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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  194k and still tickin - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By IBO - October 31 - 11:45 am

  Bought this vehicle from my parents over a year ago. My mom used it for her main vehicle. Bought it with 183k miles on it, but I knew this vehicles history since I was a kid when it was purchased. It now has 194k miles on it and it is running as good as new. Hasnt leaked one drop of any fluid. I routinely get 20-22 mpg with a mix of city/highway driving. Still nice to drive. Body has very little rust. Paint is still great. Wash/polish/wax as often as possible. This vehicle is a testament to what happens if you take care of a car. I expect to take this Explorer to 250k miles. Maybe more. One of the best Fords myself or my family has owned!

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  Solid Ford F150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By TLNH - October 30 - 12:52 pm

  My F150 XLT Supercab, 4.2L, 6 cylinder automatic currently has 83,000 miles on the odometer. At under $19,000 new, it is one of the lowest cost, well equipped, six passenger vehicles available. It has only had one problem with a failure of the coil assembly. It was relatively low cost to repair & did not leave me dead out on the road. We use it as our primary vehicle for our family of four. It enables to go where we want, when we want & bring whatever we want. I have been rear-ended twice. The structure held up well & suffered minimal damage in both accidents. I plan on keeping this truck for at least ten years. I would recommend it for anyone wanting reliable people & cargo space.

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  Good Value - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By SevenBizzos - October 30 - 6:59 am

  I bought the GT as a "second" car for fun and to be an owner of the most popular performance car ever. Its a good car - no big complaints. Acceleration is adequate given the factory gear ratio. Cornering and handling are merely average considering the weight of the vehicle. I got the Mach 1000 option and am only marginally satisfied with its performance considering the price ($1200). Build your own stereo system, swap the axle gears to a 3.73 or 4.10, add a Predator tuner, and buy a lowering/performance suspension system and youll have a great car.

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  Great Nostalgic Ride - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Darryl - October 29 - 11:51 am

  Car looks super -- very retro looking. It has great performance and good gas mileage -- hits 25 mpg on highway most of the time. Accelerates like a muscle car from the 60s once you get it rolling the 5 speed automatic really keeps the engine boiling -- sounds good too. The torque of the V-8 makes passing effortless. More of a luxury ride than a sport car ride. A little soft in cornering but very comfortable on trips. Some body shake on bumpy roads. Stereo with 6-disc CD works well, sounds good. In summary, if you like the feel of a V-8 in a car with dramatic styling, you are going to love this car.

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  Nothing more than True Engineering - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By AJ - October 29 - 9:13 am

  Everyone in my family either has this car, or has had one. As a previous owner of 3 of these cars (2 police editions, and 1 base version), I cannot state how reliable and dependable this car is. The thing I truly love about this car, and cannot stress this enough, is that it is true quality engineering for the American car makers. I dont even believe Asian/European car makers can come close to how awesome of a car this is. Yes, the car is practically a submarine on wheels with its size and looks, and the entire isnt anything fancy. But what this is, is no stupid computers that break down, just quality mechanical engineering, and we truly need more of these types of cars now!

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  1995 Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By tswopejr - October 28 - 3:06 am

  Has the six cylinder in it. Ok on gas mileage, could be better. Never had a major break down. Still running strong at 147,000 miles.

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  Had pretty good luck so far. - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By RonL - October 27 - 3:26 pm

  Bought van in 99 with 33,000 miles. Transmission rebuilt right after purchase under warranty. (Thank you, Ford!) Bought extended warranty, never used it. Items replaced so far - tie rod ends, power steering pump. We tow snowmobiles with it, no problems pulling. Check engine light comes on occasionally, usually after long trips. Very comfortable ride, no major engine problems to date w/ 120,000 miles. Only paid $13k for van in 99, and it has served us well. Not a Honda by any means, but we didnt pay Honda prices. If I get another year or 2 out of this van I think I will have got more than my moneys worth.

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  The Generic 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Poncho35 - October 27 - 9:03 am

  The 500 is the only sedan I could get into with a huge trunk and interior for less than $25K loaded up. The styling is generic but not offending. The 3.0 liter engine has good highway passing power and far from being underpowered. The ride and handling are ok but steering could be a little firmer and more direct. Shame on Ford for removing the door protection moldings. I will have to see if the dealer can install them aftermarket.

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  100,000 MILES AND THEN...PROBLEMS - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Charlie Hummell - October 27 - 5:01 am

  I loved this vehicle until it hit the magic mileage number...100,000 miles. Note also that I do an excellent job maintaining my vehicles. At 100,000 miles, though, my Mustang first had a cracked exhaust manifold ($450.00). A few months later it sprung two oil leaks in the transmission and wouldnt hold any oil ($350.00). About two weeks later it wouldnt start one day (transmission shift cable - $215.00). As Ive read in other reviews, I have also experienced the engine vibration as I come to a stop at an intersection. Its now got about 109,000 miles, so I cant really complain, (and I still like the car), but Im wondering how much life it has until something major goes wrong.

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  Good truck thats still a bargain - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Jim L - October 27 - 2:42 am

  29 mpg on the freeway! Need I say more? My reason for trading in my Dodge Ram for the 4 cylinder Ranger. Design may be dated, but I like the look. Made a great deal on this truck when not able to with the imports.