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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  Could be better, could be worse - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JamesH - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very nice SUV. The extremely poor ride is the worst characteristic. Ample power is delivered by the V-6 but at the high cost of gas guzzling. The ride is high and the interior compartment very nice. The NBX package sports a nice rack on top and an interior that is almost indestructable. I would recommend as long a gas guzzling is not a concern. Oh, and if you have trouble climbing into vehicles this is not the auto for you. The off-road suspension and 17 inch wheels make it pretty high.

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  Love It - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Louis Davidson - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. I owned a 2000 Focus Sedan and really liked it, but it lacked something. That something was 40 horses and a 6-speed. Excellent handling, solid power, and fantastic styling. Have had one problem that took a long time to get repaired due to backordered parts, but the SVT product comes with a free loaner so it was not a big problem. One word of caution, I have bent two of the wheels on some of the nasty potholes in Nashville, TN this year due to the horrible winter we had. The low-profile tires couple with the tight suspension can make for a bumpy ride when the pavement is broken up.

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  Good Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By forduser - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been a greaat truck with even alright fule milage. Great ride and even manageable to haul family around in.

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  windstar - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By dlb - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The doors sensors act up every so offend. On our past vacation the door ajar light would come on an the interior lights would stay on. While out of the van the light would just come on so we had to take out the fuse which by the way so work the power windows. When we got home, I was told to spray all door latches with WD40. It seemed to have worked

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  97 Ford Mustang - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Hubbell - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall it is a very good car. I enjoy driving it bacause it handles well and looks great. What it lacks in luxury and comfort it makes up for in fun and flash, but a second cup holder would have been nice. I will say I had to do a few minor repairs. Twice I have had coolant leaks that were pretty major work. Other than that it was just the usual belts and plugs kind of repair. I also recently had to replace an ignition coil. Overall it was a pretty reliable car.

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  Taurus X-tra - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Mr Leight - July 10 - 9:30 pm

  Just three weeks and 1200 miles into our journey with the 2008 Taurus X. First, this is far better vehicle than last Taurus I drove. This Taurus comes equipped with confident steering and a much improve ride and enough cup holders for three families. Ride and feel are improved, fit and finish is generally very good. The all wheel drive will be welcomed when the weather changes and much to my surprise we averaged almost 25 MPG on a quick road trip, covering 600 miles. First impressions are important and so far we like the Taurus X so much weÂ’ve got to give it an A. So, chalk one up for the blue oval guys, theyÂ’ve made a good first impression with the Taurus X.

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  Nothing to complain about - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Solid Car - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 Taurus GL with a 3.0 engine 7 years ago and have had very little problems. I can remember only once having it worked on and that ended up being a simple repair. With 94,000 miles on it I couldnt ask for a better family car.

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  vacation van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cmp253 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I took the van on a 1000 mile vacation the next day after purchasing the van. I was pleased with the performance and the interior room. My 4 and 1 year old kids loved the VCR.

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  Check them starter cables!!!! - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By doublej - July 9 - 2:00 am

  As of July 2002, I am on my 2nd Starter in 2 months...the mechanic finally figured out the cables were bad. Overall...its a dependable truck...however, the absence of simple cup holders is a major drawback. A little slow out of the starting gate when running the air conditioner. Replacement mirrors (outside door) cost a small fortune to replace. If you are experiencing starter problems...replace the cables as well!

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  great truck! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By sinner_saved - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ok, its a little small, but I could always rely on this truck. I hauled music equipment, mountain bikes, and people in this bad boy, and Im talking TRIPS! I had no reservations about taking it far from home for a getaway, and it was perfect for me and my girlfriend. Dont get this if you have kids, or if youre a big and tall type. The 93 ranger is WAY reliable and super easy to maintain. I would advise to get the king cab, however. It is a SMALL truck!