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:

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dexley74 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my ST for 3-weeks now and I love it more everyday (except for the scratch I put on it :( This vehicle is a blast to drive, I cant wait till summer when I can open the moonroof, and open all the windows including the rear. My only regret is I didnt get the upgraded stereo. I have the basic CD player with 4 speakers which is ok, but would like a little more now. I have the bed extender and hard cover which makes this vehicle even more versatile. It can haul plenty including my bikes and other recreational equipment. All the conveniences of an SUV and a large enough bed to haul/carry what I need.

• 

  Build to last - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Armbruster - May 9 - 12:49 am

  I bought my Ford Ranger when it was one year old in 1995. My truck had 40,000 miles on it then. 10 years later it has 227,000 miles on it! I still love this truck. Last summer I replaced the transmission and thought of getting another vehicle. I didnt need to here it is another year later and it is still driving fantastic. Through the years I have replaced one water pump (at 160,000 miles) 2 batteries, the clutch at 190,000 miles, the oxygen sensor, brakes, tires, and the faulty emergency brake recall item. I cant think of anything else. (oh, I did replace the serpentine and timing belts as a precaution at 120,000 miles). A FANTASTIC vehicle. This is my third Ranger and I will buy another.

• 

  Love it, but not my wife - 2009 Ford Escape
  By WhoFan - May 8 - 2:43 am

  Love it, but my wife has an issue with the seat head rests, front and back. I agree, the back one, way too far back to be of any issue in an accident or sleeping. Front, she thinks is to forward. I like it, but its about personal confort. Its the only issue, other than that, love to drive it. Dont know if the leather package has better head rest.

• 

  210,000 Miles and Still Ticking - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Nevada Paul - May 8 - 12:16 am

  I commute 145 miles a day in 5 years it has never left me stranded. Replaced brakes once at 190K. No major repairs. ZTEC engine, 5 speed manual transmission. By slowing down from 80 to 75 MPH, mileage went from 30 to 34 mpg. Would I buy another FORD, you bet.

• 

  GREAT UN CAR - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By pch2o - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Tis my fourth Mustang convertible and my best one.

• 

  This is an awesome ride! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ucfddd14 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  My Mustang has made me a loyal customer to Ford. I absolutely love all that the Mustang offers in terms of performance, comfort and price, but it is so much fun to drive! It puts a little American spirit in driving and I long for the open road. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable car that is sporty and fun to drive.

• 

  My first pickup - 2001 Ford F-150
  By westbound - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I moved from an SUV to a pickup of equal weight. I find it more comfortable, but more difficult to handle because of the extended wheelbase. Stopping distance is not as short as I would like. The automatic braking system prevents skids but does not seem to respond briskly enough for my taste.

• 

  totally diggin it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By quartertone - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV handles great compared with most everything we ever test drove. The seats in the xlt are the way to go. Way more comfortable than XLS. Very happy with performance of the V6 with no reportable problems. Really enjoy all amenities and so many that are standard. Will recommend to anyone who is interested in a vehicle of this type.

• 

  THE BIG BAD BULLY - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By BIG BOLD AND LUXURY - May 7 - 4:24 am

  Well what can I say the Excursion is the biggest SUV out there with just about everything you need on board. The Excursion is highly appealing unlike the Suburban with its cheap plain look.The Excursion has a very flashy exterior with its shiny grill and crystal clear lights and limo like body - the Excursion will make you look twice. With a comfortable interior youre pretty much set for the road ahead. People who review the Excursion and say its useless except for carrying up to 9 passengers and having a big cargo space hey its not any diffrent than the enormous Escalade ESV or the H2 Hummer (which looks like an an ARMY truck). If Ford discontinues this car it will be a huge mistake.

• 

  Biggest Toughest SUV Out There - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Excursion - May 7 - 3:32 am

  Overall the full 10 never had a problem. Always performs best even in harsh conditions . Always comfortable great power and torque provide amazing towing abilities. You will always be safe while in the Ford Excursion. Distinctive yet attractive look.