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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  Myop - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Msexplorer - August 16 - 3:20 am

  I would recommend this SUV to mothers, especially those who have larger families. You can transport 8 individuals with ease, but that would leave you little baggage space. Some of my favorite features are the dashboard alerts. I am forewarned of low fuel, an unbalanced tire pressure, or even low coolant. In addition, the backup safety feature (which can be turned off) comes in handy and provides reassurance that you are not going to hit a child or object.

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  Good, but not Great. - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By norbert - August 14 - 2:52 pm

  It is Great looking, and it is fun to drive. Still, Ford could have made it a more solid car - lots of rattles after only two weeks.

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  mustangs - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mdw - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for only 9 months and it has been in the shop 4 times within a month for the rear end going out! Now, It is going back for the 5th time for the same thing! I can take it in and then get it back and within a week it is going back! The rear end continues to pour oil out and it has a very bad burning odor!!!!! I will say that I have bought a LEMON and the dealeship is NO help!!!!!

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  Cruisin in a Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By The Shield - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Flyin down the highway with little or no worries.... A very dependable full size sedan!

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  Needs More ...Still - 2004 Ford F-150
  By TOD404 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After owning a GM for the past 3 years, this truck does not handle as well. It may be the hieght of the truck or it may be the chassis/suspension. All I know is I cannot corner as well as my old truck. Power wise, even though I have the 5.4L, it just doesnt seem to have the response I am looking for. I seem to be pushing the accelerator more than I am used to. I hope with more break in miles, this will improve.

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  Trusty Escort - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Mel - August 14 - 1:10 am

  I bought my Escort brand new and it has been an awesome basic car to have. It has only "dumped" me once, and it was my fault because I ignored the dying battery warning signs. I have the 5 spd and it never gets less than 34 MPG no matter what the conditions. It averages 36. Escorts will go forever with care, and I expect to see this one get 150,000 miles.

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  Fine Car - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Irus - August 13 - 5:03 pm

  The only thing I have done to this Limited is change the oil and one set of tires.It still has the orignal battery.A couple of interior lights dont work. My car in Irus Frost and still looks new. I bought this car new when they came out late in 1994. I have made 6 trips to South West Florida from Ohio no problems. I like my Explorer.It has every thing but sun roof.

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  Mixed Feelings - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By radiosonicfan - August 12 - 5:47 pm

  It is a good vehicle. Very comfortable except like many others I had to get my transmission rebuilt at about 100K. I like the car but I didnt expect replacing the alternator and starter within the first 3 years. I continue to own the car and currently have 130K on it. I expect to own the car for some time.

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  Decent - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Zachattack - August 12 - 1:27 am

  Other than a starter going out I have had absolutely no problems with it. Id recommend it for a teenager.

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  $42,000 and NO automatic garage door opener - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TomKM - August 11 - 6:29 pm

  And thats with $7,000 of options, including the Tech Feature Bundle, Sync 3 etc. Cant believe Ford would cheap out on this universally useful feature for its customers.