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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  f150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By db - March 4 - 9:14 pm

  the truck had a rough life befor I got it. It came to me after undergoing numerous repairs but has been very reliable.

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  Love my 2002 - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Hitman22 - March 4 - 7:06 pm

  I had a 98 expy prior to purchasing the 2002, and Im still in love with the vehicle. Additionally, the 2002 has the rear entertainment system which is great for the kids when were headed to the mountains for camping or any other long trip. beleive fellas, for those with kids, your wife will love this feature!

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  Better Idea - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By DLS - March 4 - 6:35 pm

  Bring it back.

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  Diesel the way to go. - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Jill - March 4 - 6:20 pm

  A 7.3L Turbo Diesel is great on gas mileage up to 18 city 22 highway and still going. A little noisy, but not for men they love it. A little wide in the drivers seat. Cant rest arms and hold steering wheel comfortably. But excellent leg room. Slow moving from a start but look out after that.

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  Big SUV - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Jim Gagnon - March 4 - 4:42 pm

  I like this truck so much I went out and bought a new 2002 Excursion Limited Ultimate 4x4.I feel the Excursion is a better bang for your bucks.I will be honest my Excursion has the V10 and I only get 11 miles per a gallon.I have a relative that has the Suburban and they get about 13to14 mpg with it with the 5.3V8,also the chevys quality inside is very cheap looking.I quess both the Excursion and the Suburban have pros and cons.

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  1993 Ford Range XLT - Owned Since New - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By elr- Cedar Rapids - March 4 - 4:07 pm

  I purchased this truck new in 1993. Since purchasing it, the only semi major repair has been the optional replacement of the throw out bearing went out after 4 years. The truck just had its first new set of spark plugs installed at 84,000 miles. The only complaint has been the rapid wearing of front tires. And an ABS light that went on, (and has stayed on) in 1996. The body is still in great shape with no rust. The paint looks as good as new and the interior has no signs of wear.

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  Transmission Terror - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jerry Van Sickle - March 4 - 7:06 am

  Replaced transmission at 67,000 miles which cost $3,000 at Ford. There were several electrical problems that cost several hundred dollars out of warranty. Spend the extra money and get a foreign made SUV. You will save in the end.

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  1 year with a Freestyle Limited AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob - March 4 - 4:03 am

  AWD was great after we got about 20 inches of snow! Very comfortable ride on long trips. Handles potholes and road joints with ease. I like the car and my wife, who drives it most likes it better than any minivan we owned. Now for the down side. PLEASE find a bigger motor for this otherwise great product. Around town its not bad, but try to pull into traffic or pass on the highway and its like old style turbo lag. The back hatch should have a remote power lift assist for the money spent. I would defiantly recommend this vehicle even without the needed improvements.

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  Great upgrade from the Titanium - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Ken - March 4 - 3:28 am

  Having upgraded from my 2013 Titanium, I am well pleased. I find there is little to be displeased about in this car. I am a big Apple fan, but I find I prefer the Sync 3 to CarPlay. Since the bluetooth is available for music, podcast, etc., I dont find using the CarPlay directions that important, expecially since I live in Montana and am often out of cell range when traveling in the mountains. Its a great car to drive, handles very well in the mountain curves and terrain. Being 57", the seats are perfect for me, I sure for taller individuals it could be frustrating. The interior of the car is very impressive. I love the small improvements to the exterior (LED lights) and the front grill. Thank you Ford, for a great car!

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  stamps review - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Stamper8 - March 3 - 10:08 pm

  Great car