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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  I love my car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By rarelyquiet - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle on October 1st after combing the web for what I wanted for a first new vehicle. Thankfully they had one on site at the dealership. This is the most amazing car Ive ever driven. I love Ford products, but even their luxury cars dont fit me as well as this one does. Definitley a great buy!

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  Ford - Quality is Job One???? - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By TreManFoo - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Abosolutely pitiful build quality. The dashboard rattles and squeeks incessantly from no less than three different areas. And the center console makes a loud knocking noise while driving, the cheap plastic began cracking after less than two months on the road. Lets see...the overhead console dangles from the roof because only 2 of the four screws were actually installed at the factory; and my favorite - the doors are made out of recycled beer cans, I believe. When you close the doors you get a crashing metal-on-metal sound, not the nice solid "whoomp" that other new vehicles (that cost far less, btw) exhibit. The ride is terrible...wear your kidney belt.

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  MY F-150 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By TONE - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I like this f-150 more than the previous chey that I owned. This truck is excellent in all catagories. The engine has plenty of torque. It never complained under a heavy load or accerlation. My Chevy clattered under the same conditions even buring more expensive super unlead. My F-150 runs just fine on regular ulead.

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  200 Excursion is a disappointing vehicle - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By BJMittelstaedt - April 19 - 8:19 am

  I had to replace the transmission at 90,000 miles, went to Ford for some help paying for it and they could not have cared less, I have replaced the brakes several times and none of the door locks work, I will not purchase another Ford SUV, have heard better things about GM standing behind their products. Ford Customer Service is rude and difficult to work with.

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  Exceptional Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sam Shafer, Jr. - April 19 - 12:47 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive on all roads and in all weather. Wonderful utility, best utility of any mfg in type class. Good service experience at dealer. Reasonable economy for this type vehicle given what is available on the market today. Has Class II hitch and tow package, handles trailers very well. Great brakes - lasted 50,000 miles before replacing pads on front, rears still on. Great overall vehicle and we checked all makes prior to buying this Ford product.

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  Fun SUVette - 2006 Ford Escape
  By HA - April 18 - 8:30 pm

  Looked at several of the smaller SUVs and got this one based on the FORD name, safety packages and mileage. It came with the leather package and the sun and sound package for free, I am assuming in response to the many complaints of inferior interior design. The better stereo is great and the sunroof is nice too. Do not like the center console and cup holder placement though. Engine is surprisingly responsive considering it is only a 4 cylinder.

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  Love my Conto - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Teri13180 - April 18 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased my Conto used and I love it. It is a 6 cylinder sport model. Have had some minor repair work done, but all and all Im very happy with my purchase. I have taken it on several long road trips and have never had an issue. Very reliable, starts great in 30 below weather, and handles great on icy roads, which I encounter more than half of the year in Montana. Defroster could be a little better. I have had my engine light come on a few times, once was plugs needed changing, and the other times there was a miss when idling. My mechanic told me it happens with all sorts of different cars, just undo battery cables for 60 seconds and it resets. If thats my biggest problem, Im good to go!

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  Love to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Janice - April 18 - 5:25 pm

  I had a Ford Explorer and with the gas prices going up I wanted something that was better on gas and also something smaller. At first I was not sure about the leg room in the back for 2 teenage girls but turns out it has plenty of room for them. I love the way it handles. I love to drive it. My girls are learning how to drive and we disagree on who gets to drive.

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  Glad to be back. - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By D - April 18 - 3:33 pm

  This is our third Expedition, and we are glad to be back. All have been excellent SUVs. Kids grew up and we went to a 4 door car. Had to borrow a friends Expedition to go to a football game and we knew then that it was time to come back!

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  Excellent Commuter Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By scortracer - April 18 - 1:32 pm

  Just got this car not too long ago but it has been in the family for about 3 years. I dont really have to do anything with it besides change the fluids and get new brakes ... just normal wear and tear. The car has about 78K on it and I expect another 100K more at least. The tranny sometimes shifts rough and it idles shaky but I heard those are normal Escort traits. It gets great gas mileage and is quite comfortable to ride in and also handles a lot better than most other small cars. I had a 96 Escort and this generation seems worlds better. I dont know why people are running out and getting Japanese cars, Id take my little Scort over a Corolla or Civic any day. The build quality is great.