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:

• 

  nice truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Jeff Miller - December 10 - 7:21 pm

  This is the nicest truck I have ever owned. The ride and handling is great. It rides smooth and quiet like a luxury car. Its also one of the best looking trucks on the road.

• 

  Good bang for the buck - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By mostlytoyo - December 9 - 5:50 pm

  Bought this wagon for an airport car. It was very cheap and in good condition. Drives nicely and is a much quicker car than my 97 Sable due to the DOHC engine. Good visibility and only minor repairs so far. Great highway mileage.

• 

  Taurus GL - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Greg - December 9 - 7:42 am

  This is the best car Ive owned. Proper maintenance and care goes a long ways, I bought this car with 51,000 miles on it and now have almost 150,000 on it. I havent done much to it except proper maintenance like regular oil changes, tire rotation, cooling and tranny flushing, and brakes. I live in a cold weather climate and has never failed at starting and it never gets plugged in. Regular maintenance on any car will go a long ways.

• 

  Ford Explorer EB 4WD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ac7860 - December 8 - 10:15 am

  I have owned this truck for many years now and I must say that it has held up quite well. Yes, there were problems but very few and minor. I have 87K miles now and there has been no problems with the entire drivetrain. I think if one keeps the regular maintenance (tires, brakes, fluids, etc.) up there should be few problems with the truck for well over 150K. Moreover, compared to my 01 F150 4X4 and some other vehicles I have driven, this Explorer is a dream to drive in the Michigan winters.

• 

  Good but be ready to compromise - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By korbe11 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The truck has a number of great features, and pretty fun to drive. But it also has its share of The truck is great for hauling goods, and going out on excursions. I would like more quality in performance though, lower interior noise, better acceleration, and better handling. It needs 4 wheel independent suspension, and better gas mileage.

• 

  Need a better braking system... - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Rambo - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The extra weight of my 4x4 has put me in several situations where its poor braking system became apparent. Other than that a decent vehicle.

• 

  Great little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By WHE - December 7 - 4:16 am

  Taut ride but very stable and handles beautifully. Drives more like a car than a truck. Peppy, powerful and quiet engine. Strong brakes. Very comfortable and roomy with numerous power-assists. Good driver visibility with well-designed console and smooth, straight-through floor shift. Adequate storage space. Solid body with no rattles or excessive wind noise. Overall an excellent, great-looking vehicle inside and out.

• 

  Bumps & Rattles - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Gary - December 5 - 8:39 am

  The truck is enjoyable to drive, however every moderate bump in the road sends a chilling vibration through both inner doors and (yes) they do rattle loudly! I do have the towing pkg, but I feel the ride should be much softer, smoother, and quieter. The looks and style of the truck inside and out are great. Fuel economy is ok, however I cant help wondering what kind of a rattletrap this truck will be in 5 years. One final word, the first cold weather start (17 degrees) the 5.4 engine whistled loudly for several minutes before finally settling down.

• 

  Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By [abm] - December 4 - 9:57 pm

  My 2WD model has held up for 11 years and 200 thousand miles, and it still works. Although I have had to replace many things, Ford is not lying when they say "Built Ford Tough."

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  Get the extended warrenty - 2003 Ford Escape
  By gg - December 4 - 11:35 am

  I loved my Ford Escape until the transmission went out at 56,000 miles. I have heard from others that this is common for Ford vehicles. I thought it had a powertrain warranty and did not purchase the extended warranty. If you decide to buy this SUV, pay the extra money for the extended warranty.