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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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By scooty - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Alot of options for the money.The 4.0 SOHC motor has plenty of horsepower.Beware of the timing chain tensioner problems and intake manifold gasket problem,though.Recall on these will fix it,but warranty runs out 7 yr/84000 miles.I have had no major problems with this vehicle.Only problems so far were two thermostats and front end alignment.It could use some shocks.All in all Im satisfied with this SUV.

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  1998 Ford Escort ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By RodDogKen - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Features: Automatic and A/C. Front-wheel drive. Only 23,500 miles in 5 1/2 years. Everything still works well! Right front wheel-bearing was replaced/was making a noticable noise.

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  Awesome Engine...too bad its in a Ford! - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By 18Driver - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car from a private owner in 1998 w/71,000 miles on it. Put another 70,000 on it before selling it in 2001. Hands down the Yamaha 3.0 liter is one of the finest 24v V-6s ever made. Its a darn shame they stopped making it. The worst part about this car is the taurus guts. A total piece of garbage. I spent thousands keeping this car absolutely perfect and it still had some small problems when I sold it. It ate struts, brakes, batteries, clutches and had a myriade of electrical problems.

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  Show and tell - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Bruce Keen - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Good pick-up, will keep for many more years.

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  Most Versatile Vehicle! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jim Johnson - August 31 - 6:16 am

  The Sport Trac ("ST") excels as an automotive Swiss army knife. It has decent performance and handling, seats five in comfort, functions surprisingly well as a pickup, and handles snowy roads with aplomb. And unlike the Chevy Avalanche, it doesnt look like it was designed by a committee. Simply the most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  Id buy another one - 1992 Ford F-150
  By therok6942 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck from my dad more than 2 years ago. The only things ive had to replace are normal wear and tear items such as brakes belts and tires and such. I consider this one of the safest vehicles ive ever driven because I can sit so high up and see over the other cars. I was in one wreck with a Saab(his fault) and I can say that i came out on top.

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  Bam - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Felonious - August 31 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck ...but.... I was in an accident at about 10 m.p.h. and smash....$11,500 damage to the front end of the truck...But I did do $300 in damage to the 86 Chevy I ran into....Luv the truck, but don`t look at the front end wrong the crumplezone is a bad thing

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  nice van - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Bob4634 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  its a nice van, plain and simple can do lots of work. Useful for small bisniesse

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  New 2003 Excellent - 2003 Ford Escape
  By PWABUSCH - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I spent major time looking and test driving Hyundai , Honda , Mazda etc. and reading reviews on all of them including Ford Escape. This smaller midsize SUV is about the very best "bang for the buck" . I used to have a Ford Explorer so let me tell you guys , this Escape is NO ladies SUV. Great ride , vision , mileage and plenty of power to tow my 18 foot LUND boat!

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  2002 Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By OldCIO - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with quality, comfort, convenience. Criticism of "twitchy steering" is overstated. Reasonable driving habits is all that is required. Fuel consumption is greater than the EPA estimate by 2 mpg on both City and Highway (12 vs 14 and 15 vs 17) Very capable towing. Hugh internal space for people and gear. No factory flaws - No complaints.