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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  2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4WD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By wbaries - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Completely new underneath, great styling and improvements, inside and out. Great handling and cornering. Plenty of space inside, especially with the power fold rear seat down.

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  Very Happy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Ethan - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We bought our first Windstar in 1999, have since bought a second (2002), and will shortly buy our third. I cant tell you how happy we have been. The only time spent in the shop has been for the recalls and this seems to be a very small price to pay to make sure the van is running well. With cars from other manufacturers that I have owned in the past, this includes German and Japanese cars, I have had to make similar types of repairs, but I had to pay for them.

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  2001 FORD F-150 SPRCB XLT - 2001 Ford F-150
  By MARSHALL - August 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE - 3RD SPRCAB AND THE 6TH FORD VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED!

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  2001 Bullitt - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Tansley - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive, and reliable. The only thing is the gas mileage. Its a guzzler.

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  In 2001, Best sedan for the money. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By jjuhring - August 7 - 1:46 am

  Bought the car new in 2001. This is the SES model with 24 valve V6, 200HP, center console shifter and 6-disc CD changer. Purchased the car for the following reasons: Quieter on the freeway and $5,000 less than equally equipped Accord, sleek looks, VERY roomy interior both front and back, 200HP V6, leather seats, adjustable pedals, all for under $21,000. Now has 97,000 miles (almost all highway). Reliability has be very good. Brakes were just replaced at 85,000 miles, and fuel pump just died last week. No other problems so far. Engine and transmission still run strong, no rattles or interior noises, after washing it still looks new. Replaced original Continental tires at 60k miles.

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  Happy Owner - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Owner - August 6 - 5:00 pm

  I usually get a new car every 2 years. I have kept this one longer than any other. We have three active boys. We have taken 3 cross country trips without any problems. The VHS entertainment package is a life saver on those trips. The 4.6L engine has enough power to haul trailers, boats and horses.

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  putt-putt - 1998 Ford Contour
  By niriana - August 5 - 4:46 pm

  Awesome first car. Easy and smooth driving. Not too old and not too new. Excellent for first time driver.

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  Review 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Loaded - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By John Minor - August 5 - 12:40 pm

  I need a dependable used SUV for some light off road trips for camping and fishing. Found this one with 166,000 miles on it but for its year it was in excellent condition. The leather seats were still in very good condition with no cracks or tears. The V8 engine is powerful and can pull a trailer it boat. The car drives nice both on and off the highway. It doesnt have all the safety bells and whistles a new explorer would, but it was perfect for my needs. Best of all was the price-$4500!!!

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  Big Safe Luxurious and Thirsty - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By thirstyButSafe - August 5 - 6:05 am

  This vehicle was in my family since new bought two new ones to get fleet discount. Wife and I just bought one of them from family. We were looking at BMW 5 series for safety and sportiness and at other sports sedans. We tried this out and were sold immediately. Entertainment package keeps kids happy and quiet. It is like a moving living room, comfy and safe. Steel girders in doors for side impact. "Handsome" styling. We said we would never buy one but once we drove it we loved it. Very easy for my petite wife to drive, drives like much smaller vehicle. Very luxurious inside and a lot of room. We are on CA freeways and I never worry about my wife and kids being safe in this thing. It is a luxury liner

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  Love my big Ford - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Iowa Bill - August 4 - 11:03 pm

  Just finished a 4,416.6 mile trip from IA to CA and my overall milage was 26.3 at 75MPH+. Took I-35 & I-80 out there then 101 to north CA and then i-80 home. Drove flatland and the high passes in the Mountins. I could not ask for a better car for the trip. Ford please do kill this car or it sister ships off. They are the best road trip cars around. Mine is a LX with the 224 hp single exhust and I never wanted for power in the hills.