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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  Exceeded my expectations - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Bob from Hubbard - June 29 - 6:17 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle with some power. We still have teenagers at home so a truck was out and we already had gone the van route. I didnt even know that Ford made such an animal. We test drove Chevy Suburbans but nothing in our price range performed like our X. The X (affectionate name Excursion owners have for their vehicles) is not your average grocery getter SUV. It is made with a purpose that suited ours perfectly. Ours also has the 4.30 optional gears as well. It pulls our travel trailer with plenty of power to spare. My wife had already driven vans so the mirrors were no problem. This is a big station wagon with lots of guts. Other than the fuel economy, this SUV rocks!

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  Livin large - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Got Gas?? - June 29 - 4:37 pm

  You just dont buy one of these if fuel economy is an issue to you. I will comment on all the diesel lovers that keep talking about their mileage. I bought my V-10 01 Excursion used with 50k miles on it for the same price as a diesel with 120K miles. The diesels run about $8-$10000 more on the market. They get about 5 MPG better than my V-10. One could buy a lot of gas for $8,000. Other than a few bugs to work out CD didnt work, 2 door actuators needed replaced -- all else is fine. I love the truck, Turns heads. Is very comfortable for my 63" frame. Hauls all our stuff to the lake in style. Havent towed the boat yet but I am sure it will perform better than the Tahoe. The ride is appropriate.

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  Great, fun, trouble-free car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Avi - June 29 - 4:24 pm

  Im very pleased with the Focus, and would definitely recommend it. The design, handling, comfort, and "fun-to-drive" factor are all first-rate. So far (I only have 25,000 miles on it) the car has held up great, and Ive had no problems with it. My only complaint is that my car gets substantially lower than the advertised gas mileage ... I get about 20 city/30 highway, compared to 27 city/30 highway advertised.

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  American built and I love it - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - June 29 - 3:32 pm

  Well pleased with the speed and response of the V8. Looks great after 8 years. Fuel economy is poor, however these things are big and built for fun and work not fuel economy.

• 

  good work car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By larry - June 29 - 1:53 am

  use car for extended trips for work, never let me down, uses no oil between changes, gets 28-30 mpg on hwy, good value for nice handling car, interior road noise seems higher than other cars

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Steve - June 28 - 11:46 am

  I have owned this truck for two years and it does everything a full size truck should do, and does it well. It tows my camper, its great on family trips, and you never have to worry about throwing whatever in the back. The bed extender really helps for those longer items. Its also very comfortable and easy to drive.

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  Getting too old - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By R. Jones - June 28 - 1:04 am

  For the money, for a 4WD, the 2004 Ranger is a good buy for the money. BUT, it is basically the same Ranger I drove in 1993, with two more Mickey Mouse doors. Almost impossible to get in a 5 speed manual transmission. While the 4.O liter engine is good, youd think after all the years of producing it they could refine in a little better gas mileage. (Consistently getting 17 mpg and I dont hit the gas peddle very hard, very often, and get that mileage.). Truck wont hold a candle to the new Toyota I bought this year.

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  Great Car - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Fabrizio - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this 92 LX 5.0 in November. This car has been rock solid. Everyone notices a nice body. The T5 is a good tranny but I would recommend a Tremec for any hard drivers. The 5.0 will throw you back into your seat. With a 2.73 rear end I manage to get about 21 mpg combined driving and Ive gotten up to 26 mpg on a 600 mile trip. Not a performance gear but good for a daily driver.

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  I miss my Honda - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By ScubaSteve - June 27 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car with just over 21000 miles a little over a year ago. Great ride, great handling and excellent mileage for a V8. Now at about 45000 miles of mostly highway driving, the front end pops and squeaks like crazy and have already replaced the a/c unit.. Also, the CD changer croaked too.

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  GREAT Commuter - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bisquick - June 27 - 4:33 pm

  I bought the car for $8900 with Ford rebate. I was to use it as a commuter, expecting it to be a weak performer. The steering, brakes and ease of driving is great! Considering my other car was a 500hp monster with modified everything! While not as fun, its still very fun and reliable while getting 29-37mpg, wisper quiet interior, great AC, super stereo and its a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for the green people. I like it a lot!