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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  First New Car - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Keith - October 27 - 12:48 am

  I have really enjoyed owning this vehicle. I drive twisty, hilly roads a lot and I felt the handling in this truck was very sporty. I love precision of the rack and pinion steering. Only had one significant problem at 60,000 miles electronic 4 wheel drive module would not switch vehicle into 4x4. Gas mileage was not so great (16.5 mpg) but my truck had 4.10 gears in rear.

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  Fun 4 door with some power - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By CordiaDOHC - October 26 - 11:57 pm

  I bought my 1992 Ford Taurus SHO from an older family that wanted to get something different for their daughter. The car needed an ignition module and a tuneup. Tuneups on these cars are definitely not as easy as a Mustang or Camaro. I got the car with 160k on it. Fixed the problems and man this thing moves out pretty good. I have driven it on 4 trips already. They rate this car at 26mpg highway. But I averaged 32mpg on a 220 mile trip. Not too bad. The previous owner had removed the exhaust resonator on it. Definitely made the exhaust very distinctive. Definitely been a fun car! And reliable!

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  Bang, Zoom - 2004 Ford Focus
  By powelldg - October 26 - 1:35 pm

  Im happy with the car overall. It was a year old repo, so the price was very reasonable, and its just what I wanted - 2.3 PZEV, stick. Nice combo of performance, economy (good but not great) and utility (the hatch).

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  Reliable and inexpensive - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By David - October 25 - 9:52 pm

  Ours was in good condition when purchased at 86,000 miles, requiring only fluids and filters. In the 40,000 miles since then there has been one problem (camshaft position sensor - car was still drivable), and everything else was wear and tear related. A few annoyances - wind noise on passenger side, rusty A pillar on driver side, some misaligned interior trim pieces - but overall its very likable - it has a "Millennium Falcon" appeal with the swoopy styling and all the junk you can carry inside. Transmission seems a little delicate (overheated the fluid while driving to Big Bear from LA and needed it flushed). Wouldnt buy one new because of depreciation, but its a great used-car buy.

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  love it or leave it..........I like it ! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Dx - October 25 - 6:41 pm

  Tell you more.......she puts out ...and not only looks, 4.0 Lt motor good on gas....255k miles Florida born ..rust free great body

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  Excellent Choice! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By adventurebound - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Whoa! We did our research, test drove the Tahoe, Sequoia and were SOLD on this SUV! The folding FLAT third row seats are the show stoppers. Also love that you can be comfortable ANYWHERE you sit from drivers seat to third row! Not so in the Tahoe or Sequoia...knees come up to chin in third row seat! Another biggie...safety factor..kids can exit the third row without help! Handles are very user friendly. Great family vehicle. Get a splitter from Radio Shack and 4 or more can listen to a movie while you drive to your favorite CD playing up front!! Took a 17 hour road trip and LOVED it in this SUV. It ranked up there with flying FIRST CLASS!

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  2000 Limited - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By wsws - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my 2000 Explorer LTD V6 4X4 very much,

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  V8 Helps a Lot - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 0% - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the XLT with a V8 and towing package. Plenty of low end power and smooth acceleration. Leather interior is very comfortable and 3rd row seating is a definite plus for loading kids and friends at the same time.

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  An excellent all around vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Peter Leechh - October 24 - 4:40 pm

  My previous vehicle was a late model Lexus LS, a very good car, but I am just as happy driving the Freestar & it is more practical. Highly recommend it!

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  Franks Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Giron - October 23 - 3:02 pm

  We purchased our Expedition at a Honda Dealership where we had taken our 2001 Honda Passport for an oil change, We had just returned from a fishing trip to the Sierras and were very disappointed with the Passports comfort zone, We purchased the Expedition with 30,000 miles on it it had been traded in by the company who initially purchased it. We installed a trailer hitch and have pulled a 26 ft travel trailer from Orange County California to Havasu, Arizona with no problems. While I would have preferred a little more horsepower I was very pleased in its performance climbing over mountain passes. It never heated up even while running the air conditioner and climbing. Comfort was great.