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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  Ford Focus - more than you think - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Alex - August 20 - 4:09 pm

  My Focus is easy to drive, its powerful (I also own a Mustang but sometimes I am quicker with the Focus) and its built very reliably. I had no issues whatsover and I drive it in any kind of weather and circumstance.

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  My crappy ford - 2005 Ford Focus
  By starfishinva - August 20 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased this car for the gas mileage since most of my driving is interstate, to find it sucks more gas than a V8 and when taken to the car lot they hook up a computer to it and say im getting 39 mpg but in fact getting less than 22 mpg what a disappointment!!!the rpms in the city are 1800 on the tach on the highway its between 2200 and 2500 and no one will actually check the car out for problems!!!

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  As Good as it Gets - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By NewYawker - August 20 - 1:33 pm

  This is my second Ranger and opted for an extended cab on this stepside Ranger bought new 6 years ago w/4.0 V6, 5 spd auto & off the road suspension. At 65K miles had first major repairs to brakes and front ball joints. Added step bars, spray on bed liner and a Fold-a-cover box lid. This go anywhere truck has been nothing but great, hauling loads with ease even with the leaf springs flat out. Rides well but always reminds you that its a real truck and not some cross-over thing.

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  Great! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By flumsteve - August 20 - 12:09 am

  I work in a sand mine where I have to constantly go into sand and mud. It handles very well in even the most loose of sand and if 2wd wont do it, than the 4wd will! Great truck all around.

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  Its OK - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Rachel - August 19 - 10:52 pm

  Sunroof motor went out right after Igot the car, brakes were bad, shocks are really bad, and it took 3 tries to get a good A/Ccompressor. Other than that it was a good first car

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  Be careful with this truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By sellinmyranger - August 19 - 8:15 pm

  Bought this truck used with 60K miles on it. Loved the power of the 4.0 engine. Brakes always had a wooden feeling (replaced 3 times in 25k miles) This truck moved me across country, twice. After towing a few times, tranny slipped horribly. Very reliable, trusty, tough little truck.

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  Power plus - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By George - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The torque will have other drivers watching your rear end. The exhaust sound is almost perfect. Shifting is short-throw and accurate. Stiff suspension. Cornering is good, but not great. You must know how to handle the power, especially on wet pavement or fishtailing will become a way of life. Gas mileage better than I expected. The interior is seriously lacking when compared to the M5 I just traded.

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  My 2001 explorer sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By stan - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall vehicle i purchased mine used with about 20k miles Sept 2002 and i have had it serviced regularly by the Ford dealership if you do not take care of your vehicle it will not take of you i have just went over 100k miles other than the cruise control recall (i had to go without it for two days), the battery dying about 6yrs ago, and having to recently replace the original tires, i have had no problems with it at all, my paint job needs a touch-up and two of the original three overhead handles are missing in the interior but has always been dependable i always made it to work and back even in some pretty bad storms that some 18 wheelers could not make, its a truck and a good one

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  Second Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Vince - August 18 - 10:25 pm

  This has been my 2nd Ford which I purchased used. So far it has been a good vehicle. The only issue I have is with the CD changer and playing my pc created cds. I planned on changing the radio so this is not a big deal to me. The 03 has the same turning radius that my 98 Explorer had so its really no different in driving it. The rear sonar is a big help when backing up and parking.

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  Loving it - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By scooter - August 18 - 7:43 pm

  Handles great, good turnning radius, not much of a blind spot, low maintenance