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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  A Good SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - October 5 - 8:00 pm

  Ive put almost 19,000 miles on this SUV in less than 8 months and I have had no problems whatsoever. I had a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo before this so it was nice to trade-up to a car without a rusty spare tire holder and bumper. The Explorer is probably a shade worse on fuel but the Rodeo had a manual tranny. The Explorer has a much more solid feel, doesnt lean on turns, has a normal cupholder and overall feels more comfortable.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Rudy - October 5 - 12:00 pm

  Bought my 00 Explorer brand new and have had nothing but exceptional service from it. 23 mpg hwy and 18.5 in town. Tune up and trans. flush at 90K miles. A/C still cold. Radio LEDs burned out at 110K and thats a pain but radio still plays great. Liked this car so much I ordered an 07 as my company vehcile for the next 3 yrs. If you need a good used SUV this model is a great choice!

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  Mo fun! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By jsracer - October 5 - 9:40 am

  EPA est are way off!! I get 19.2-20.5 MPG with my V-8 manual The only problem Ive had was the drivers side seat leather prematurely cracked, but the Ford fixed it under warranty. I like this car much better than my Trans Am!

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  Not the best midsized SUV but not the worst - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By elliott - October 4 - 11:01 pm

  I have owned my Ford for just under a year now and have had some problems I would like to warn people interested in buying the car. First at 3200 miles I had to have the trans reprogramed not to big of a deal but the trans should not be slipping at all especially at 3000 miles. Second the passenger door was making the squeeks the the domestics are know again. I emphasize at less than 5000 miles. Build quality is up to snuff with the imports. It a far better car than the one it replaced. The other enormous draw back is the resale. I own a 2006 and payed about 24000 and is now woth about eleven.

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  Dangerous - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mariah Lemaster - October 4 - 3:39 pm

  I loved this truck. Unfortunately I was going down the interstate and the balljoint gave out, flipping us three times. We are lucky to be alive. the truck only had 41,000 miles. Also had to replace the wiring harness at 38,000 miles.

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  Impressed - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - October 4 - 1:19 pm

  We bought our Explorer used with 16000 miles have no trouble with it except for the shift interlock at 18k and the rear end at 30k. The dealership was excellent in both cases. They replaced the rear end with no hassle (I took it in for a roar in the rear) after first trying to replace the bearing. Overall I have driven it on long trips through the mountains and love the responsiveness of the engine, comfort, and average mpg. Impressed after hearing a few horror stories. Would purchase again from the same dealer. I think the dealer makes a big difference.

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  Taurus is nice but rather bland - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Rome Man - October 2 - 11:40 am

  Bought this as a replacement for a 2005 500 SE with the CVT transmission. The new engine and transmission is better than the old 3.0/CVT setup for everyday driving and the ride is softer and quieter too. I like the interior better with richer looking woodgrains and improved fit and finish. The exterior is where my disappointment lies. This is where I like the 500 better. The rear end of the 08 Taurus looks plainer than the 500. The 500 also had body side moldings which help protect the sides of the car and broke up the tallness and plainess. Seems like this is happening on many new cars, a way for the manufacturers to cheapen the car and save money perhaps. Also a glovebox light would be nice

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  My Mach 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 1Sabre - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I thought the Mustang name had more to do with a rivilry with the Camaros,and Corvettes.I bought the car with racing in mind. So when I brought it to the track no one with these would race.I only hope there are more Mustangs that want to race then Chevy products.

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  2005 SE - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By 2005 Taurus SE - October 1 - 5:51 pm

  I purchased this car after having a Taurus prior to this. Its a great roomy vehicle for the price. No other car in its class seems to have the same price range, spaciousness, or fuel economy. The seats are not as comfortable as my older Taurus although more comfortable than the Camry. I drive lots and my back and behind my knees are very sore from the design of the seats.

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  NICE RIDE - 2015 Ford Edge
  By Walter Kayden - September 30 - 12:25 pm

  Make sure you take it for a good test drive