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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  Horrible reliability - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Phil L - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I loved this vehicle when I first got it. Great power, OK handling (for a truck), and the perfect blend of size and capability for me. But it has turned into a real piece of junk. Problems too numerous to list here. My last Ford.

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  The Best SUV on the market - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By FordIsGood - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We purchased an XLT with the 4.0L V6 twom months ago. The only options we got were rear A/C and the third-row seat. The Explorer has a very smooth ride, compared to other SUVs, and we drove just about every mid-size SUV. It has plenty of power, a very smooth- shifting transmission, and is one of the most comfortable vehicles we have owned.

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  Improvment - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By luckssj - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is excellent to handel and easy to maintain.

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  what the big block mustangs were like - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By karl2771 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  for a price of 35,000 (with a plan) how could you go wrong. this car pulls real hard through the first gears, while almost all street cars fall behind after the first two. a fun suprise for all those fast and ferrious wanna be cars.

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  A hoot to drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ford Fan II - July 30 - 10:00 am

  If youre in the market for a new Mustang get the GT. The additional money spent is well worth it. The cars ride is smooth. Those that say it isnt must have gone from an Accord to a Mustang. I traded in a 2002 Explorer Sport and the ride quality is much better in the Mustang. Passing in traffic is nothing less than confident. Where else can you spend around 24-25K and get a kick-in-the- pants acceleration. Plus, the aftermarket parts choices are near endless. A supercharger, exhaust and some cosmetic work will be done in the future.

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  mileage stinks - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By mikeydontlikey - July 30 - 10:00 am

  the truck is great. but the gas mileage that it gets is really bad. i have yet to get over 240 miles on a tank of gas and thats driving mostly freeway going to and from work. no i wont recomend this vehicle to anyone unless they love spending money on fuel.

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  2003 Ford Taurus SES - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By ford1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Taurus is a very good value for a family sedan. With generous rebates offered from Ford, the Taurus becomes extremely competitive with Camry and Accord, Taurus main competition. This 2003 model has just been purchased but my experience with past Taurus ownership has been very positive; good reliability with very few problems. The build quality is good. Controls and accessories are well designed and easy to operate. A roomy trunk for this size car. Gas mileage with the 24V six ranges from 22 mpg city driving to 29 mpg highway.

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  Best looking vehicle on the road!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By pattty - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle!!!! The size is great... plenty of room... Feels great driving!!! Everyone looks!!! Beautifullllllllllllll....

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  WOW! What a truck! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By kowlik3 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have always wanted a fast car/truck.Its not the speed but how fast it gets there. Out of the box 100% satisfied.

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  Progress Nearly Perfect !!!!!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mconner - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This model truck has improved alot, but still needs to be worked on for the hesitation of the engine(5.4L), but as for the ride, it does not feel like the ride of a truck but of a luxury car.Also, the back doors could open out alittle more ???? The rear window seals should be better designed for leakage. But keep up with the improvements, it can only get better!!