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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  Going Big - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Honda Convert - March 23 - 2:00 am

  It was a choice between a minivan or an Expedition (duh!). We liked the comfortable interior. Going from a Honda CR-V to this was a big leap (we still have the CR-V for the work commute). We didnt realize how many more features this truck had (power seats, power adjustable pedals..). And the miles per gallon isnt that worse (Im lucky to get 20 mpg on the Honda). Ours came with a huge front seat console, illuminated running boards and 6-disc CD changer, all of which brought it close to an Eddie Bauer trim. And going from a four cylinder to a V-8, Im able to drive like I want to.

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  Fun with UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS - 2002 Ford Escort
  By d57 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good buy, a nice balance of performance and economy for the dollar. The seats are miserably uncomfortable (way too soft, like sitting on a sponge)... I had to remove the 2002 seats and replace them with the seats from my old 1995 Escort...

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MikeM - March 23 - 12:53 am

  Ok, first off...If you do not like attention, DO NOT get this car! I cant tell you how many heads turn when I drive this car - doesnt matter if the top is up or down. Every time I stop to get gas, I have someone approach me and ask to look inside and end up talking to them for 5 or 10 minutes. I originally planned to keep this for just a few years but think Ill have it for much, much longer. I get a TON of compliments on the color, too (Windveil Blue). This car is amazing. Its not the GT, but it still goes! Absolutely love it.

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  Love My Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Jason Myers - March 22 - 7:45 pm

  I bought mine back in 97 when they 1st came out and from the time I took it home I feel in love, it very reliable NEVER got stuck out in the cold I have drove to Detriot,MI 3 times and with 12 of snow on the ground and this SUV took it like a pro. I like how roomy it is with lost of head room and extra space for friends or cargo I also like how versitile it is when you want to make changes to the exterior all I can say is this is a one of a kind suv.

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  99 Durango was Better - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - March 22 - 10:53 am

  I purchased basic XLS V6 model. Vehicle looks nice. It has been in the shop 3 times since March 06 purchase. Lumbar support driver seat broke twice, still not fixed right; rear driver side window inoperable, transmission will not shift out of park more than half of the time when brake pedal is depressed. Fuel economy no better than my former Durango V8 5.9 liter. Gas pedal is too small and foot slips off. I am stuck in this thing for several years; can not afford loss of value to sell now.

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  Works for me! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Mack - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 45,000 of its 86,000 miles. It just keeps on working. Nothing serious in the way of repairs (MAF sensor, A/C hose, tires, brakes), just normal wear and tear. Rides like a truck (duh...)

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  Still the Best! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By NeumaGr - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Back when I was looking at this Mustang I was pretty weary of even considering buying it. It already had 83,000+ miles on it. It was an emotional purchase to say the least, but Im thrilled with what Ive got. Now that the "thrill" has worn off, Im left with a car that has never once broken down and needed only minimal, and by that I mean a tune-up, repairs. The ride is excellent! Above average power and the joy of knowing Im driving a piece of American Culture. Truly the best pony car out there!

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  Transmission problems - 1995 Ford Contour
  By brimar - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Automatic transmission needed rebuild after 180k

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  Fair Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Nehemiah - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I am happy with my Taurus. Its the SE-standard. The car damatically changed when I equipped it with Bridgestone Potenza RE-710 245/55 on the four corners. The handling improved lightyears.

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  Great Deal / Great Quality ! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By steve43888 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I found this "Black Beauty" in a small country car lot. This 1999 XLT had only 31K miles (was a fleet truck). It checked out great and only had a few dings. I still have a few months left on the factory warranty. All of this with some optons (nerf bars, nice rims, new tires,ect.) for under 13K !