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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  Versatile 4WD SUV That Rocks! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By AirportDave - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2000 Explorer for nearly two years, and we really love it. Its very comfortable on the highway, and very capable off-road we use ours regularly to get to a Wyoming cabin at the end of a seriously rough, four mile 4-low climb. Even with four people and a big load, its great. Drive it slowly and correctly in 4-low and it does awesome. Although power was somewhat disappointing orginally, a 2.5" Dynomax cat-back exhaust and K&N cold air intake cured that. Overall, we love ours and plan to keep it a long time!

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  Awesome SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By MarbleLife - June 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Exp EB used with 50K miles and we currenlty have 70K with no problems what so ever. Runs tight, no rattles or anything. My wife and I love the handling and the room it has. Really was the best vaule for the $$$. We looked at the Toyota but it is way over priced, we figure even if the Ford did give us some problems we would still be ahead from all we saved in price. Good truck!!!!

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  Owner Review - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ponsik - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, very good body, highly reliable powertrain

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  Heart BRAKER - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By surreal - June 14 - 1:26 pm

  I love the look of the vehicle, very sporty chic looking, Ive had it two years and have had to replace the brakes twice and the rotors once, which I believe to be sub standard from the factory, and now have my suspicions about the bearings as well! Im a female, miles are all highway, and I do not do heavy braking. Im getting a LOT of road noise frequently from the front end, when its checked, its the brakes or the rotor. Now Im suspecting the bearings are bad! For my driving style, this is unacceptable for a vehicle of this type/cost to be having so many wheel problems. If used as a mans truck, worked, it would not survive long I fear. Im worried, so I bought the extended warranty!

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  Ranger XL ext cab 4x4 - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By cp - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger. Good, nimble little trucks but wont haul a whole lot.

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  Family cruiser - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By kouptheman - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Great sized sedan with all the bells and whistles. Tremendous value, under 25,000 with the free leather and sunroof package! I really enjoy its room, ride, and comfort. People cant beleive it is a Taurus and think it is a true sports car. We have almost 30,000 on the odometer and it has been trouble free. Averaging 24+ mpg on regular fuel.

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  SHO Me - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By tkymasters - June 13 - 2:00 am

  The SHO is a great performance sedan, but with many Engineering flaws. This sleeper vehicle can come out of the box like a bat out of hell. Yet, you could throw a baby seat in the back and go for a Sunday drive. Handling is awesome with the McPherson Struts.

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  been very good so far... - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gillyman32 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Has been very reliable people mover so far. Only had to replace one tie rod under warranty, probably from hitting big potholes. Transmission has been fine. To avoid problems I recommend changing trans fluid every 36,000 miles or so just to be safe. Great van for trips and hauling stuff.

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  It is what it is - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By DanDan - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a 120,000 miles on this guy and I have to say Im pretty happy. I had the gasket thing [but they fixed it for free]. I spend probably on average about 400 in extra repairs each year - which I include stuff like breaks and windshield wipers. I got my transmission fixed at 27,000 [while under warenty], and I havent had anything major since. The car works fine 51 weeks out of the year, but recently the A/C is causing my car to overheat and I need new struts so things are starting to catch up. I love my car though and I think well make it to 200,000 miles. Still has great pickup and lots of fun as long as youre not in the back seat.

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  red pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jim ward - June 12 - 2:00 am

  car runs great. one problem though, drivers side window leaks slightly when run through car wash. repair needed