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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  Pretty Good Little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tink7796 - September 10 - 10:26 pm

  This vehicle handles very well in the snow and in the everyday around town driving. However it is VERY VERY VERY sluggish on the highway or going up hills. Also the cruise control is not very good (you will either go 5 mph under or 5 mph over where you have the cruise control set). If you are looking for a vehicle to commute in, TRY THE 6 cylinder or another vehicle all together! If you are looking for a cheap, reliable SUV to get around town in, this is the one for you.

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  Great little automatic 4x4 SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By tracycali - September 8 - 8:01 pm

  Bought in 2003 w/60000 miles on it. Now has 120,000 and still runs like new with only regular maintenance. We have family that live in the Sierras at the end of a dirt and gravel road. This little 4x4 always makes it up there no problem with all-season tires; mud, snow, whatever. I added a class 3 bolt-on 4 point hitch receiver and it tows a 3500lb boat/trailer no problem. Just had dings removed and repainted same dark teal metallic and it looks like MONEY!

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  Stalling Issue - Another Example - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By bert - September 8 - 10:23 am

  Its back in the dealership which seems unable to fix the problem of unexpected stalls whether traveling on the interstate or in the mall parking lot. I wonder how many others are experiencing this safety issue? Ford Motor seems unaware of the issue.

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  Ah, my sport trac, how I love it. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By alidawoo21 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my Explorer Sport Trac. It is fun and easy to drive. The problem with most four door trucks with full sized back seats is that they are so darned long, they are hard to drive. I love my Explorer because it drives like an SUV, but I can haul stuff like a truck. I only have two complaints: 1.mine didnt come with a cover for the bed, so if it rains I have to put the stroller in the back seat, and 2.the gas mileage isnt that great.

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  Ford Focus ZX3 Review - 2000 Ford Focus
  By almdtb - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for what is almost 3 months now. I havent had any problems with it at all. Ive recently gotten the windows tinted and added a spoiler, it is a very hot little car. I am very happy to own it.

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  Hanover Ford - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dick Wolan - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a used vehicle and 2001 (four years old) and was very surprised at the quiet and comfortable ride. It is a pleasure to drive this vehicle. I was looking for an SUV originally but after test-driving this car my search was over. I paid $11,977 in August of 2001 for a 1997 model year car! Was I crazy? A friend told me I should be able to get 150,000 miles from this vehicle. I currently have 103,000 miles on this car.

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  great new design - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rasalter - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, plenty of room inside, dvd player great for trips with kids, electric fold down third row seats wonderful, excellent turning capability-turns on a dime. Have had it in shop twice for rotors to be turned and drivers side mirror electrical malfunction. Otherwise, I recommend it highly

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  The good and bad. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mr. breeze - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The ford expedition is an exceptional truck.its easy to drive,comfortable,and looks good.

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  Fun but Noisy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Blanston12 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Good performance, comfortable to ride, very stable but corners slopy, interior noisy at freeway speed. Have had some problems under fixed under warrenty, rear wiper (x2), Transmission, gas tank sensor. It performed well but not sure I would buy another.

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  Wahoo, I got a Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Zim - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Engine is powerful and has good torque. Seems to be engine rattle when cold passing through first and second gear.