of cool gizmos and doodads, but this problem has soured me on Ford and this car. Be wary

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  Mustang Nightmare - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mustangbr - April 18 - 10:26 pm

  I have had the car less than 2 months and it has been in the shop for repair 2 times. The passenger door continues to rattle, even after putting a new anit-rattle pin in the door twice. The passenger car door speaker had to be replace due to internal wire issues and the open and close door switch too. Also, they had to replace the mechanism that open the doors when you press the car remote. Now, I am having serious second thoughts about my purchase. However, I must say that my car dealer has really tried to fix all of the issues with the car. I think it was poorly built at the manufacture. I will be back at the dealer today, wish me luck.

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  Fun car but needs help - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By randali - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. No major problems since purchase. Has to many squeeks for a car with 33K miles. The 5 speed tranny can be cumbersome and sometimes produces a clanking sound. The cabin is very noisy and a lot of heat comes up from the center console by the parking break. Terrible seating position and unacceptable adjustment for head rests (Im 510 and the headrest does not reach my head. The plastic interior is kind of cheesy and has sharp edges. Exhaust sounds great and its an eyecatcher in red but I wouldnt buy another.

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  Love my mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Yellow Mustang - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the look, style, and sound of my yellow mustang convertible. I find it a pleasure to drive.

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  Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Angeldoc - April 18 - 10:00 am

  The Mustang GT Deluxe 2dr Coupe is a great car. I love it. I knew that I wanted one and when I got it I loved it. And I still do. Its got great steering and confortible seats. It drives easy and mine runs great.

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  excursion is great - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By kbyerley - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I previously had an expedition but it lacked storage space. I can store anything in this vehicle. the excursion is the best vehicle I have ever owned, it drives well, it is very comfortable, and seats eight very well. I would buy another one if they still make it in four or five years. I keep the expedition for four years. the only draw back is the fuel economy it has none. It likes gas. I knew this when I bought it that it would use a great deal of fuel. It you can afford the fuel bill, everyone should have one. I like everything about this vehicle, I feel that ford has a winner here and should continue to produce it.