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 mustangs - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By sk8trgurl1116 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I am obsessed with mustangs. My mustang is fun to drive. They look good. They are the hottest cars around.

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  The Generic 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Poncho35 - October 27 - 9:03 am

  The 500 is the only sedan I could get into with a huge trunk and interior for less than $25K loaded up. The styling is generic but not offending. The 3.0 liter engine has good highway passing power and far from being underpowered. The ride and handling are ok but steering could be a little firmer and more direct. Shame on Ford for removing the door protection moldings. I will have to see if the dealer can install them aftermarket.

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  100,000 MILES AND THEN...PROBLEMS - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Charlie Hummell - October 27 - 5:01 am

  I loved this vehicle until it hit the magic mileage number...100,000 miles. Note also that I do an excellent job maintaining my vehicles. At 100,000 miles, though, my Mustang first had a cracked exhaust manifold ($450.00). A few months later it sprung two oil leaks in the transmission and wouldnt hold any oil ($350.00). About two weeks later it wouldnt start one day (transmission shift cable - $215.00). As Ive read in other reviews, I have also experienced the engine vibration as I come to a stop at an intersection. Its now got about 109,000 miles, so I cant really complain, (and I still like the car), but Im wondering how much life it has until something major goes wrong.

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  Good truck thats still a bargain - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Jim L - October 27 - 2:42 am

  29 mpg on the freeway! Need I say more? My reason for trading in my Dodge Ram for the 4 cylinder Ranger. Design may be dated, but I like the look. Made a great deal on this truck when not able to with the imports.

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  First New Car - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Keith - October 27 - 12:48 am

  I have really enjoyed owning this vehicle. I drive twisty, hilly roads a lot and I felt the handling in this truck was very sporty. I love precision of the rack and pinion steering. Only had one significant problem at 60,000 miles electronic 4 wheel drive module would not switch vehicle into 4x4. Gas mileage was not so great (16.5 mpg) but my truck had 4.10 gears in rear.

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  Fun 4 door with some power - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By CordiaDOHC - October 26 - 11:57 pm

  I bought my 1992 Ford Taurus SHO from an older family that wanted to get something different for their daughter. The car needed an ignition module and a tuneup. Tuneups on these cars are definitely not as easy as a Mustang or Camaro. I got the car with 160k on it. Fixed the problems and man this thing moves out pretty good. I have driven it on 4 trips already. They rate this car at 26mpg highway. But I averaged 32mpg on a 220 mile trip. Not too bad. The previous owner had removed the exhaust resonator on it. Definitely made the exhaust very distinctive. Definitely been a fun car! And reliable!

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  Detroit must do better - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Withheld - October 26 - 6:23 pm

  Bought after light use as an executive rental car. At 37,000 miles, power steering on front-drive car required complete replacement at great expense. Electrical system problematic (wipers turn on without human intervention). Full 60,000 mile maintenance done by dealer. Within one week, battery dead car wouldnt start when hot. Finally died completely. Alternator/generator replacement. Auto transmission shifts taking longer and longer. Transmission locked into third on steep hill, engine lugged up hill, check engine light on, diagnosis: two cylinders blown, substantial repair required. Car being sold as-is, at substantial discount from nominal value, with 71,000 miles. Ford unresponsive.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Handy Andy - October 26 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this car used and being a person that prefers GM I was skeptical. However, this has turned-out to be the best Ive ever owned. It has excellent "giddy-up-n-go", 28+ mpg hwy with a/c, easy to drive, and plain satisfies all of my expectations of what a car of this type should be. It is regrettable that I am forced to get rid of it, but dire financial problems forces me to.

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  Diesel Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Patrick Stokes - October 26 - 2:15 pm

  The truck is primarily for running my kids between NY and Il. At 65mph I average about 890 miles to a tank or about 20 mpg. I have the Limited 4WD and the Powerstroke diesel. The truck is huge and on long trips we put a twin mattress in the back for the kids to fall asleep while watching movies. This way they are quiet and dont annoy us while driving. I travel with 4 of them. The truck stalled out at about 50,000 miles for want of a fuel filter and I just replaced all the brakes at 93,000. There have been two recalls, one to check a seatbelt and the other to give me 5 new tires at 65,000 miles. No road or weather is too much for it. It is a safe place in a troubled spot.

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  Bang, Zoom - 2004 Ford Focus
  By powelldg - October 26 - 1:35 pm

  Im happy with the car overall. It was a year old repo, so the price was very reasonable, and its just what I wanted - 2.3 PZEV, stick. Nice combo of performance, economy (good but not great) and utility (the hatch).