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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  Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By elijeremy - March 14 - 9:03 pm

  The handling was much better than I expected, also it has a very smooth ride. I wish it had better fuel economy, but other than that a very great experience.

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  The Family Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By stinkins - March 14 - 5:56 pm

  Between my mother and I, weve had this Escape since 2003. We both love it. My major problems is that my fuel economy has been tanking since about 40000 miles or so.

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  Best Truck Built - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bob - March 14 - 12:09 pm

  I use my truck to haul around horses on a weekly basis. I put 60k miles on my truck in the last three years with 30k being in the first year alone. Never once has it acted up, skipped gears or made me feel uncomfortable while pulling horses or a box trailer. My father put over 200k on his before he sold it for a new one and I will do the same. I have never driven a truck that can outperform a Ford.

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By James C Nase - March 13 - 10:22 pm

  I do all my own maintenance, how ever I did get an after market vehicle coverage plan. I can not determine what the oil change schedule is if you only drive your car 6,000 miles a year. Love the car, but not sure if I will keep the coverage plan. I replaced the Trans and rear, trunk lid w/ spoiler, tail lights, radio, rotors, brakes, wheel inserts and some small items. this vehicle was a repo and the last owner stripped and sold some parts. Still looking for a recommended maint schedule for cars over 130,000 miles, driven at 6,000 miles per year. [contact info removed].

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  1995 AWD AEROSTAR - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Allen Ballard - March 13 - 9:47 am

  My third AWD Aerostar and best yet. I own a second 1995 AWD, my first Aerostar was a 1990 short van. All 3 vans have have been rock solid dependable with normal maintenance issues such as front CV boots, steering knuckles/bearings being the most costly, occurring in the 130-140K mile range. These vans were built at Hazelwood, MO by some of the best people that Ford has. I enjoyed working with St Louis Assembly as a supplier QA Engineer for over 13 years so I speak from experience. Both vans have over 184K and plenty of life remaining. I am now considering another 97 AWD model. Gas mileage = 17- 20mpg & same as a Windstar which has less room and utility. Aerostars build quality is far superior.

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  SUPERcrew - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jim - March 12 - 9:49 pm

  I have found that the Ford SuperCrew trucks are almost the perfect vehicle for people with a family. You can combine the comfort of a car with the usefulness of a pickup. I love my truck. I have had NO repairs other than basic maintenance (knock on wood).

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  Best buy - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Jsh502 - March 12 - 8:21 pm

  Best bang for your buck. Faster than 90% of stock street cars. Fastest street car under $50000. Recommend anyone looking for a great sports car then this is the one.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Dan - March 12 - 12:57 pm

  Having already taken a ride in the Toyota 4Runner (small headroom) and the Chevy Trailblazer (engine whine), I decided to hop into an 05 Explorer. And Im glad I did. The driving experience is a remarkable upgrade from the 97 Explorer. Its a very easy vehicle to drive and maintain (cheap insurance compared to 4Runner). Also, Im getting about 19.1 MPG with a 65% highway, 35% city driving experience which is great compared to the Tahoe.

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  Fun, Flashy, and Practical all in one! - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tena V. - March 12 - 11:56 am

  After looking for about a month at every GM vehicle in the SUV, crossover, and truck category, I found this FORD to be a much better fit for comfort, available features, power, looks, and most importantly PRICE! The Adrenalin packages gives you everything you could want in a stylish, flashy ride. The 4.6L 8cyl engine gives you the power that makes this fast and fun. Gas mileage is typical for an engine this size.

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  Great SUV - We love it |8>) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mr P - March 11 - 10:53 pm

  After doing a lot of research, and test driving, we decided on the Escape. The 2005 improvements sold us, but the dealer bent over backwards to make us a deal. Toyota and Honda dealers were not interested!!! With X-plan and rebates - we shaved $3700 off the sticker and then got top dollar for our trade-in. Chose the sport for looks (wheels- tires-steps), but side air bags were mandatory. Mileage is OK, but until engine is broken in, it will be hard to tell the actual MPG. Right now it is about 17 in town. Highly Recommended.