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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  We bit the bullet - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Family on The Go - August 10 - 2:33 pm

  Finally, our family of 6 has room to travel with book bags, lacrosse sticks, gym bags, basketball bags, and swim bags ... and no one loses an eye or gets stepped on while exiting the vehicle! My husband and I did not want to take on the gas mileage, and we did not want the noise of the diesel, so we hesitated about buying the Excursion. I wanted a Suburban. What convinced us? The value of Excursion over the Suburban and the Toyota Sienna that we considered. We got more for our money in cargo room, and a luxury interior, and the Excursion costs 400 less dollars per year to insure than the other. We wouldnt go back. We love our Excursion, and so do the kids!

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  fully loaded - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By eric - August 10 - 1:42 pm

  I love this car, itÂ’s the best that I owned. I have a fully loaded GL model. I drove smaller vehicles and as soon as I purchased this one I fell in love with the Taurus. Soooo comfortable and smooth it is just relaxing to drive around and home from work. I suggest the Taurus to anyone.

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  My Childhood Dream Car Come True - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By BryanJMcLaughlin - August 10 - 2:12 am

  Since I was a child, I wanted a 50s T- Bird, and now that I have my black on black 2002, all of my dreams have been realized. She turns heads wherever I take her. The chrome wheels together with the chrome trim around the windshield really set the car off. It is more responsive than my Mustang GT. Honestly my most favorite of all the vehicles Ive ever owned.

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  f150 review - 1993 Ford F-150
  By smith1228 - August 10 - 1:45 am

  The only problem Ive ever had with my F-150 was a windshield wiper malfunction that was covered under warranty - I have had it 12 years and it is just as reliable today as the day I bought it. Love it!

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  joeys explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By BDBOY - August 9 - 9:43 pm

  I FOUND THE EXPLORER TO BE FUN TO DRIVE, AND VERY RELIABLE, SPORTY LOOK, AND VERY ROOMY INSIDE.

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  last of the Taurus SEL Wagons - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By chris p - August 9 - 5:05 pm

  Have had 30 days. Great features -- moon roof, MACH stereo, great ease of audio and climate systems. Good highway mpg = 27. Only issue -- at 900 miles appeared to have transmission fluid leak, but dealer said it was over filled at factory. Hopefully no more remaining issues.

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  The last of the 5.0 - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Nosstang331 - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  I own a 95 GT Mustang. It is the 8th Mustang to sleep in the stable. After owning 6 foxes and a 4.6GT, this is with out a doubt my favorite of the bunch. It is extremely reliable, as all 5.0s have been for me. The interior is nice and comfortable. The car rides great and gets pretty good gas mileage. I usually get about 295 miles a tank with mine. And thatÂ’s with 3.73 gears. The only downfall I see with the mighty 5.0 is, in stock form, itÂ’s underpowered. ItÂ’s a good base to start with 225hp and there are plenty of aftermarket parts to make these cars scream. I have no complaints and highly recommend any one buy a 5.0.

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  Almost as much fun as my Stang was! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By X-StangOwnr - August 8 - 8:28 pm

  I just took delivery of this truck on 8/6/05. So far I am very pleased with its capabilities and appearance. I traded the 2000 Mustang due to rising fuel costs. But having a brand-spankin new Ford Truck with good mpg is worth it! I really like the ride height and the 16" wheels wrapped in BFGs. Makes my 4x2 look like a 4x4. I also got the Dark Shadow Gray Metallic paint...BEAUTIFUL! As for value, I bought it under Fords Family Plan. The sticker was $18,788. I paid $12,620! If youre gonna buy a Ford ... DO IT NOW! AWESOME DEALS!

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  Upgraded from the 2011 Escape. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Richard McKeever - August 8 - 6:30 pm

  I bought the Base Explorer. I had the XLT Escape. I dont miss any of the features I had on the XLT. I mainly wanted a SUV that had 6 cylinders, and this came standard. I Love my new Explorer! Plenty of power, smooth ride, excellent steering. Just got back from a 6 hour there and 6 hour return trip. I have a herniated disk, and my back felt great after the long drive. My wife loves how it feels on the road, and how quiet it was inside. I averaged 25 miles to the gallon on the highway, and 18 in the city. It is very comfortable, and the sound system is great. The only thing I was disappointed with, was that I couldnt add the factory fog lamps to it. Ford should add the harness to it for those that wish to add them to it. Oh well Fords loss. I highly recommend this model to family and friends. In fact I already have.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By centenial - August 8 - 4:26 pm

  I had this Ford since I bought it. I had every intention of keeping it except for an accident that almost could have claimed my life. But due to the good lord and a well built vehicle we survived the accident although the Explorer was totaled. I had nothing but good driving experience with this truck. Very spacious, comfortable, and quiet, and plush. The only drawback that I was working on fixing was the need for at least a 4" lift, and than I believe this SUV would be a very capable 4x4.