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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  6th vehicle like this from Ford - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By randy - August 6 - 1:33 am

  This car style and model was always my ideal car, and when I finally bought my first one I could only one another and continued to upgrade till I have the current one I now have. Although I liked my 1997 model better than this one, only because it had all of the options and it was everything you could dream for in a luxury car and the electronic dash, I just love with the exceptional features it provides. This car is a road car fit for a tall man at 65" and needing comfort for travel. It is a highly reliable car that cannot be matched by any other car I can see on the road today. Sure it is not perfect, but I enjoy this car and hope FORD does not drop this car; it is the car to have.

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  Classic American V8 road car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By crunkcar - August 5 - 3:13 pm

  This car is so comfortable for long trips that I prefer to drive 12 hours rather than take a 2 hour flight. When I turn the key, the satisfying V8 burble soothes my ears and I wonder how anyone can stand the sewing machine whine of a V4 Japanese engine in a cramped little Honda or Toyota. The dashboard is plain and functional- oil gauge, temp gauge, and a speedometer, with a compass above the rear view mirror; there are none of the electronic gimmicks that other cars are tricked out with.

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  If your serious about Sirius/xm radio, forget it - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jeanette hurt - August 5 - 2:58 pm

  Ford will not fix the Sirius/xm radio problem. So, after 6 months we traded it in for a Jeep Chakee

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  Six weeks with 2007 Ford Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By RingtownJoe - August 5 - 6:43 am

  After several test drives of vehicles in this class of car (be realistic and dont expect a Toyota Avalon) it seemed to be the best choice. I was looking for a run here run there car. At 1500 miles average about 27 mpg rural/highway mileage. I dont live near large city so no actual city miles. Good road feel, handling and ride for compact car. Power sufficient (2.0L auto) even in hilly area of PA but does have to downshift often. Only problem was towed back to dealer when engine shut off and wouldnt restart.Took dealer 2 days to fix problem. Dont believe this to be a common problem. Matter of fact tow operator did state Focus is not high on his list of customers but lowered my reliability rating.

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  Love my Esacpe - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Gary Strickland - August 4 - 10:40 pm

  We have 7000 miles on our 2002 Escape, and have enjoyed putting every mile on it. Love the height of the seats, and the firmness.

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  van for life! - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By keyfri - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This van wants tobe filled and driven accross the country nd be a part of your family. It will gaim a personality. It will last forever because oof the 4r100 tranny that i actually did try to shoot a bullet through!Dont let it fool you it liokes to huil everything and more!

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  Red_Bird - 2003 Ford Focus
  By scjenk - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have put 6100 miles on it in 3 months and have no problems to report. The car is very quiet comparded to its competition, and rides good for a small car. This is the best handling car I have ever driven, handles like an expensive sports car. Needs more power, especially when coupled to the automatic. Gas milage is a little disappointing, averaging 26 MPG for mostly highway driving.

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  Great SUV with easy modifications - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By mustang133 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Explorer Sport. Lowered by 1.5" - front adjustable, rear blocks, Bilstein shocks and 275/60-17 tires improve handling 100%. 2.5" Flowmaster exhaust, K&N air filter and cool air intake and performance chip (ECU) increases HP to 250+ with 21-22 miles per gallon highway. These changes made the Explorer Sport an exceptional truck in handling and driveability, ride comfort and performance (faster than the V-8 Explorer). Ive driven it to Florida and back to New York with 3 passengers and loaded, including a roof carrier. Id much rather drive the Sport than my V-8 Crown Victoria on long trips now. Too bad, they stopped making it. Great truck.

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  2000 Expedition XLT - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By iluvkings22 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 11/99 there has been no mechanical problems to date. Came stock with Firestone tires. Ford Gave me a set of Good Year Wrangler RTs for free and installed them. Only problem this truck had was a MAF that was sticking but that was fixed in 3/2002. and i know alot of people think that 4.6L motor is weak, well they are wrong. this motor pulls a 5000lb 22 ft boat no problem at 60-65 mph on the freeway with over drive on at 1,800 rpm.

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  brakes - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By olsen - August 3 - 10:00 am

  this van has the worst and most costly brakes of any i have ever owned!!!IT WILL KEEP ME FROM PURCHASING ANOTHER FORD!!!!!