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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  2000 XLS after dealer helped with 99 - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By njdevilsrn - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I got this 2000 XLS after my almost loaded 99 XLT turned out that is almost needed a bright yellow paint coat (hint, hint). To save me a few bucks on an assisted buyback, I got a 2000 XLS rather than XLT. The only things I miss from the XLT are the cushier seats, overhead console, and the power of the SOHC engine (certainly not the problems that come with it). This ride has been pretty OK. Tranny needed to be replaced at 21000 miles, replaced rear wiper motor (who hasnt?). Also with a rattle in the door for 4 months now, dealer cant hear it (go figure?). Definitely buying an ESP as the first 2 years of ownership and the 99 did not inspire confidence.

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  2005 Taurus SE - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Robert - May 6 - 5:56 pm

  Just bought a former rental car with 18,700 miles. Good value. Not as fun or comfortable as my 1991 Taurus SHO with leather (best seats ever had), but I also paid $7k less driveout 14 years later. Pretty comfortable except - I tried really hard to find a comfortable seat after having a lack of thigh support on 96 Olds 88 & 00 Buick Park Ave. The Taurus fooled me on the test drives (see below). MPG does not appear to quite what I hoped but not too bad. Checked last night using info computer. With A/C and cruise control on - 55 mph=27 mpg, 65 mph=24.5 mpg, 70 mph=23 mpg.

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  1996 Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Andy Briggs - May 6 - 9:01 am

  Bought from my father who owned it since new. This car has had multiple maintenance related problems. By 85,000 miles, replaced alternator (which is difficult to access for remove and replace and very expensive), heater blower motor, heater resistor pack, and both wheel hub bearings. I have a continuing problem, yet unsolved, of the radiator fan not turning on when the temperature gauge reads high unless the a/c is on. Check engine light comes on intermittently with an "EGR flow excessive" code read-out. This seems to be too many problems for a car that has had regular maintenance and mostly highway miles. For those reasons, I do not recommend buying, even though it drives well.

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  Slick! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Reece - May 5 - 9:17 am

  Owned it for a year....great van!

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  V6 XLT Sport - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Mike - May 5 - 5:59 am

  Car has been very reliable and fun to drive. The only problem I ever had was the seat belt retract system on the driver side. Would like to see more power out of the V6 in the future.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Becky - May 4 - 1:41 pm

  I love my Excursion Diesel! I use it extensively in my business, and also have four children, so nothing else compares. Always used to drive Suburbans, but had problems with lights, electric windows, etc. - little annoying problems, never a problem with my Excursion, and have put over 70K miles on it so far. The only two things that are problems, especially if you pull a lot of trailers, is the turning radius, which I believe has improved in the 05 model and the horsepower. It does not keep up at all with my 03 F350, but I will gladly give up the comfort of those two items, for the inside comfort and room! Would strongly recommend the diesel versus the gas model for gas purposes.

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  love it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By EX-ped - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Im rough. My vehicle needs to be too. The expedition fits. Its not a pick-up but its just as good. You can haul groceries when its raining.

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  2004 Freestar Limited - 12 mpg. avg. - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Scott Shamblin - May 4 - 4:45 am

  I purchased every option available including full airbag canopy. Theres only one thing that I can not pass and that is a gas station. We have driven this van as easy as possible and the best I ever achieved was 13 mpg. The average is 12 mpg. With gas prices these days, I would say that this spoils any positive things I would have to say except for one. Its safe. Sorry, the 4.2 L is a flop. In one year its lost a bit more than 50% of its purchase price (huge depreciation off the lot!) and its cost us big bucks in original cost and gas. Big thumbs down for depreciation rate and lousy fuel economy. Im very disappointed with out van.

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  Just Keeps Running - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By LLRinCO - May 3 - 3:15 am

  Purchased new, this Expedition just keeps running. With over 70K miles on it, we have never had a problem. It rides fine for the truck that it is, has nice features, but best of all it never fails to start or run perfectly.

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  My Baby - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jogle - May 3 - 1:42 am

  My first and only vehicle. Bought in 1997 with 9K. The seats fit me perfectly, I am 6 ft 240lb. I have 2 kids and four of us can ride fairly comfortably (my wife is 52" 115lb). I have changed the brakes, rotors, plugs and plug wires. Daily driver on average 30 miles per day. Another kid on the way may mean I have to purchase another vehicle. No matter what, I will not sell my Ranger.