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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  96 XLT V8 after 8 years & 120,000 miles - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Clockmaker - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. Its never been out of service. Most miles are highway at or above speed limits, but quite a few are off-road in Colorado mountains. The ride is not very good on-highway and is jarring off-road. AWD is faultless. Overall MPG about 16-17, OK considering CO winter fuel. Interior and exterior design were state-of-the-art when bought,are still OK but dated.Interior still makes sense. I rate performance high because it has always done what I asked- towed trailers, off-roaded, passed in tight situations, stopped well in emergency situations. I still havent added a quart of oil between changes. Result: my next SUV will be an Explorer.

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  I think I made the right choice... - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By skyman_evans - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my 2002 Ford Taurus SES. It rides smooth, is roomy, and has a comfortable feel. The only problem I have had so far is a few parts in relating to the heat and air had to be replaced. I would recommend this car to others.

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  Sick I Traded it - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By papa9x - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely loved the truck. Parking was a bit difficult, but the capacity, and convenience made this the absolute king. Anywhere, any time taking anything. Decided to trade (when I had the flu) to save fuel among other things. I have a large family, my boys and I hunt, fish, camp, and generally haul a fair amount of stuff. In an instance of insanity I traded for an Escape, and have regretted that decision every day since. If Ford does discontinue this vehicle due to pressure from the environmentalists, they will disenfranchise many.

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  323playa XLT 5.4 is a great value - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By 323playa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I think that the 5.4 XLT is great value.So far so good with reliability. (knock on wood).I got all the E.B. features on mine with the running boards,fog lights leather, third row ect. Gas isnt the best but it is a big suv and gas prices are high.I heard if u remove third row seat you could save a mile per gallon.So far i am happy with my expo.It runs very strong.

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  Buy This Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By sordog - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Moving from a 300M to the Focus SE was scary, but once I drove this car I loved it!. The best handling of any car I have driven. Cruises around 75-80, and gets 28-30 mpg.

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  Its a typical Ford - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Katey - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is PITIFUL!! 16.5/city, 17.8/hwy -- AND the gas gauge needle would not go all the way to FULL -- very aggravating! And no OOMPH!! Very "bogged down" when getting onto xprsway. Other than that, it is comfortable, lots of leg room ALL around. Radio isnt the greatest... Air/defrost fan works well rear defrost coils dont. The pull up/apart feature of the armrest/cup holder, etc. (between the front seats) is not very well designed -- too many little spaces to keep clean. And the "pull tabs" on the back seats to "enlarge" cargo room (or hide small possessions from view easily??) are silly and very obvious!

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  Ranger 4X4 SuperCab 4-Door FX4-Level II - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By TruckLarry - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding initial build quality. Tight, perfect paint, no sqeaks or Rattles. Everything screwed together very well. Cabin layout is near perfect and well designed. Switchgear is tactile and solid. 4.0L V6 has plenty of power and torque. BFG All Terrain KO 10.5X31X15s are superb in the snow. Torsen limited slip is a definite improvement over a standard Limited Slip in the snow. Above tires, wheels and rear are specific to the FX4- Level II package. I have the 5 speed Automatic, which was not listed as an option here on the review site.

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  Gone to Salvation Army - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By kcn6829 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  wuz a gud car till transmission died

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  Fun Vehicle - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Big MK - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive.

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  At 162,000 miles it is going strong! - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By JM Preston - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This van has traveled the Western US and Canada from Anchorage to the Baja and in weather from -60 F on the Alaska Highway to 111 F in the Utah desert. It has lived in Anchorage, Seattle, and San Jose. Other than a problem with the oil pan gasket leaking twice and Ford standing by their faulty repair ($500) there has only been routine maintenance. Interior storage is excellent and it hauls large and heavy loads. We packed it to the max for the move from Seattle to San Jose and it didnt sag down in the back. Great gas mileage for a truck at 24 - 25 mpg. Paint has held up very well with minimal waxing (every couple of years when I remember).