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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  All the room we need - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By safety first - December 18 - 6:48 pm

  We bought this truck when we had our third child. I had never owned a truck but I loved my husbands Expedition. In fact, I wanted to buy an Expedition because I thought the Excursion was too big. But my husband wanted us in the biggest vehicle possible in case of an accident. Turns out I am very happy with the Excursion because of the amount of room behind the third row seat. With a large baby stroller back there and a full load of groceries or Christmas presents, I use up the entire space. Not to mention the times I am carrying an unusual load like rented tables and chairs or landscaping plants. I can get everything I need on one trip, saving me time, aggravation and gas.

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  An excellent truck - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Jim - December 18 - 1:59 am

  I am the original owner. This truck has lived up to its makers name ... Ford Tough. The brake problems that plagued earlier models is gone. This truck has no rattles. It pulls and pulls. I have the original batteries and they are still good. I have carried 4000 lbs in the back with no problem. I highly recommend this as a work truck for anyone as it has been reliable. The only repairs I have done are a starter relay, brakes, shocks, and glow plug relay. Thats it!

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  Great vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Me - December 17 - 6:29 pm

  Overall this is a great vehicle if you want the combination utility vehicle and general purpose car. I would have given it 5 stars, but I believe Ford could do better with acceleration and gas mileage, even with the tow package option. The navigation system is quality, but has difficulty learning voice pronunciation; could have used a better onboard GPS system. The ride is very smooth and the vehicle handles very well, even with significant water accumulation on the road, etc. Interior is well appointed, controls are well located and responsive. My purchase has the tow package and the 6 cyl. engine did extremely well pulling my utility trailer. Frankly, if they could improve the overall mileage on the 6 cyl. (when not towing), this will be an excellent all around choice. Personally, I am very pleased with my purchase so overall the car really ranks high in my opinion when compared to the others in this SUV slot.

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  My Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By lilodie - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I have also had the tie rods go on my van. It has been in the shop numerous times for minor things. Everything has to be ordered in and it takes forever, I didnt purchase the extended warrenty either and they wont give me a loner even though it is Fords fault that I dont have my van for 5 days at a crack. I like the way the van handles and all but I dont think I will ever own another Ford vehicle and this is my 5th one. (Does that tell you anything!) Not to mention did anyone else notice how much this thing depreciates!!!!! I cant even get $16000 for it and it is only two years old!

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  Not a Mustang but ... - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Mike - December 14 - 11:01 pm

  My Taurus has performed flawlessly for 2 years. I put Toyo Observe Ice/Snow tires on in the winter and she goes where I point the hood. I average 23 mpg. While the design architecture is dated, but it still creates an easy on the eyes profile. The stereo could stand a few tweaks but is more than commute adequate. Front wheel drive wander is noticeable, but slight. The ride is smooth, very quiet, and at the edge of luxurious. Its a shame they were the rental fleets #1 choice for so many years. That coupled with the "you pay what we pay" incentives of this past summer/fall drives down trade in value. All in all I enjoy my Taurus. I will trade it in on a new Ford 500 in 2 more years.

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  Alaskan Mans Review of Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Kenjini - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I like it...suits me, its a bright obnoxious yellow

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  2nd ST, nothing compares in its class - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By gdogg - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ST and I must say, after looking in its class for something else, there wasnt! The ST is alone the best in the class, save for having the option of a V8. If you are going to get 15mpg like I do with mine, you should atleast have the power!

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JOEL - December 14 - 2:00 am

  third explorer we owned. very happy with overall performance and reliability. however, could have a little more rear passenger leg room. better ride than most suvs but still a little truck like. very happy with space and cargo room.

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  It has served me well! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By kaisharif - December 13 - 3:11 pm

  This was my first car in college and it has served me well. Very reliable, very good on gas. Minimal upkeep, just standard maintenance. Just made my last payment and plan on keeping it until it falls apart.

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  Great value this ZX3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Prof100 - December 13 - 3:05 pm

  I love this car. Its roomier than my Taurus. It has every option. The car is nimble for driving around the town and on the freeway. Ford could lose the middle console. Its useless. Seatbelts are designed for child safety & you have to dig for the latch end thats sandwiched between the seat & the console. Tires were replaced with with Pirelli tires at 40,000 miles & should have been 10,000 miles earlier. New front brakes @ 32K. Rotors are disposable. Rear hatch key gasket keeps falling out in car washes. Rust is starting form on the bottom of the hatch. Thats not FOMOCOs fault. Thats from a dealer who repaired the car when my wife tried to move a concrete pole with rear bumper.