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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  FUN FUN FUN - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By OLDBOB - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle if you love strong acceleration, distinctive styling with an affordable price! Best bang for the buck that I found in my pre-purchase search! "Shaker" hood is the source of many questions. Seats are best surprise -- supportive, comfortable, and stylish! My greatest concern is how to maintain the finish. The paint has "sworls" (sp?) and chips easily!

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  2003 Explorer SPort - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By djd58 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Test Drove Many of the vehicles You reccomended, i dont know what you guys are thinking, Went back to the Best selling SUV on the planet and am well pleased with the Powerful Drivetrain and towing capacity if you Buy a SUV to use as an SUV I reccomend this one, if you use it Like a grocery getter then a Quaint little Honda or toyota might be more suitable for your needs

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  great suv buy Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fivestar - January 21 - 2:00 am

  love the suv its more than expected

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  Outstanding - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Howser - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Limited is great...the ride, increase in size (albeit minimal), handling, quietness, power and options (DVD entertainment system, third row seating, rear AC and the roll over safety canopy air bags) are outstanding and comforting to have. I purchased the new 2003 Limited with the monochromatic ceramic white tri-coat metalic paint, which sort of sparkles in direct sunlight and parchment leather interior. I love the look...not to mention the 17" chrome wheels. I have received a lot of complements from friends and strangers alike. Ford did a great job.

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  Ford is back - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By brett65 - January 20 - 9:50 pm

  I have stayed away from Ford for a few years and have been driving a Mazda 3. Decided to go up a size and looked at the Mazda 6 first. However, I could not beat the price on the Fusion with all of the features. It was no contest. Once I test drove Fusion it sealed the deal. Definitely the best car I have driven in a long time. Hopefully others take note and give Fusion a chance before sticking with Honda or Toyota.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By aj - January 20 - 8:38 pm

  This is a wonderful truck. The 4X4 system works great. Great gas mileage. we had a 2003 Mazda B3000 prior to purchacing this truck. The Mazda had a 3.0L V6 and the Ford has a 4.0L V6, so we were expecting to lose some gas milage, but no we did not. The Ford is just as easy on gas as the Mazda was. The 4.0L V6 has lots and lots and lots of power. The air conditioner works great.

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  Explorer sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By frank nj - January 20 - 3:53 pm

  Bough the truck new 10 years ago. I have 77,000 miles on it and the only major repairs that I have done was a transmission (after only 35,000 miles) and recently the tie rod and stabilizer cracked. Good SUV, bad fuel economy. Now the little things are going, cruise control, rear wiper, rear defogger, gasket around rear window, keyless entry

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  Mudding Machine - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By hockeyfreak55 - January 20 - 9:02 am

  I use my Bronco as a daily driver during the week and on the weekends I take it mudding through the Georgia red clay. Although mudding and off roading put years of wear and tear and the only complications I have were do to my stupid teenage invincibility beliefs totaling $1200 in parts, but I wont make that mistake twice

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  2009 Expedition Limited - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By RajaReMax - January 19 - 7:24 pm

  I bought the new 2009 Limited Expedition 1 week ago and love it. The power, luxury and features are all wonderful. I compared the Tahoe, Sequoia & Expedition and without any question, the Expedition was the best value and most luxurious of them all. The Tahoe drove & sounded like my dads 1976 Caprice Classic from 33 years ago and the mechanics seemed about as old... The Sequoia looked and felt like a huge grey elephant, although had the typical Toyota quality feel to it. The Expedition had it all and was the best when it came to power, luxury and comfort. The 2009 Nav/Sinc system, stereo, and complete list of amenities was unbelievable, not to mention it feels solid as an LS430!

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  Seems good so far - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Leon - January 19 - 4:46 pm

  I had the car for about a month. Bought it from an elderly lady. Took excellent care of it. Rides very smooth and have no problems and has a quick V6.