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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  Love 07-sold 01 to get this one - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Gene - June 27 - 1:00 pm

  Had my 07 (V6) for two weeks now, It is in a new world versus the other years. Just hope the fuel economy gets a little better after a few more miles. The ride is more like a car than a truck. Got the gold color and its very easy to keep clean.

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  Explorer: An Andevture in Mediocrity - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By JFraser - June 27 - 12:50 pm

  The unadventurous Ford Explorer is built, drives, and feels like a slug on the road. Off the road it bounds like a kangaroo and fails to grasp the rough terrain. This is a functionally ill equipped and under designed vehicle.

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  Best one yet - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Ken B - June 27 - 11:42 am

  This is the third Explorer we have owned, beginning in 1993, and by far the best. The ride is great for an SUV and the third seat makes it possible to carry all the grandkids at once. This is the least expensive and best equipped Explorer we have owned. I do wish the gas mileage was better.

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  I just love my 98 Mustang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Caleb - June 27 - 7:57 am

  I have a 1998 automatic v6 Mustang. I just love it. It has 218,000 miles and still running great. The only thing that Ive had a problem with is the alternator and I only replaced it once. Thats the only trouble Ive had with it in the 4 years Ive had it and I think thats pretty darn good. It handles great, has good power, and good gas mileage. Ive been car shopping and I just cant find anything that I like better. Not even the newer Mustangs. I think they perfected the Mustang in 98. It has good power and good gas mileage.I think Im just going to have to find another 98 Mustang when mine finally gives up the ghost which Im hoping is a long time from now.

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  Solid work truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By W - June 27 - 1:20 am

  My 2wd excab, LB has been in my driveway for almost a year. I go to the dump and back, 4miles RT, and occasionally to Home Depot. Perfect for my needs, wanted 4x4, but no sense in the extra parts to brake for what i use it for. Spent $900 and worth every penny. Just rolled over 100k on it. My only problem with it is the way I drive it, it will probably last forever so I have no excuse to get a newer truck. Replaced a rusted brake equilizer, had a new clutch, slave, and power steering pump before I got it. Slow as molasses on a cold day, but smooth as silk on the highway. As a bottom-of- the-line work truck it rates a 10. No idea on gas mileage. I use about a tank of gas every two months.

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  A great used car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Looked a long time - June 26 - 9:31 pm

  I purchased this car as the second owner. I looked at a lot of cars but none with safety features like Ford Taurus. Excellent precicion steering and it rides like youre on glass. Super quiet on the freeway. I liked the sister mercury sable too but couldnt find one. Great car, very roomy and for once I finally feel safe. Thanks for listening.

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  Functional and Sporty - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jay - June 26 - 8:36 pm

  Although the look is nice, the best way to sum up the Focus SES is function and performance. The value you get upgrading from SE to SES is well worth the incremental price increase. On the performance side of things, the SES Focus is very sporty. The steering and suspension are tight and responsive, with rock solid cornering for a car in its class. Its a sports car "feel" in an economy package.

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  Looks Are Deceiving - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nailsdiana - June 26 - 4:50 pm

  My husband and I purchased our Sport Trac in Mar.2000. When we first got it we loved it. Everyone turned their heads to look at it. This vehicle is very noisy, you can always hear air noises and whistling. The dealership has tried to fix that and cant. We have been to the dealership with numerous little things going wrong:the alarm system,the keypad on the door,the overdrive switch,and the oilsending unit.This truck rides rough.

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  Only OK - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By OK - June 26 - 12:58 pm

  I have a 2000 Taurus with 140,000 miles on it. Besides basic maintenace, there are things that Ive had to get fixed. A lot of the sensors went bad an they had to be replaced. That cost about $200. The fans for the airconditioner went bad and had to be replaced. That was a about $600. Finally at 139,000 the transmission had to be rebuilt. That was $1600. This car is OK. I recommend not keeping it after 100,000 miles.

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  Super truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By JRaney - June 26 - 12:21 pm

  I purchased my truck used in 01 and have owned it for 6 years and all I have done is maintenance and changed the tranny fluid 2x. My truck always starts and runs great. My father in law has an 05 Silverado with a 5.3L and we always use my truck for heavy loads because they crush his suspension and all I have is the 4.6L. All I wish was better fuel mileage but the truck is almost bulletproof and the 4x4 system is great. All it needs is a locking rear differential.