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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  Next time it will be a Toyota - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mad dog - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I am waiting for the second left rear shock to be replaced due to the first two leaking (it only has 8400 miles). The auto trans shifts poorly between the top two gears - dealer says it is O.K.? The engine runs much smoother since I switched to Mobil 1 at 8,200 miles. The 98 S-10 ZR2(53,000 miles)I traded in to get this was a much better truck!

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  Built Ford Tough - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Big Harley - October 13 - 9:43 am

  Great Power! Amazing Looks! and Reliability! I have had a great experience the 7 months I have owned this truck. The 20" stock rims are beautiful and the interior is simply amazing. The engine with 260HP and 350TORQUE is plenty power for everyday use. (The Exhaust note also sounds very pleasing)

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  03 Ford Crown Vic LX Sport Review - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ed Poux - October 13 - 7:30 am

  Purchased used with only 4200 actual miles on vehicle to replace a 96 Impala SS (245K miles on the clock). Wanted a large, US brand 4 door, V8, rear wheel drive car under $25K to drive on company business (1996 was last year GM made the rear wheel drive Impala SS). I now have 27K on the Ford odometer and have had no problems so far.

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  good reliable truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By julia - October 13 - 6:28 am

  This is our 3rd ranger. 1st ranger was a 4x4 XL 93, great truck, sold it at 136k, body was perfect as was the motor. Then got a king cab 4x4 1999, gas mileage was only ok and there was the 3.0L ping, not super happy with that truck although no problems. Now, the standard cab XLT 1999 truck is great. Seats are comfortable, paint/body is solid and runs perfect. Gas mileage is in the low 20s for mostly city driving. Interior is nicer than a Toyota imo, and the truck sits up higher for a 2wd. Only issue we have had is a wiper switch, (phantom on/off wipers)which should be a $50 fix. Its got 70k and we have done nothing to it but change tires and oil. Thumbs up.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Daniel - October 13 - 6:10 am

  I am impressed so far. My only grip is the fuel economy. Otherwise a very nice SUV.

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  Try it before you knock it. - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Azat Tadewosian - October 13 - 4:52 am

  Always do your home work, before you buy.

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  Jeep man buys Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By robert d. whearty - October 12 - 10:13 pm

  Had two Jeeps prior to buying a 1999 Grand Cherokee in May of 1999. It became a nightmare. Fortunately I bought the extended warranty; 6 sets of front brakes by 56K, rear axle, hood & tailgate springs, air conditioner 4 times, etc. Traded it for a 2004 Explorer in August of 2004. Explorer has been a pleasure, routine maintenance only, nice ride, lot of room, third seat helpful, took it back and forth to Florida, good trip car, have the "6" would suggest the "8" if you do highway driving or towing. Would buy another one but would get the 8 cylinder.

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  TOO GOOD TO DISCONTINUE - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By MSDJYOUNG - October 12 - 10:05 pm

  Great looking aerodynamic auto. Cant remember another auto Ive owned that was as comfortable as this one. Whenever I see another Taurus on the road or parked, its just a great looking car. Ford may put out others but it wont be one as drivable, good looking and as one other reviewer put it takes the curves well. Ive upgraded mine to make it iPod ready and the music sounds great.

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  My review by Phil - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Philip Pfannenstiel - October 12 - 3:13 pm

  Since we purchase the 500 there have only been two others in our community. We have been stopped several times so people can check it out and get our comments, which are very favorable. The only thing bad about buying a new model is the insurance rating. On our trade in Buick Le Sabre Limited it was rated (11) $281 every 6 months. Our Ford Explorer (11) $281 every 6 months and the 500 (17) $465 every 6 months and that is with 5 agencies that we checked with. Another thing is when we were looking of the 500 Limited it seems 80% of them had a moon roof that was a $900 option we didnt want and it took close to a week for our dealer to find one without. Other then that we love the 500.

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  Maybe its just my luck - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MyPoorPony - October 12 - 2:11 pm

  I bought a 2005 Premium Convertible. My first car Ive bought on my own. So far Ive had it in twice for the fuel pump and Im taking it in to get the top replaced because the rear defroster stopped working. Ive had the gear shifter replaced in it. Im not happy camper with this car. If it wasnt for all these problems, Id absolutely love this car. Rides great, minus the time it stopped running on the middle of I-95. Love driving with the top down, love the audio in it. Maybe I just got a bad pony. But I wont ever buy a Ford again, the service is awful.