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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  Reliable tough fun monster ! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By thongboy1981 - January 19 - 10:05 pm

  This is my first truck/suv and i wanted one that was huge well the excursion is certainly huge. On road trips you have to stop every so often because its so comfortable you keep nodding off while driving but yet its still tough and rugged.reliability is good only thing i replaced was ac compressor and running board light sockets.Gas milage can be as high as 14 on a constant long stretch highway but normally around 11 combined highway and city but well worth the gas milage.Winter roads are no challenge for the excursion .Only other complaints are when i hand wax it or need to scrap ice off the winsheild you will need a small ladder or step stool but well worth it i will keep it forever !!!!!!

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  COMFORT, FUEL, SNOW, CRASH - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By aardvark - January 19 - 9:04 pm

  I found it to be a very comfortable car,Im 5 ft and could see well out back when reversing. I found it a little scary going on ramps on highways, at the posted speed, felt like car wanted to overturn. Bad gas consumption, 12-13 miles per gallon in town between 13-20 at best on highway. Car skidded very easily on snow. It had great tires, so I think car was just light in back. Had a horrific wreck and survived and I believe it was because car was built well and I wore my seatbelt. But I am thinking of buying another Taurus. I did love my car.

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  Good Van for the Price - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By tommy - January 19 - 9:00 pm

  Prior to this van we had another 2001 LX. We sold it with 165,000 miles. We have an SEL that has 168,200 miles Now. Sure we have had some problems, but these cars are VERY easy to repair and maintain. Forums are readily available to diagnose problems, and parts are very inexpensive. So far the car has never left us stranded. This car has a bad reputation but, it has been an overall comfortable and decent van.

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  Little Engine that Does - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Dr. Scott - January 19 - 8:45 pm

  My 1997 Lincoln Town Car with just under 200,000 miles has the same engine as our new "used" 2007 GT. The Lincoln is infinitely better than my wifes 1998 Cadillac de Ville dElegance with barely 104,000. The Cadillac is up for sale and good ridance too. Again my 57 year old wife drives like she did our 75 Corvette.

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  2010 FORD EDGE - 2010 Ford Edge
  By ANN RAGAN - January 19 - 1:52 pm

  Was very nervous about going from a Lincoln Navigator that I loved to a smaller Ford Edge Limited but wanted better fuel economy with a new vehicle. Just bought but initial impression is I have more options (than on my 2003 Navigator)and much better fuel economy for half the price of a new Navigator. The only thing I gave up was a little space that I rarely needed. The ride and comfort is far superior to any other vehicle I test drove from Fords competitors (except MKX). If this vehicle continues to perform as well as it does now...Ford should be proud!

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  Wow!!! So much more than expected! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - January 19 - 1:34 pm

  When I walked into the dealership I was set on purchasing the Fusion. The fusion was a little over my budget so I test drove the Focus SEL and was SHOCKED! Ive always had a stigma about the Focus thinking that it was tiny car with nothing to offer, but I was soooo wrong! Its a quiet ride that has everything in but power seats. The SEL has unbelievable standard equipement such as leather, SYNC, heated seats, 16" alloy wheels.

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  bad azz blue truck - 1995 Ford F-250
  By billy bob - January 19 - 12:29 pm

  Bought my truck from a auction in 2010, the truck has 10,256.....thats right 10256 orginal miles. No turn back of mile cause the one and only owner was the US government...confirmed it with car fax. truck is in great shape, runs great and looks great too....no rust on body. Some rust (age 15 yrs) underneith. The roads in michigan are really bad. My other cars got ripped apart from pot holes....now my truck makes the pot holes!!

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  Great car when it doesnt need repair - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ZM - January 19 - 12:15 pm

  I really want to love this car. It has not left me stranded yet. But since I purchased it with 90K 2 years ago, I have put in nearly $4000 in repairs. None to my negligence. So buyer beware. The first year of the Focus is the most problematic. I will say that it has plenty of power and features for a small car. The wagon has tons of space as well.

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  love my expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sabc - January 19 - 10:14 am

  My husband bought me my XLT last year with 52K miles from original owner..I love my truck I feel safe in it, love the DVD system, 8 passenger seating, electric 3rd row seats, moonroof,back up sensor.. this truck is loaded. Only complaint is the support in front seat isnt so good and I wish the DVD player wasnt right in the middle of the mirror and of course gas but it is a 4wd v8 so what do you expect. Over all love love my truck!

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  GOOD JOB FORD! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By kaokoys - January 19 - 5:26 am

  Growing up with only Japanese makes, this Ford is an outstanding competitor. currently getting a combined average of 33 mpg!!! (65mph break-in period) car handles great! seat a bit uncomfortable but a small pillow fixed that. people complain about the engine noise but i dont really hear it. i used to be a carsalesman so i have to mention that of course everyone says japanese cars are the best and only choice but I say save your money and invest it in a ford. theyre ranked #2 only behind toyota putting honda in 3rd. look it up. save your $ and get quality. I also considered Hyundai & Mazda but am truly happy with my decision. *plenty of shops to work on ford all over