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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  So Far So Good - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By da bull taurus - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Leased this new in May/01, had to replace brakes @ 28,000 miles. Rear door panel seperated from door @ 7800 miles. Maintained and serviced as recommended. Have not had any complaints with the vehicle. (That will change with age Im Sure) Overall this has been one of the better investments in a vehicle that Ive made

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  Love my stang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mommyof2bratz - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I love my convertible. My kids (4 and 5) love it too. There is nothing like cruising down the road with your top down and enjoying life. I have ridden in other convertibles (Sebring) and yuck! I wouldnt trade my Mustang for one. It is comfortable, fun, reliable and most of all a conversation piece wherever I go. Especially in East Tennessee where I live. My car is an Electric Green color and Cleopatra (my car) gets eye-balled coming and going! So anyone that is thinking about getting a Mustang, I would definitely encourage getting a convertible! They are too much fun!

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  XLT SOHC V6 - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By gounder - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I am a college student and love my Explorer. My dad bought it with 20,000 miles and drove it to 90,000. I now drive it with 100,300 miles and counting. It can haul my friends and all our gear out to the beach or up to the mountains. I have taken over rocks, into mud, through water, and up snow covered mountains. I keep on top of the basic maintenance. My dad gave me a AAA card but I have never had to call them. It is a great SUV.

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  Great Wagon/great car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By AndreW - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven other SW and none compare to the Ford Focus. Its really built to last. Confort is outstanding, as well as road handling and overall quality.

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  My Dream Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Gary Bradley - October 16 - 8:16 am

  I have been more pleased with my 2004 Ford 150 than expected. I researched every truck model before selecting a Ford 150 and I made the right selection! The Ford 150 is a real winner!

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  Used Crown Vic. Cant go wrong - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Wiley Wesson - October 16 - 3:53 am

  Got 23.5 mpg driving back from San Diego the day of the purchase. Put duals on it and got 28.9 mpg. Power is more than enough, comes out of passing gear at 90 mph and handles quite well in winding roads, not much leaning and didnt break lose unless put into the curve really hard. Im 63" and find more than enough room for me in the drivers seat or shotgun.. rear seats no. Road noise on concrete Hwy is a bit loud. Going to put some QuietCar in the trunk, which is super big and can handle all.

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  2005 Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Heather Coker - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Excursion (1st is a 2002). We travel extensivly and the leg room and width of the interior is excellent. I also use it for towing and even with a fully loaded trailer, the power is still there. I can climb a mountain (the Blue Ridges) at 75mph with no problem. Because I mostly use it on the highway/interstates my gas mileage is fairly high, averaging around 17.5-20.00mpg per tank. In town driving I usually get 14.5-15.5mpg. I first chose the Excursion for the interior room. The cargo space far outpaces that of the Suburban/Yukon and the Expedition. The price is also much better than its competitors and the quality of the materials used is much better.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By spudcav - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 7500 mi in 2003 for $7000. Ride is harsh and some bumps will cause the rear end to jump. However, I am extremely please with the gas mileage that has increased from mid- 20s at purchase to 31 mpg at last fillup. Have owned the truck for 14 months with absolutely no maintenance problems. Very dependable -- this summer did a trip from VA to WI and back with no mechanical problems. The ranger is the best looking little truck out there. Will consider another one in the future.

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  My beautiful Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By J. Schaaf - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with my car as soon as I saw it. The color, and the interior was so feminine. I love all the "bells and whistles" my car has.

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  Love It - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By HyChar - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be the best riding 4 wheel drive vehicle I have ever driven. The new suspension is outstanding. I drive up a road known as Saddle Road everyday and it is unbeliveable how smooth and tight this vehicle is. It handles like a much smaller vehicle. The gas mileage is good for such a big vehicle. I have had my 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition for two months and it has not given me any reason to regret buying it. I love the look, the ride, the performance and the handling. My last vehicle was a Ford Bronco that I loved and drove for 225,000 miles. I gave it to my daugher and it is still running, no rust no dings no major repairs. I just love a good Ford.