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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  Fun to dirve - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Otrow71 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to trade in my SUV for something more fun to drive and that got better gas mileage. So far I am nothing but impressed with the car, as it is super fun to drive and has great styling and gets good gas mileage. I even have a C5 Corvette in the garage, and I would rather drive this car day in day out. Bottom line is that this is a great sports car, before you even consider the great price.

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  Nice vehicle, fun to drive - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tboss - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a good vehicle, Ive had a lot of fun driving it and will stick with Fords probably. The design is nice, I wish I would have optioned it out!

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  Family Car - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Engineer - July 31 - 8:23 am

  The Limited is comfortable and economical. I am not one for all the hype about more power. There is enough power for sensible driving in my situation. On two long trips, 2900 miles for 2 persons and 850 miles for 4 persons through Texas and the central Mid West, the transmission did downshift when using cruise on the rolling hills. The first time it downshifted two gears at 80 mph (2200 rpm to almost 4000 rpm) surprised me. We were all comfortable during these trips. We bought this car to get away from using a large SUV as our primary car. With the rolling hills and a heavy load with air on we get about 26 mpg on the highway, on level ground and normal load it is near the 29 mark.

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  First Ford - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Roberta - July 31 - 2:25 am

  Great deal for the car. Good rebates were given. This SUV is nice has a smooth ride to it. Not too bad on gas. If youÂ’re looking for an SUV this is a great start. its not too big and yet big enough for the family and pets. Lots of pick up and go on the expressway. And it looks good. Love the new color. I got (Darkstone) with metal flakes.

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  Its improved - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By george - July 30 - 10:33 pm

  Replaced a 94 4.0L Ranger with 175,000 miles on it with this one purchased used from a dealership a year ago. This one has the same excellent build quality as the 94, and the 4.0L engine power is much improved. I would not own one without the 4.0L engine. Mileage was a surprise, easily averaging 22/23 mpg on trips and 17 in town. The rear doors creaked over bumps, but a simple single wrap of electrical tape over the hinge connection points eliminated that.

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  1995 F150 XL long bed - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Kevin Dean - July 30 - 8:47 pm

  This is an excellent truck. This is my third summer using this truck for projects and it can haul just about anything. Gravel, rocks, bricks etc... I have hauled well over 1.5 tons of sand in this supposed 1/2 ton truck and other than sitting a little lower than usual, drives and accelerates just fine. 4.9 inline 6 cylinder isnt going to win any races, but is perfect for towing and hauling. The 4.9 motor tows a 5500lb trailer better than my friends F150 with the V8.

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  This is a Ford? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Rob - July 30 - 4:56 pm

  I have stayed away from American cars for the last 20 years. This car changed my mind after six test drives at 6 different dealers. I could not belive this was a Ford. Its not the best looking car on the road but it sure does its job. I have 3 big kids. One of which is 6 ft 5. He fits! Plus we still have room for our stuff. Plus, we can take a friend and still fit. The ride is really nice and it has just enough power to move us a a decent speed. I was more than pleasantly surprised with the standard options. The price was fantastic and it feels like its a well built car. No rattles, the doors close nicely, then engine sounds good. I cant belive this is a Ford.

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  Love my Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By EXCMama - July 30 - 12:40 am

  I lifted mine 3", added extra leafs, and 36" tires. It is very fun to drive once you have owned it a while. If you are used to a smaller car, and only drive it once, you will find it difficult to park. I live in the mountains, and the only thing I dont like is the power going up the mountain passes. Im down to about 35mph by the time I hit the Eisenhower tunnel with my horse trailer ... but thats my fault for not going with the turbo diesel. This is definitely the most comfortable SUV to ride in on long trips. (We also own a Denali).

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  Great Car for all around use - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bob - July 29 - 2:56 pm

  Traded down to Focus from an SUV. The Focus performs well and acceleration is not affected by the number of people in the car like other small cars. I truely enjoy the gas economy. Interior is roomy, seats provide the support and the being able to raise or lower the driverss seat is a good touch. The SES provids most of the nice buttons that are normally not standard in this price class of vehicle. Ride noise is minimal compared to other small cars Ive owned. Handling and ride qualilty are outstanding.

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  Probably not with the $$ - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Roadtripper - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Several issues from the start, power seats broke, stereo didnt work, moon roof track broke, auto seat adjustment broke and this was all with the first 5,000 miles. Power steering replaced at 20,000. Purchased extended warranty to 75,000. Started taking to dealer at 56,000 for sound of gear grinding. Dealer unable to locate problem for 5 visits. At 75,500 dealer locates problem and refused to cover, new differential, $1,000. Ford states it is up to dealer as to coverage. Automatic transmission needed replaced at 76,000. Probably 80% of driving is highway. Not a dependable vehicle.