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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  2013 Explorer Limited FWD - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By mustangman308 - August 5 - 7:20 am

  Really like the room & Technology of Sync & MyTouch on the controls. I know a lot has been said about Microsoft & MyTouch but its easy and I have not had any problems. It feels like the future and using a new smart phone when playing with the navigation screen. The 3.5 V-6 engine has plenty of power and the cabin is very quite & smooth ride with the 20 inch wheels. Its more than I expected when you compare the price with import luxury models. One Test Drive is all it takes !

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  One Phrase: The Best - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By bosshog85 - July 31 - 2:59 pm

  I bought this truck as the 2nd owner with 130K miles on it. The 5.0L V8 engine is a huge plus and the transmission shifts smoothly still. I still do notice the common problems in it like the radio display on the Mach stereo system going out and the rear wiper only working about 50% of the time, but theyre only minor problems. The leather seats have really held out well over the years and is built to last! The premium Mach stereo system is definitely a plus with the nice bass it booms out :] Probably going to run this truck until it dies. This truck is definitely a great example of Fords amazing quality and superiority. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Love my car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By jenalfaro23 - July 31 - 12:01 am

  I searched online for my new car, i wasnt sure what car I was looking for all i wanted was something that wasnt going to break my wallet. I submitted information to Galpin Ford and was contact within 30 minutes by Bernard Durazo. I came in for a test drive and before you know it i was in love with my car!!! It is super cute and drives very smooth. Thank you for all your help and answeing all my questions.

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  The car that will always be my first car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By cj95 - July 30 - 8:56 pm

  Beautiful! i love my 95 se, it has 366,728 mile andlooks like it just rolled out of the showroom, and it runs great! it never gave me a single problem, never replaced the engine or trans and have owned it since 05

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  2013 Ford Explorer Base model Needed the Space - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By mario_escobedo - July 30 - 9:20 am

  Just traded in my 2012 Dodge Journey (one of the worst cars I have ever bought - Never again). I was looking at a Pilot, Tahoe and Explorer. Went into the dealer on Saturday morning and test drove it. Fell in love almost immediately. I am a fairly big guy, so I needed the room. While driving I noticed that I didnt feel cramped, had plenty of leg room. I thought, this seat must be pushed all the way to the back, but NO. Back seat passengers had plenty of leg room. For family with plenty of people, this is the car for you!

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  My Flex - 2011 Ford Flex
  By colman1 - July 27 - 10:02 am

  Test drove the Durango, Pilot, Explorer, Edge, 4Runner,Highlander, MDX,Tahoe. Then there was the Flex. We loved the Flex but something was holding us back. It did everything better than everything we drove, is it the look? I kept telling my wife Form=Function, that is the beauty of the Flex. It is more than just skin deep. We still held back, looked at the competition but the Flex kept calling us back. Which of these has the luxury, space, utility, style, technology and performance we wanted. None. Back to the Flex. Found a used 2011 SEL, bought it and love it. Dont miss out the Flex is great.

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  German to American - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By torts - July 26 - 9:48 pm

  Alread forgot my bmw 1 series convertible. Enter the mustang gt convertible premium. This car is jam packed with value. The car has great ergonomics, the sync system works flawlessly, the engine is a beast of beasts and shocked me with its pure power and torque. I expected the interior of car to be cheaply made. But to my surprise the car is beautifully appointed and laid out smartly. Not cheaply done at all. The shaker stereo rocks. Crisp highs and nice lows with no distortion. Bluetooth is amazing works great with the top down and wind blowing at 60 mph. Car handles great and has a great bite on the road. No doubt you get more car then a bmw and save over 10k. Its a no brainer.

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  Well done Ford!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By 2013_explorer - July 23 - 12:16 pm

  This isnt your daddys Ford thats for sure! WOW! I have had the pleasure of owning a Ford Ranger, Explorer Sport Trac and an Escape (all leased vehicles) and this new 2013 Explorer not only sets the standard for others to follow, it has its fingers on the pulse of what Americans want in a Made in the USA vehicle. its about time Ford and an amzing job! The ride, the ammenities, the quality of the interior and exterior and the comfort are outstanding in my book, the Explorer is a tad bit shy on the towing but 5,000 lbs in a 7 passenger, wil still allow the urban family to get away for a weekend and the gas wont hit you in the pocket. Give it a look and drive. You wont be disappointed!!

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  Built Ford tough! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By theboss3350 - July 22 - 7:32 pm

  I bought my 05 f150 v6 back in 2009 and has never giving me any problems. It started off at 19,000 miles and just hit 70,000.This truck is great if your looking for something dependable and big. my only problem would be the lack of power and torque. It is very safe too I got rear ended by a expedition at a red light and it only made a small dent in my bumper. The passenger air bag also shuts off when a child is in the front, this feature could save a life.

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  Reliable & Great Value - 2007 Ford Focus
  By focus2007 - July 22 - 1:37 pm

  After owning this car for 5 years & 100,000kms later our family has had not one mechnical issue with this car. Reliability is the most important factor we consider when purchasing a vehicle no one wants to be broken down on the side of the road in these Canadian winters and this car has delivered great reliability. We have done 40+ mpg (imperial Gallons) on many road trips. The heated leather seats were the best $800 dollars option i ever bought they are so much more comfy than the standard seats, a 1400 kms trip did not leave me stiff or sore all over like most econo cars. Yes we did change those Pirellis prematurely. this is the only thing people have to complain about?? such easy fix