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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  Run away fast! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Forditaboutit - April 19 - 5:14 pm

  I had this car for only two years. It developed a problem with the spark plugs that caused it to die (momentarily) when I hit 70. A thousand dollars later, that was fixed. Then the transmission went. Two thousand dollars later, that was fixed. Then, just last week, a piston rod broke free and destroyed the engine. This car was less than five years old, and had less than 100,000 miles on it. Never again. I am done trying to support the domestic auto industry. I dont expect much from a car. But I certainly expect more than the Escape provided.

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  Might Be a Mistake - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By mike - April 19 - 11:31 am

  I bought this truck used and within 6 months i have had to replace the U- joint on the drivetrain, the entire braking system, heater core and the heat has also stop working and the dealership has no idea why.

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  Unique Vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kevin639 - April 19 - 10:43 am

  Very nice five passenger SUV with the ability to haul a small about of materials. Get the tail gate extender and soft bed cover - well worth it. Only draw back is the gas milage - 18 mpg.

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  My poor poor bed :( - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Katore - April 19 - 9:41 am

  The XLT is definitely worth the extra few bucks but I am thoroughly disappointed with the longevity of the bed and front quarter panel in regards to the rust factor. Fords knows for rusting out, the bed body in particular is not the best of design. outside of that, the auto lock in hubs are amazing, the loaded cab is excellent, and the engine and drive train reliability all get high ratings in my book. 5 speed auto transmission would be nice however. For those of you who seem to be confused as to what 1/2 ton means, it is not the towing capacity but the weight of the trucks frame directly relating the strength of the frame to how bad you can beat on it by its weight and thickness of metal.

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  Best one yet - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tom - April 19 - 6:16 am

  Having had 2 previous Explorers, this is by far the best. Ride quality and handling are much improved with the new platform. The v-8 gives it a needed power boost and seems to do as well as the 6 cylinder on mileage. The interior is outstanding as well as the new exterior design.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By Ed - April 18 - 6:55 pm

  I love this car. I needed space for the car seat for my new baby so I was looking for a mid to full size sedan. I actually purchased a Ford Fusion, but when I got home, I noticed that the space for the baby car seat was not adequate. So I went to the dealer and changed that vehicle for the Ford Taurus, and I am pleased that I did so. I looked also at the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Sonata. But none of them come close to the Taurus in terms of the combination of interior room, price, reliability and options.

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  1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 1999 Crown Vic P71 - April 18 - 6:10 pm

  Purchased Crown Vic in 2/08, $2700. Crown Vic has very good handling. I installed extra reflectors that are well placed, interceptor emblems, converted to honeycomb grille, impressive looking vehicle. With the spotlight, dark wheels and recognizable style, people tend to move out of the way or even better stay away. Also installed Goodyear touring type tires, ride is significantly smoother. Performance is very good but seems to shift into overdrive at a low rpm, however push the pedal and the Crown Vic has impressive power for a heavy vehicle. Interior design is basic but with the added center console it is fine. Even though the Vic is a 99 it retains the appearance of newer vehicles,

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  Gas Mileage Poor - 2006 Ford F-150
  By David - April 18 - 10:36 am

  Bought the truck in Feb 06. On board computer rated gas mileage on highway at 11.4, then after 2 months moved to 13.4. Not knowing how accurate this was, I checked the mileage myself 3 times, only to see at best 12.5 MPG. This is somewhat lower than manufacturers rating for this truck. I was greatly disappointed. Had an 02 Sierra with 5.3, got over 18 MPG with it. Ride was better, seats more comfortable. Ford looks good, but mileage not satisfactory.

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  What you would expect. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - April 18 - 9:20 am

  Right now the deals on these are unbeatable. For the price you need to pay to get into one of these there is nothing out there that can touch it. It has an average-above-average rating as a mid-size SUV at a small car price.

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  Follow Up - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Family Man - April 18 - 1:46 am

  This is a follow up report from 6/11/05. Just got back from sunny California. The trip from WA was a joy. We pulled 28 mpg and a low of 18 in stop and go (the 405 in LA stinks) with the A/C on most of the time. I had the window tinted in LA (35%) and that made the comfort in side even better. My teen age kid had no problem with some of the I5 drive back. This is a nice family car. The car now has 4500 miles on it.