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:

• 

  My Car Specs - 1994 Ford Probe
  By SilentDragon_ - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is rather sprty yet comfortable in all the same sitting, exciting to drive with a nice amount of torque but I admit im happy with this purchase

• 

  Why not improve the this car? - 1996 Ford Contour
  By GEE - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I wish Ford would continued to build and improve this vehicle. Anyway, the transmission failed at 123,000 and I had it rebuilt at Cottman. Coming home from work, the transmission again failed at 209,000. I wasnt expecting the transmission to fail again. I decided to use Slick-50 transmission lubricant. Some people have warned me about using additives for the transmission. Anyway, none of the forward gears are working. I am considering replacing it with another CD4E transmission because I love the car so much. I have also replaced the timing belt and radiator.

• 

  expedition2 - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ertmarty - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second expedition. the first was a 97. I wasnt that impressed with my first one, but room and duribility were what I needed. The 2001 is much better than the 97, in interior design and quality. There is more interior storage, better quality and more standard features.

• 

  XLT-4WD-Dallas - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ramisdom - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had Expl, Sub, Tahoe...Expedition is favorite...nimble, larger, easier to park, stable, plenty of torque. Like the AWD...very tough to fishtail on ice/snow/mud...great in bad weather around N. TX. The 4.6L is most capable, have pulled small loads, trailers/boats.

• 

  good truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By mothertrucker - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had a good experience with the truck. The truck looks aggressive and has a classic design. The 302 sounds really good with glaspacks on it. The previous owner was pretty rough with it, so the bed is starting to have a few rust spots. Fuel economy is decent, if I keep my foot out of it. Most of the repairs done stem from previous owners abuse. Replaced brakes, master cylinder, fixed some body damage. Very good drivability, with good acceleration and handling. I love my truck!

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bigdaddy - February 28 - 12:40 pm

  In looking at the other reviews I must have gotten the best of the bunch. Aside from the initial rear brake problem, this car has been great. The transmission has worked flawlessly and the ride is fantastic. To fix the brake problem I went to my local parts store and purchased another brand of brakes and they have not had to be changed as frequently as before and work great! Cant say enough about the car. I would buy another but not for the $30,000.00+ price tag.

• 

  We love our Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By unney - February 28 - 2:00 am

  We just recently purchased our Explorer. So far, we love it. It rides and steers smoothly. Theres plenty of room for us, the kids and our luggage. Its very comfortable. We bought an extended warranty, because you never know!

• 

  4DR GL Sedan - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By MHD - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from an private owner with 58,000 miles, whohad purchased it from a Budget Rental store (that was probably MY biggest mistake). Hehad the transmission rebuilt. Small annoying things have gone wrong - relays, rusted rear brake caliper, windshield washer problems, etc. Larger problems - a u-joint in the steering column had to be replaced (the mechanic said this was probably a factory defect). A head gasket blew in the summer and ruined the engine (I failed to read the signs - rust in the coolan). Engine replaced from 98 Taurus - the car runs great now (sigh). The body is rusting in a rear fender well.

• 

  Stang Chang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By stangfanatic - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice Drive, Lots of power, cheap power.

• 

  F150 XLT Lariat - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Mic - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been the most reliable vehicle i have ever owned. I have only had to do basic maintenance. The body has held up exceptionally well considering the snow & salt of Ohio.