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:

• 

  reliable truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Lenz - January 23 - 5:39 pm

  This a a good reliable truck. I towed a 4000 lb Trans Am from New York City with the manual transmission. It did quite well. I had 150,000 miles on it at the time. You had to downshift in the mmountains when climing the hills but it did well. I got over 20 miles to the gallon while driving there. It also is a good riding vehicle..

• 

  Bird up - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dan - January 22 - 9:38 pm

  Calm, cool, and collected. Thats the way this car rides. Not loud or proud, just right. I have the all black and when the sun is out, there is nothing more fun than this car.

• 

  2 DR SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By crdallas - January 22 - 5:26 am

  Rocking horse ride and uncomfortable mouse fur seats, but its a 2 DR SUV w/ good exterior styling, very good fuel economy for a full size vehicle, and great reliability, plus it fills an important niche (for me) in the SUV market. After driving it around the USA for 110,000 miles it still looks and performs very well. Just wish it were smoother riding and/or had better seats.

• 

  Great Truck! - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Hende - January 20 - 11:26 am

  I have only had this truck a few weeks but I have always wanted an F150. This is one tight truck. 10 times better than the Dodge Ram, my last truck. 92,000 miles and just as tight as my fiancees 05 Pontiac. Third door is great! Fuel economy is a little poor but its a truck, get over it! 4.6L is still a very strong motor. I have no use for the 5.4L.

• 

  No Problems - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By David - January 19 - 2:17 pm

  Purchased my Aerostar at a GSA Public Auction July 2002 for $4,500. It has a new 6 cylinder engine and the body and inside were perfect. It has given me lots of pleasure as I like to sit up high and enjoy the view. If I fold down or take out the back seats, it will take 4x8 sheets of plywood and more.

• 

  No Problems - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By David - January 19 - 2:17 pm

  Purchased my Aerostar at a GSA Public Auction July 2002 for $4,500. It has a new 6 cyl engine and the body and inside were perfect. It has given me lots of pleasure as I like to sit up high and enjoy the view. If I fold down or take out the back seats, it will take 4x8 sheets of plywood and more.

• 

  Reliable, Economical & Good Handler - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Bob - January 19 - 6:51 am

  A very decent car. Nothing to get excited over, but great transportation. Handles very well, and with the right tires excellent in the snow. Got it with 33K on it and 100K warranty. Only the cigarette lighter and cup holders went out under warranty. 100k tune up, but needed new plugs at 85k. 4 cyl is simple to tune up. Smooth transmission. At about 110K needed new brakes (3rd set), waterpump and TIMING BELT. Still gets ok mileage at 114K, 23 city, 29 hwy. Used to get better, but its aging. You do have to maintain these! Do yourself a favor--get the tranny fluid changed (ideally flushed). Ive done that twice--happy transmission. Solid car!

• 

  Bubba - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ken Moran - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely fun to drive! Not to mention that it looks absolutely wonderful. Another feature that I enjoy is its sound!

• 

  Great 1st Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ZX2 Driver - January 17 - 4:41 pm

  This was my first personally-owned car, a 5-speed Sport model. This car has great performance for a budget car. With about 71,000 miles, there have been a lot more squeaks and rattles showing up. The interior of the car is also fairly noisy. There arent too many aftermarket parts for this car (especially compared to the Civic). Ford made a special-edition S/R model, and parts are still available to upgrade the basic ZX2 to achieve the S/Rs better performance. So far the only major things Ive had to replace are the alternator and the 3rd gear synchro. The manual trannies in these cars arent the strongest, but if you dont abuse it, it should last. Im still on the original clutch.

• 

  Wife loves it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Eric Cavanagh - January 17 - 12:35 pm

  Despite my resolve to never buy a big SUV due to MPG issues, my wife talked me into this one. In fairness, it is a nice truck, good to look at, fun to drive, comfortable and seats 8. Had a van, but she tired of it after almost 10 years. MPG is about 14 city, 17 highway (with no lead foot). Throws a lot of brake dust, especially in front. Good on long trips. Bought with 33K miles & put more than 10K on it so far with no cost to repair other than rotors on the rear. Fronts had been replaced before I bought. Seems early for rotors. Truck gives feeling of power and sits high enough to see everything. If you dont care about mpg, get this or the Eddie Bauer.