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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  If you live out of the city - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Hank Jr - September 25 - 4:44 pm

  I got this truck in Feb. 05 with 179,800 miles, after I got my license. Im not really a truck person but it was the only thing my dad would let me drive for insurance purposes (the insurance is kinda cheap even with full coverage). After driving it a month I had to get the brakes checked turns out it was nothing, no major problems. I worked at Six Flags which is about 20-30 minute drive from my house. With the 3.0 engine you dont get much pick up until 2nd gear. Not for long trip, after 4 hours of driving brakes smoke when stopped even if you dont use them that much.

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  Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By tx - September 25 - 4:37 am

  The car itself runs pretty ok. I have some brake issues, nothing that a good brake job or stopping a good 5 yards away from the car in front of me cant fix. But tis expected when the car has over 100,000 miles on it.

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  Great! Great! and even Greater! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Canadian Driver - September 24 - 11:58 pm

  Man, I love this vehicle. I can haul my 25 foot trailer and still bring another six people along for the ride. I own all Fords, and have never owned anything else but Ford, and this goes to show you why Ive only owned Fords. The 3rd row seat is great, love the leather, and follows a good Ford theme on the outside the front looking exactly the same as a Ford F150. It has never let me down for driving through the B.C. mountains in the winter. We usually go from Invermere (in the east Kootenays) to Calgary in the winter for Christmas shopping, which is about 4 hours away, and we can do 100 kmh the whole way, with great traction and handling. Only tiff is the cheap tires.

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  Automatic versus Manual - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Canadian Driver - September 24 - 11:31 pm

  Before I owned this car, a manual transmission 4 door wagon, I owned the same thing, except for in an automatic form. My opinion, the manual is the better of the both. Even my wife loves driving it, which is odd, because shed always prefer automatics. It can get a little dicey in the winter, especially where I used to live in B.C., but its the funnest car Ive ever driven. I could have a little more leg room, but Im only 5 foot 8, so it doesnt matter. My Escort is the plainest Escort you could ever get, but for some weird reason, it has power mirrors. The seats are manual, the locks and the windows. But thats what I love about this car.

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  Great For Up Here - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Canadian Driver - September 24 - 10:39 pm

  This is the perfect minivan for Canadians or Alaskans. It can move up to eight people, in a BLIZZARD! Ive never had problems with this except for the alternator. Up here in Canada, we are always digging out after snowstorms. The roads are icy and what not. This van will make it through 2 feet of snow better than a 4X4 Chevy! Kudos to whoever came up with this idea.

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  Great MPG! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Douglas Miller - September 24 - 8:43 am

  You know, I really dont know why Ford is not letting the public know about this car. Granted it is not the flashiest on the road, but it does have very good sensible good looks. The real story is that the fuel economy along with the size of the interior is incredible! You have to drive it to appreciate how the six speed auto transmission gets all the power you need from the 3.0 engine. The interior is really well appointed too. I love the wood grain and leather seats, sun roof, the whole package. I havent been this happy with a car for years! Ford should be screaming the 500s praises from the rooftops.

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  Great car for the price - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By john - September 24 - 2:22 am

  Ive had the car for about 7 months now, and havent had any problems with it. Everything works great. The motor, transmission, radio, a/c, no electrical problems. It doesnt even burn much oil for such an old car. I go at least 500 miles without having to add a quart. The only problem I have with it is the lack of power. It is the slowest thing Ive ever driven. Other than that its been extremely reliable and smooth.

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  Solid Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ford Guy - September 24 - 1:42 am

  Second owner, bought the truck used with about 40,000 miles. Just what I wanted: V6, floor mats, ground clearance (for a 4x2). The V6 has lots of torque. Wish that first was the old "bull low" that the pickups used to have. Four wheel disks, chrome wheels are a nice dress up on an otherwise plain Jane truck.

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  I love my baby - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By alicia - September 24 - 1:23 am

  This is the first brand new vehicle that I have bought and I love every bit of it.

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  Manly - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By 2004 Thunderbird - September 23 - 10:58 pm

  Very few things about this car that I do not find exciting. Will turn many heads, and Im sure will be a sought after vehicle as time goes by.