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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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By HCR - June 21 - 5:34 pm

  I have had a squeaky control arm. The only problem is the replacement one does not have a grease point. Why pay $500.00 to fix a squeak for it to squeak again in 6 months?

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  Solid performer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Frankie - June 21 - 4:46 pm

  Ive owned my Explorer since buying it new off the lot in mid-97. Looking back on it, this car turned out much better than expected. It drives smoothly and relatively quietly. Unless you plan to race through the twisties or zigzag through traffic, it handles quite comfortably. On the downhill side of the depreciation curve, it sure is economical to operate. Just replace the usual wear and tear items - tires, brakes, filters, doodads - and save money for other toys. Cant beat it.

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  ROAD WARRIOR TRAVELING SALESMAN - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By dave - June 20 - 4:59 pm

  I owned 5 Suburbans. In 2001 I had a choice to pay cash for an Excursion or Suburban. The Suburban had less room, smaller motor and was 2,000 dollars higher. I chose the Ford. In 155,000 miles I replaced the tires, fuel pump and filter and brake pads. I will be replacing the shocks and and pads again this week. I drove that truck all over the country averaging 50,000 miles per year. It still runs well and looks nice. It failed me once when at 99,000 miles the fuel pump went out and stranded me in Colorado. Other than that it beat out all the GMCs I ever owned.

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  Great pony car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By mustnag46 - June 19 - 11:37 pm

  This car has been great to own. It gets great economy (25+ highway) which isnt why I bought it! Performance car with easy to add options (B&M shifter, programmable computer). The performance is there if you dare to drive it like it is meant to be driven. I have had no maintenance problems. And the car just looks great. It is a classic (outlasted the Camaro and Firebird) and the new 05 looks better.

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  a very good vehicle. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By prior owner - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  The Explorer handles very solid. Has a short turn radius which makes parking a breeze. Is great in the mountains and open road. Have really enjoyed driving this vehicle.

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  New Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By akscott - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice, roomy vehicle that probably rides better than previous model, but still is much stiffer than a car. Front row seating is comfortable and second row is OK for trips. 3rd row is only for kids and maybe short trips by willing adults. Around town gas mileage with V-8 is pretty sorry; I get 13 mpg with combined street and freeway rides. Highway mileage seems to be about 19 mpg. Eddie Bauer model is pretty loaded with options, but interior appearance is not very "upper class" - lots of plastic. Radio/CD player has good sound (in Eddie Bauer upgrade model). No mechanical problems, except drivers side seat heater quit after 3 weeks (not a big deal in Houston).

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  For the money, it doesnt get much bette - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Timwithabass - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I paid $9,900 for this 99 Wagon with 26,400 miles on it. It runs great, rides great, drives great, and has a ton of space for my double bass. Great on a trip. I dont race the car so I dont need anything super sporty. Theres a slight rattle in the tailgate somewhere which I havent sorted out yet. Wanted to upgrade to a CD player but had to buy about $100 of extra equipment to get a standard deck to fit in the oval shaped dashboard. Also, The sixteen gallon gas tank reads empty when theres still four gallons left. So youve only used 12 gallons when it reads empty. Thats only a gallon better than my Escort!

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  Ford Tough At A Reasonable Price. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - June 18 - 2:34 pm

  The 2005 Ranger XL 2WD Reg Cab with the 2.3L EFI 4 cylinder engine is a fun and reasonably priced package. While Id like a little better acceleration, I find what it delivers adequate. I have the 5-speed automatic O/D transmission and its very smooth. The A/C works very well (important in Florida) and cools the cab quickly even on hot days. The dash and instrument panels are laid out well and all the controls are easy to reach.

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  So Far so Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bluyo - June 17 - 5:21 pm

  So far so good. We take this SUV to beach in the summer and make full use of the on the fly 4X4 which is great. We have fit so far 6 people, 3 dogs and camping gear in it and no problem. It is very comfortable to drive and has great features. Fuel economy is not the best, but you can expect that from any full size SUV.

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  My F150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Billy Meeks - June 17 - 1:30 pm

  Very reliable and smooth ride but poor fuel mileage makes passing gas stations hard. Very solid truck with lots of interior space. 4X4 system pulls very well. 4.6 motor is a little sluggish.