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:

• 

  Good truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SunLover - April 2 - 10:00 am

  With 04 persons loaded, this got also cargo behind for many stuff. this loading works very strong and easy steering in loaded travels

• 

  Love My Explorer - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Maxamillion51 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I went from a fll size 4x4 GMC Truck to the Explorer Sport. I thought that I would not be happy with a smaller truck but I love my Explorer. The only thing that I wish is that ford would give it a bit more ground clearance and Traction control on the 4x2 model.

• 

  Build It and They Will Buy! - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By MOES - April 1 - 10:06 pm

  Third one I have owned. Love it. Lots of room to haul 5 hockey players and their equipment. Great ride, lots of room, no major problems. I have 146,000 miles on mine, does not use oil, gets 19 miles per gallon in town and 22 on the road. I take my 18 lund boat fish all over, no trouble in and out of water. Back seats lay flat for soft camping bed. Does not feel like a mini van more like truck. Took back seatout and hauled sofa, 2 chairs, coffee table and 2 end tables. I have hauled several 4 X 8 sheets of plywood with the hatch closed. I you see one with low mileage let me know!!

• 

  Reliable Thing- Still - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ChampionDriver01 - April 1 - 4:09 pm

  My Taurus hit 100,000 miles today. It lasted that long. Everything from my last review still applies. I now have another problem to deal with. My low coolant light pops on about once a week. I will turn off the car, and it will not come on (with coolant tank full). My mileage went from 23 to approximately 24.3. The seat quality is still immaculate. I hit a pothole and it put a flat spot in the wheel. My front headlight is still fogged up. I have a good feeling that in 3 years this car will go to my son. Until then or until it dies, my Taurus for me. I will report back at 120-130K. Cant wait until the Five Hundred and Freestyle change to Taurus and Taurus X.

• 

  Sport Trac comments - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By curt james - March 31 - 12:20 pm

  Installed a intake and exhaust, the gas mileage is incredible. I have an 03 Ranger, an 00 Excursion, and a 03 Focus; by far I like the Sport Trac the best.

• 

  A comfortable, peppy, fun-to-drive car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Tom - March 31 - 9:13 am

  After having driven sporty cars (last car a Mustang) for most of my life and having read your review I was expecting something much more pedestrian than the Escape turned out to be. It was comfortable from the get-go, handles very well and accelerates smartly. It is not choppy riding (try comparing it to a Focus SVT). Friends have commented on how smooth the ride is and how comfortable the car is. The power steering is well-balanced but could do with a bit less assist. I do not find any problem with the braking nor with gentle acceleration. Fuel economy is decent--not horrible but not super. In my case I use a gallon more fuel per week than I used to with my Mustang.

• 

  Fords great cars - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mel Hiller - March 31 - 8:10 am

  Every thing about Ford Flex Limited is exceptional. It looks huge but is actually no longer, maybe wider by inches than my 2006 Freestyle SEL. I love the way it handles and so quiet!

• 

  Supercharged GT is Super - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By tommyboy - March 31 - 7:16 am

  Our 05 Supercharged Mustang GT Premium is a real blast to drive! We loved the stock 300 H.P. Stang as it came, after we added the Vortech SQ polished Supercharger with the matching air-to-water intercooler she really came to life! The Supercharger with the intercooler is the answer to serious Stang 500 H.P. The Vortech is a real addition to the beauty of this car as well. We show it in the local CA. car shows and people always flock around to check it out.We take people out for a little test drive and they are always so surprized at the power this Stang will display."Im still shaking" is not uncommon. In terms of bang for the buck, you cant beat the supercharged Stang!

• 

  Awesome! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MustangLover - March 31 - 4:49 am

  Have Mustang blood due to multiple Mystangs owned by parents. Had to sell a rare "Q-code" 73 Cobra Jet Mach I while in graduate school, but promised I would replace it with a better car. 06 GT is faster, better looking, better handling, gets better mileage, is safer, its better in nearly every way! Power is very impressive and surprises most. This car is quick and sounds wonderful. I love my Mustang, but did knock off an interior design point due to stupid cup holder location.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By firstf150 - March 30 - 5:06 pm

  First I was planning to buy a car but then I saw the oppurtunity to buy a truck around the same price of a car and decided to go with the truck. I made a great choice. I am really happy with this truck; dont plan on selling it anytime soon