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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  Great Value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Rick in Saint Louis - January 9 - 7:24 pm

  I wanted to buy a used car with about 40,000 miles. I looked at the Accord and the Camry. I couldnt find either for under $15,000. I found a great looking 2003 Ford Taurus for $8,500. I love the car. It drives great, looks good and I have an extra $6,500 in my wallet. Check out Consumer Reports on the 2003 Taurus as well. I wanted a reliable car and while Ive only owned it two months, I have NO regrets. This is one great value.

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  Love My Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Pdupp - January 9 - 11:40 am

  Bought my 2003 Expedition Certified Pre-Owned in 2004 with ~31,000 miles on it. It felt, drove, and seemed just like new. Havent had any problems with it. Love it still as of January 2007!

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  Limited 4X4 V8, 07 - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By suvfan - January 8 - 8:35 pm

  Pick up the truck 2 days ago. During the first 2 days of ownership, I have to say that we enjoy the truck very much, quiet, smooth, wonderful stereo (audiophile) equipment, user friendly DVD and fully integrated Nav system. Independent suspension is probably one of the best in the market. Ventilated disks are very responsive. The award winning V8 definitely deserves its reputation as one of the top 10 engine of the world. The gas mileage is the same as Duratec V6 and is better than most trucks in the market including Japanese competitors.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Citroen - January 8 - 1:27 pm

  I bought this truck for light towing and general pickup use. I have had it since June of 04 and have had no problems with it. It is a small truck so if you are 6 ft. or over you may want to go extended cab.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tea5 - January 7 - 9:55 pm

  Took delivery of vehicle yesterday. Acceleration definitely adequate for entering busy main roads. This was a major reason I chose this car over the Prius, a 50 horsepower advantage makes a big difference. Very quiet inside - active noise cancellation works. Gave reliability a 4, but I cant really comment on this from my first day with the car. Fit and finish are excellent. Extremely easy to sync phone with the dash system via bluetooth.

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  Great Value - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By tlc75372 - January 7 - 9:44 pm

  All around great value, fun to drive and reliable vehicle. I have looked at many other vehicles including sedans since purchasing this one tempting myself to trade, but every time I come to the same conclusion that my Explorer was a tremendous value and that I would be trading down or drastically overpaying for something else. I dont know if the great deals are still out there but it was impossible at the time for any other dealer to come even close to the price/value of the Explorer XLS.

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  Love my 2016 Explorer XLT - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By John D. - January 7 - 2:26 pm

  Very comfortable, refined, and looks great. Only have 1000 miles on it so far, but it is performing excellently.

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  Driving 07 Expedition in winter mountia - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By RWC, Phoenix - January 7 - 12:24 pm

  First trip was to Kaibab forest cabin northwest of Flagstaff for Christmas/New Year 2007. Four days of cold and 1.5 ft of snow. Truck drove faultlessly over back/forest roads in 4WD auto. Heater and all auto defrosters excellent. Independent rear suspension excellent on rough roads. Excellent driving and handling from and to Phoenix on freeways with full load. Mileage up from Phoenix 16.24mpg down from Flagstaff 17.3 mpg. Nice creature comforts: satellite radio, and DVD for grandson.

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  High five Ford! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By jigmaster - January 7 - 4:26 am

  Had my TX for a month now, 1500 miles on it. Very happy with purchase, did lots of research on crossovers and test drives ( tested Acadia,Outlook,Suzuki XL7, Mazda CX9 ) and TX was the best handling and most fun car to drive. Plus price and fuel economy is the best as well. Dont understad how some drivers are driving if they geting lower MPG than advertised? Hello, whats about using cruise control and other fuel saving tips? I am getting 24mpg average, althought I must admit I drive 70-80% on highway. But even in city never got less then 18.5MPG. But of course if you like to push gas pedal to the floor and strain that new 3.5 lt engine all the time, than thats what you get;)

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  very happy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy Westerberg - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is so nice inside that I almost forget I am driving!! very comfortable, roomy, great detail in design, sheer joy to drive, can do a uturn better than my old Voyager.