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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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Sam - June 16 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this truck used it was four years old then, and now Ive had it four years. Ive done nothing but routine inspections and change the oil and filters regularly. It has never been to the shop for anything. Even the battery lasted eight years. Only 75k miles on it, but this truck has been nothing but a joy to own. I will never ever consider buying a Chevy again.

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  Festiva - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Bruce Irvine - June 16 - 3:19 pm

  Reliable, reliable, reliable. Cannot kill it and repairs are easy. Gas mileage is close to a hybrid. Interior is VERY roomy.

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  It gets even better the second time - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MRMCDO - June 16 - 12:26 am

  I loved my 99 XLT 4.6l. It was time to get something new (I had 284000 km and still looked like new). I get better MPG with the 5.4 but about the same performance with the Eddie Bauer (must be heavier with heated/cooled seats, 6 CD, auto A/C, great sound, 3rd row in floor to leave room for the dog, back up alarm and all). Now I can see at night (great improvement). I can hear a whining noise when I apply power (a bit annoying). I was expecting wood trim on the dash at that price. On the road it is a delight to drive. The front suspension feels loose compared to my solid axle on the "99. Lots of brake dust on the wheels but they clean real easy and look great.

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  Win Z Woos 2002 Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Win Z Woo - June 15 - 4:31 pm

  The car has been good to me so far only had it for 3 months, but I have noticed that when I bought the car the motor mounts were broken. The dealer fixed them free of charge but 2 weeks after they were replaced they were broken again. ThatÂ’s the only problem. Most people dont even know they are broken, I only knew because my boyfriend has had 3 Taurus with all of them having broken mounts!

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  Thought I was buying a small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bensgranpa - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Handles well and easy to drive. Engine noise apparent. Interior so-so. Performance very good:good braking and engine performance. Good looking. But I thought I was buying a small SUV, not a full size Hummer. Have yet to get more than 12 mpg in city driving. Our big Honda Odyssey gets much better mileage both in town and on the road. And that matters now that it takes $27.00 to fill up with regular.

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  Good Bang for the buck! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By czkid - June 15 - 1:49 am

  I bought this truck about a month ago and have been very happy with it. I compared the Durango, Sequoia and Tahoe. Seating folds flat in rear making the space very large without storing seats (vs. Tahoe). Wider and even fits an adult comfortably in third row (vs. Tahoe and Durango). Less of a blind spot (vs. Durango). I really like the Sequoia for many of the same reasons. In reality it came down to price between a Toyota and Ford. Between incentives and haggling I got 10K off the trucks price and good trade in value. I did not think the seats were very comfortable at first, but as with anything else my body has adjusted and now it feels great.

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  2005Adrenalin - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By BillT - June 13 - 12:23 am

  First Sport trac was a 2001 XLT (Company car). Loved it. Traded in at 80,000 for only one on the lot.. Adrenalin. Special Red. A beauty Have never seen another. That is #1. Will be made to trade in soon and I will to buy the trade. Gas mileage is frustrating..can only average 16.

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  Overall Good Car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By goodcar125 - June 12 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my 96 escort in 10/04 with 50,300 miles on it from an older man that couldnt drive it anymore. Reliability has been ok i guess. Needed 4 new springs and various emissions sensors when I bought it, but now it needs a new sway bar, a new blower motor and a/c repair. The 1.9L is peppy if you arent trying to pass on the expressway then its dangerous but I have the auto which may explain that. I love how well it takes corners and how easy it is to zip in and out of tight places. Its also a beast in the snow minus the lack of ABS which you have to be careful about. Also, fuel economy rocks! I put 15 bucks in it and it lasts 2 weeks its so amazing with gas being as much as it is.

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  Post review - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Condo kid - June 12 - 11:50 am

  The ride is firmer than I expected from a car this big and heavy.The performance is somewhat disappointing from the standard engine. It has a good audio system with cd player.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Tim Levy - June 12 - 2:34 am

  Ford has dramatically lowered its standard and decreased its quality! The Expedition will look nice and all, but its mechanical build is just nonsense.