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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  BEST EXPLORER IVE HAD - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By RON G - October 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER SINCE 1990, AND ITS THE BEST. THE RIDE, THE QUALITY, THE WHOLE PACKAGE IS SO IMPROVED. BEFORE I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER, I CHECKED OUT THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. AFTER THE TEST RIDE AND CHECKING OVER THE VEHICLE, I RAN BACK TO FORD AND ORDERED MY EDDIE BAUER, WITH THE V-8. IM VERY PLEASED THAT I DID. THE TRAILBLAZER WAS SMALLER AND JUST DIDNT HAVE THE QUALITY OF THE EXPLORER. IF YOU ARE AN OWNER OF AN OLDER EXPLORER, TAKE THE TIME AND CHECK THE NEW ONE OUT.

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  5 SP SEL Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By R Bates - October 31 - 8:53 am

  So far the Fusion has continued to impress me. The 4 cylinder 5 speed SEL combination was hard to find, but well worth the hunt. The handling is very direct with a European flavor which I appreciate. Try the 5 speed before you fall in the automatic crowd, you wont regret it. So far reliability has been perfect without any hint of problems, rattles, etc.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Davesw - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I am thrilled with this SUV. Its performace for cost is wonderful. Home run for Ford!

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  My Ford - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Michael G Strother - October 30 - 10:43 am

  I have owned my truck for only two months. The comfort and initial quality of the vehicle are outstanding. It provides a smooth quiet ride and plenty of power to get the job done. The steering and handling are superb, especially considering the size of the vehicle. The appearance and styling of the vehicle is second to none. No other truck on the market, in my opinion, can match the tough, bold, appearance of the Ford.

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  Perfection! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Herbert - October 30 - 1:46 am

  I traded up from a 1994 Mustang 5.0. What a drastic difference in performance, comfort and styling. Every day I catch people staring at my vehicle. The Shaker 1000 stereo system sounds better than my home stereo.

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  great truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By justin - October 29 - 9:42 pm

  I purchased this truck as a prior salvage that had been repaired. I have abused this truck in every way imaginable and have had no problems other than general maintenance. I put 110000 miles on this truck in two years. Almost all of those miles were highway with the governor holding me back. I have hauled four wheelers, motorcycles, concrete, railroad timbers just anything i can fit in it. Replaced shocks at 130,000 miles, crank sensor at 150,000 miles. Replaced belt tensioner at 176,000 miles. I have rarely changed the oil on time and once went over about 11,000 miles. I have recently had front end end work done. I havent even changed the plugs or wires and the truck still runs great.

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  My BlueStang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BlueStang - October 29 - 10:46 am

  I have had this vehicle for a little over a month and I must say that it is a keeper. SO fun to drive and the gas mileage isnt bad either. I am so heavy on the pedal that I can make a econocar get bad gas mileage. The Mustang likes to be pushed. And the 5 speed is fun!

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  45mpg average - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tony - October 29 - 6:50 am

  excellent fuel economy, impressive interior and features, solid feel, seating is a little uncomfortable and interior feels a little on the tight side.

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  My SportTrac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jerry - October 29 - 6:40 am

  Researched all lines of truck like this and found the SportTrac the best looking and functional fit. The complete redesign for 2007 puts it way ahead of the competition. Recommend trying and deciding for yourself instead of heeding the biased reviews given domestic cars and trucks today. Go Ford!

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  I truly plan to keep my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jltacy - October 29 - 1:37 am

  I plan to keep my Explorer until the most expensive thing that can go wrong, goes wrong. I have only had 1 small part replaced since I bought it in 2002. I cannot imagine driving a car again. I am spoiled. It has over 110,000 miles on it and I have had no major repairs, only wear and tear items. Yes it gets 15 - 16 miles per gallon, but when you are not making payments that quite a savings.