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 The Car Guy - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Certified Pre-Owed, at half of MSRP was and after pricing the news car it was more of a 6,000 in savings. And with the 6/75 warranty you cant go wrong. But to get this you must buy the car from a Ford dealer. This a must second Certified purchase and Im sure it wont be my last.

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  Pedal to the metal - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By GT4ME - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a convertible. I read the V-8 was a more reliable engine so I went with that. After rebate and dealer discounts, the Mustang was $2k LESS than a comparably equipped Miata. I feel safer in a larger car. I can pass other cars on the freeway quite easily now. Love driving with the top down and the exhaust sounds great. Not the best looking inside or out. And not the most reliable compared to Japanese. But thousands of $$ cheaper, so figured that would offset.

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  Good van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Homeless ministry - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This van is the easiest for my friend with the bad knees to get into and out of. That and the need for room for charity work is why I bought it. Plenty of power. Had a few problems when I first bought it, but has 56000 miles on it and has never in over a month left me stranded or had any kind of breakdown. OK ride, some people think it is quiet, but I think is a little noisy and my friends Town and Country is smoother and quieter, but not as peppy.

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  2000 Ford Mustang Review - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Crouton37 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles great. It is reliable, however gas is a big issue. Car gets on an average between 16-18 miles per gallon, mostly highway driving, with either 87 or 89 octane.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2000 Ford F-150
  By ChrisA - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Not a single problem or issue in 4 years of use.

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  2001 Lariat Supercrew w/ 5.4 Triton - 2001 Ford F-150
  By snow - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Finally bought this truck Nov. 03 used. Love it! Lots of room inside and even with the shortbed. With the leather and all the options its like sitting in a big Lincoln! Reliable so far, runs great. gas mileage is the only problem, but its expected with a vehicle this size.

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  Great Big Truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Jersey Big Dog - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent family truck, very capable in the snow and tough driving conditions. Fuel economy is what youd expect from this large truck (I avg about 12 mpg combined), power is outstanding, and bad weather capability is exceptional. Forget parallel parking.

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  Fun To Drive - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By schermen - February 20 - 2:03 am

  During summer enjoy rolling rear window down, open sun roof, feels very open. Negative is poor gas mileage. Have over 90,000 miles on it; had to replace A/C & front end parts. When in 2WD in rain or snow it gets pretty scary without weight. 4WD has a ghost, turns on and off by itself. Nice looking truck though. Bought 100,000 mile warranty; havent spent much on repairs because of that.

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  One of a kind - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Matt McCord - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is what I think the best 5.0 made. Its one of the two years for the 5.0 engine, with the newer body style. Runs strong since I had it, no problems what so ever, great muscle car.

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  Mustang 35th Anniversary - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By john canterbury - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Its a blast to drive and a real head turner espically with the top down. Big down side to me, no available "Roll Bar" offered and its a royal pain in the ___to put the tops "Boot Cover" on. The V6 could use some more HP but the gas mileage is good and the insurance rates are lower than witha V8. Just gets better with age. Recaro seats in front with be a nice touch and offer bette