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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  my truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By shaggydog - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Over all it is an ecellant truck except for the rear quarter panels are bad for rusting.Perhaps better material woould have made a difference.The only problem mechanically is the starter sticks and the idle sensor needs replacing.

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  tbird - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By price - December 1 - 2:00 am

  At 90,000 miles I had to replace the heads at a Ford dealership, but am still having problems. Ive replaced the switch twice now for my headlights and am once again having problems with the lights flickering and the brights dont work. However, it is pretty dependable, I have 145,000 miles on my Bird and the body is in great shape, no rust and its comfy and roomy.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By WW - November 30 - 6:13 pm

  This is my third Explorer (54000 mi), 2nd Eddie Bauer, car is great for about 40,000 miles and then look out. Just replaced the rear end clutch pack, at my 50% expense ($279). Now they want to put a new transfer case ($1500) and rear wheel bearings ($769). Its frustrating, but the cars drivetrain is just not strong enough. Im just gonna get rid of the car. Well built otherwise, but if the car whines and grinds, youre gonna be unhappy.

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  a/c compressor noise - 2005 Ford Focus
  By marks1355 - November 30 - 4:03 am

  When I test drove my ZXW the a/c charge was low so there was no noise. As soon as it was charged and new coolant was put in there was a loud clicking every 30 seconds. Ford say that is normal. That sound is the a/c compressor working. I hate the loud click and would not bought the vehicle if I heard it during my test drive. I love driving my ZXW, but what do I do to shut this car up.

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  I love it. - 1997 Ford F-150
  By MattyMatty - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck. It has not failed me and runs great every time it is started.

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  So close... - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Pat Richard - November 29 - 8:16 pm

  Not a bad ride. My 4WD unit rides nice, and handles well. Traction control works great. Mileage hovers right around those listed - even better sometimes on the highway. The sound system in mine (6 CD stereo w/ MP3 playback) sounds really good. Mine has the power pedals, but they hardly get used.

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  The SuperCrew rocks! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Seebee65 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  We love this truck! We bought it in Dec. 2002, and have 6000 miles on it. It seats 6 comfortably, rides well (for a truck), 4WD works great in snow, loose dirt and gravel, and has bed capacity to haul sofas, refrigerators, recliners, boards, etc. The optional bed extender is handy. No problems with the truck whatsoever. The power is plenty adequate for whatever I will haul or tow. It is so much more luxurious than anything we have owned before, and light-years better than the 2000 Dodge QuadCab we had. We paid $27.5K for it including the tow package and some other goodies, a bargain in my book for a truck that looks this good and works this well.

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  Good Car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By aldo - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Surprising power with decent gas milage. Good on long trips with the family. Plenty big trunk. Handles well, steering kind of twitchy. Drivers seat uncomfortable but with electric adjustability I can usually find an acceptable position. My friends love this car on road trips.

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  I like - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Ford4me - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I like this SUV. It drives really well and is a good all around vehicle to use.

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  mysterious smell - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By cindyp - November 29 - 10:00 am

  i like my 2003 ford taurus lx as far as its comfort and fuel enconomy. i have about 4500 miles on it as of april 2003. the only problem with the car is that it gives off a weird smell that smells like oil or exhaust. i have taken it to the dealer,but they cant find anything wrong. they have deoderized the heating and a/c system,but smell comes back. i have no problem with the way the car runs though. just frustrated with the mysterious smell.