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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  Growing out of my truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By M. Thoma - August 9 - 6:56 am

  My family is growing so unfortunately my truck has to as well. I have said many times that if I did not HAVE to get a new truck I would keep this until it falls apart. And at the rate things are going that could be a long time. I will go through 3 feet of snow while every other full size SUV is spinning their wheels. I have taken it through ditches, over curbs, across the country twice (both times fully loaded) with no problems. It is a truck and the best I have ever driven. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a serious, no frills, no luxury vehicle that will get the job done every time. P.S. Im 64" and it fits me fine.

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  Steves Review - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Steve - August 9 - 5:50 am

  I have owned a Mercedes and two Lexus vehicles. This car rides just as good. The comfort of the leather seats are far better than the Mercedes and slightly better than the Lexus.

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  Utterly Awful, Unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Galiana - August 8 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car at 20k miles. At 30k, it needed new brakes and completely rebuilt calipers. The mechanic told me that it was very common for the factory installed plastic calipers to fail at 30k miles. The car is now at 60k miles and has gone through 3 sets of brakes (I do not drive like a maniac at all) 4 sets of tires, and 3 stereos. The factory-installed 6-disc changer on this car is a piece of junk and fails constantly. Recently, the engine has started leaking copious amounts of oil. With all of these problems, I have been told that they are common with the Focus (especially the 2002) but not with other cars in its class like the Toyotas. No pickup, bad car.

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  Its O.K. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jdc690 - August 8 - 8:14 pm

  Im not a van lover but bought the Windstar so our son and his family could all fit in for short trips. Former owner obviously was not much interested in washing, waxing or vacuuming but it cleaned up pretty good and since I paid a pretty reasonable price Im happy with it so far. Big gas hog (16 mpg) but so was the pick-up it replaced. The grandkids love the video player and after I bought headphones for them its O.K. for us too. Still not a big fan of vans but I like this one as well as Id like any. Ive always had my best luck with Ford products.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeff Freadich - August 8 - 7:56 pm

  Nice driving car with many options if that is the way you go. Handles great at any speed, will get off the line quickly, then let off and you will be electric if youre under 47 MPH. If you drive in City traffic or drive to work under 50 MPH this is the car. Went on a 3300 mile vacation average 37.5 mostly interstate speed 80+ with some site seeing driving.

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  Great car overall! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By weezielynn - August 8 - 6:01 pm

  I have owned my Escape since May 2002 and overall it has been a wonderful car for me. It is very fun to drive and really moves quick and easy. The only big problem I had was when the transmission went out at under 10,000 miles. Major upset for me! It was fixed under warranty but for a long time I was still pretty annoyed. Based on some of the other comments apparently this is a problem with the Escape. Otherwise I am very happy with my SUV.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Sean - August 8 - 10:34 am

  We have had this car about a month and have had nothing but praise for it. It handles well and drives like a dream. I drive a lot for work and with the fuel economy I actually make some money on my mileage reimbursements! Perfect size and very well built.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Deidre - August 8 - 10:19 am

  I purchased a Taurus in the in mid-2005 and couldnt be happier. It has nice torque for its class and has great styling. Decent, not great fuel economy. Overall great value!

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  Been a Good lil Car! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By gluis55 - August 8 - 10:04 am

  I bought this car since we had two kids, and the other car I had was a Beretta, (two door). We needed a 4 door. The car is quick, and comfortable. My wife loves driving the car. The only complaint is the oil leaks! When I first bought it it was leaking from what appeared to me was the front gear cover and oil pan. It wasnt too bad, now it is definitely getting worse. You can smell the oil burning on the exhaust when it leaks. So now it is time to fix it, but not sure I want to spend the $850 the dealer wants to repair. Car has 97k on it got it used with 62k. Have had no real problems with it. Just maintenance 26 mpg.

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  Excellent truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - August 8 - 10:04 am

  I bought this truck to haul motorcycles and go camping in the deep woods. This truck is a little monster and is capable of outperforming some of the larger full-size pickups when it comes to off-roading due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The larger wheels, Torsen rear-end, 4 wheel drive, and Bilstein shocks make this truck fun to drive. It performs well in the city as well. It can get between 250 and 400 miles on city or highway roads. It drives really smooth on the highway. The interior and exterior styling is excellent and I would recommend getting the Pioneer sound system as the stock radio and speakers are a little weak. Overall, an excellent truck for the adventurer.