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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  great performing sedan - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By walt - January 20 - 4:51 pm

  Leased then bought this 2000 Taurus. 24 valve DOC engine. Flat out flies. Drive 50 miles round trip to work. Have loved this car--now has over 110K on it and performs like new. No tune up until 98K. Power seat, power mirrors are great. Not kidding--even with all those miles--runs like new. Have replaced struts and front springs, but that was after 100K.

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  I Love My Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By niteowl99 - January 20 - 4:06 pm

  What can I say but ... I LOVE MY TRUCK! Enjoy all the comments by the guys I work with telling me how "good" my truck looks and how big it is. Super nice on long drives, great appearance, has the flow-masters on it and man it has a good throaty growl to it. Just overall, I love my truck!

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  brakes...break - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ex ford driver - January 20 - 3:53 pm

  Front brakes are junk! I bought this vehicle brand new and it just passed away at 187,000 miles. Engine blew last week. $$ to fix engine and of course I was at the 25,000 mile mandatory brake and rotor job. Other than that, oil changes and usual up keep along with bearings on both sides at 175,000.

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  99 one owner.... - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By UPCRAWFISH - January 20 - 11:46 am

  Generally good vehicle. No issues until past month.. Disc brakes started squeal. Time to change pads.. Get in and find that the caliper pistons, 1 is broken and not applying pads and 2nd is cracked. (Original - PLASTIC piston) A $100 job for pads turned into $500 for pads/calipers(2), rotors. While under the car, found one of the link for anti-sway bar broke/missing - 2nd cracked... ADD $165...

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  Amazx2ing - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mike1975nj - January 20 - 10:31 am

  I purchased this car used in 9/03 from a private party. I have all original receipts from this car since new including the window sticker. I lucked out big time. I have a 1998 5 speed and at the time I didnt want red nor did I want a Ford. After three years of owning this car I must say it is without a doubt mint. I love everything about this car except the fact that Ford canceled it and replaced it with junk. I must say that I am so happy that I got a stick rather than the automatic which is terrible and boring in this car. This is not a sport or racing car rather a sporty little economical car that if treated right with go head to head with any Toyota, Honda, or Madza (lol). Amazing!

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  2001 Ford Explorer /Black - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By slimdashady1 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  When I bought it it seemed pretty good,but then I started to have some problems with it.First there is some kind of vibration that comes from the trans when I am at a stop.This doesnt always happen but it is very annoying when it does.Then twice when I had to come to a sudden stop the passenger seat came flying forward.It was in a locked position both times.Then the paint started to fade all over the truck.Last thing is now the brakes squeek when I brake at 45mph or more.The dealer could "not find anything wrong with my complaints".Besides the really nice looks of this truck,and the roomy interior I am not happy.

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  HEAVEN - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tanksher43 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Best bang for the buck. No need to buy a Lincoln. This has it all. Very quiet, lots of power and comfort. Excellent for highway driving. MPG 29 to 30 on cruise control. I am buying another this year.

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  Love my Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By southernbelle - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for about a week now. I love it! This is my first SUV and I doubt that I will ever go back to a "car" again! I enjoy the feeling of being up higher. The Escape is a very smooth ride. When I bought it, I felt that it was a good SUV and I hoped that my feeling was right. It was!!

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  Dont bother - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MW1 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Crap quality, and crap reliability. Ive been in the shop numerous times. Move on to a different car before you buy one of these lemons.

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  svt #525 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By slidemaster - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased #525 of 4788 2002 Focus. Currently have 29,000 miles on it. Have had one warranty cover repair for a intake manifold problem. Other than that had a great experiance..for the price I cannot imagine a better driving experiance...lots of room for the size of the vehicle, dynamics are good and the amature club level driving events are plentifull. Would purchase again.