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:

• 

  Ole Gretta - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Carrie - March 5 - 1:25 pm

  My 1992 Ford Aerostar has over 219,000 miles on it and Ive been enjoying driving it for the past 10 years (bought it with 73,000 mi). Aside from routine maintenance, Ive only replaced the starter, water pump, heater core and oil pan gasket/seal in the past 10 YEARS!!! Wish Ford would reinstate manufacturing techniques from the 1990s!!!

• 

  Ford 500 Gotta love it! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By StandnTall - March 5 - 9:16 am

  Im 6 9" tall and I love the spaciousness of the interior. People have been surprised by the exterior design, sharp and classy. I am driving the SEL version and I love it.

• 

  Does the Job - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cruzer@95006 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I live in the coastal mountains and have to drive a fairly curvy road daily. This rig has very responsive steering, which handles the curves and dodges the idiots and animals that seem to dart out in front of me daily. Great ABS breaking system also. The other SUVÂ’s I have driven handle like Tuna boats. More of a floating feeling with unresponsive steering. Very firm, comfortable seats, great sound system, and plenty of room for my tall body. Fun to drive. I have yet to find any thing I dislike about my fully loaded limited Escape. I have been driving Fords for over 20 years and have always had good luck with them.

• 

  Freestar Limited - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Musky Man - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We had a 1999 Windstar and put 115000 miles. Repairs totaled $450. We find the Freestar to be very solid, quiet and comfortable. Milage is about the same as the Windstar. We looked at Toyota, Honda and Dodge. Freestar was the best for us and we do not regret the purchase.

• 

  The best - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 1516171819 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  my ranger has 160,000 miles and hasnt been in the shop once! but if thats not good enough, my grandpas ranger has 320,000 miles and running strong!

• 

  What a Riot! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rangeroo - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional power,great transmission, 5sp. Automatic, (so far)Great Handling.Pulls middle sized enclosed trailer (7x12)very efficiently. Have owned MANY sport utes (FourRunner,Pathfinder,Tahoe,Expedition, Blazer,etc. and this New Explorer is definitely rated at the top of the list. This is a radically different vehicle compared to the old Explorer.Of course we all hope the New Explorer stands the test of time...

• 

  Nice little SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rollin59 - March 5 - 12:43 am

  Ive had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for about 2 weeks, purchased used with 24,000 miles. Very nice vehicle. Mainly purchased for towing capacity and winter driveability but its also fine as an everyday vehicle. Ride is rather "trucklike" as you would expect for a vehicle that can pull 5400 pounds, but its manageable and gas mileage is passable (low 20s overall) and visibility is great. 4.0 V6 is smooth and feels more powerful than its 210HP. The 5 speed auto transmission is slick.

• 

  Recent Purchase SE V6 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Big_O - March 4 - 10:43 pm

  Spent 4 days shopping and comparing to the Camry, Altima and 05 Civic. Not even close in terms of features/performance for the price. V6 for the same price as others charging for 4 cylinders. Fun to drive! DO NOT recommend Fusion 4 cylinder. Styling is great both inside/out, ride is surprisingly smooth/quiet at highway speed. Turns heads on the street and I had a couple of folks even make a comparison to a Mercedes or Caddy! I am 6 1", 235, still fit comfortably driving or in the rear. Managing a decent 22 MPG city, even in stop/go Houston traffic. Ours included the Safety and Security package (side airbags, alarm) as well as the SE sport (6 disc CD, etc.) package. Happy Wife + Easy on the Wallet = hubby happy!

• 

  Its worth every penny - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By CVale - March 4 - 5:53 pm

  I had been considering the Mustang, Challenger, or Camaro for a new sports car. I needed a rear seat for my child (unless I could leave the wife home more often). After doing much research on all the vehicles and test-driving the challenger and Mustang. I decided on the Mustang. Tried the Challenger RT and it was ok but just didn’t do it for me. I liked the outside of the new Camaro but didn’t like the inside so much. Everything I researched also swayed me away from a first year production model on any vehicle as well. Granted the “tested” numbers show the Camaro going slightly faster than the Mustang Im not concerned. The mustang is just great all around. No regrets at all!

• 

  Love this truck! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By acpeterson - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but good luck with this vehicle. Its fun to drive and great for the dog to ride in the back seat. Plenty of room for four or five people.