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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  X - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By EMAGEE - August 23 - 2:00 am

  WONDERFUL VEHICLE. ONLY DIESEL SUV AVAILABLE FUEL MILAGE 18 - 20MG HAVE LARGE FAMILY GALLONS PER PERSON IS WAY LOWER THAN 2 CARS IT REPLACE. IM 62 TALL ONLY VEHICLE I TESTED THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK TO BE COMFORTABLE. SUBURBAN CANT HOLD A CANDLE TO IT. FOR SPACE OR ECONOMY SINCE THEY HAVE NO DIESEL. I ALSO TOW A LARGE TT NOOO PROBLEM. LOVES TO PULL 31 FOOTER AT 65 13.5 MPG. TRY THAT WITH A 8 LITER GAS

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  Nuclear Fusion - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Traveling Man - August 22 - 2:01 pm

  This car does it all. It even parks itself. After having a Camry and a Beamer I never thought a Fusion would be better. It is! The 2.0 has a much better response than the Camry and it rides just as good as the Beamer. It stickered at just over 36K but after some discounts I gave 32K including fees and taxes. The fit and finish is superb and no orange peel. After purchasing I used it on a 9 hour road trip and after a long day driving I still felt relaxed. The Camry always made my back ache after 2 hours. I have put 11K on the odometer and cant find anything to complain about. Ford has shown me that they can build a car that deserves top ratings.

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  Why I love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Donner - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles well and rides great. I have owed several ford vehicles and this one is one I would purchase again. It also gets great gas mileage in town and as well as highway.

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  Good car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By yesyadda - August 22 - 2:00 am

  140k miles and going great. Very few problems over the years. Still runs like new. Good, dependable, reliable.

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  My New Ford Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Terry Vance - August 21 - 11:20 pm

  I have had no problems whatsoever with my new truck. I find it much more comfortable than my 2001 Silverado and I really like the new body style. The Super Crew works great for me.

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  Different! - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FYFFE7 - August 21 - 3:20 am

  Cool SUT. Ford Sport Trac won over the Honda with the funky door handles and truck like interior. Toyota cant even put cruse controls on the steering wheel. Replaced the air box with an air intake and acceleration is fantastic on the V8. Mileage city 14- 17 depending how you drive. HIway is 19-28 again depending how you drive. Interior matches the Ford Explorer which is nice. Door hands are different and very easy to use. Ride and comfort are as good as the best SUV on the market. Grab handle for passenger could be higher. Overall an SUT that can do it all.

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  The Silver Bullet - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Fred Ellrott - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This 2 tone silver Excursion is great. The interior dash could be set up a little better yuo do not realy need a pull out cup holder when you have cup holders in the center consoul. Great power and towes great. DVD system is very nice. very nice vehicle We may get one more so ve do not have to share it.

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  Love it and would buy it again - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By wald5 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my excursion new and have loved it. I had 2 suburbans before and liked them also. But really wanted the diesel engine. We have the 7.3 in our F-350 crewcab and loved the power and mileage. The kids love the space and the reclining 2nd seat and the powerpoints and rear stereo control. I thought it had too much backend sway, so we added a leaf or two to the suspension in the back and one in the front & larger tires. Now it handles great. Ford should have stiffened the rear suspension to handle the load it is meant to carry. Went to Yellowstone a month after we had it and got 17-19 mpg with it, and that was a lot of mountain driving.

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  Love this SUV! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew Fratkin - August 20 - 3:15 pm

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  A Great Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By kruken - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my F-150 for 4 months/5000 miles now. I used to drive a Dodge Ram with the 5.2L V8 and was a little leary about going to a V6, but needed better mileage. Im not disappointed. While it doesnt have the power of a V8, it is more than adequate. I love the exterior design and interior features. The ride and handling are fantastic for a truck.