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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  2001 Bullitt - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew Tansley - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive, and reliable. The only thing is the gas mileage. Its a guzzler.

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  LOVING MY MUSTANG - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By MARIANNA - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I finally got my Mustang and I love it. The car has been very reliable and I look forward to driving it in the future. Everywhere I go, people cant help notice this beautiful car. It really is a classic and I am very proud to have it.

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  Lacking - 2001 Ford F-150
  By billco - August 7 - 10:00 am

  If all you are interested in is high performance, I guess this is fine. Special oil, air filter only sold by ford and has to be ordered. Paint quality is terrible, and what is that 1 inch gap on either side of the dash about? Also the brakes are lousy.

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  2001 FORD F-150 SPRCB XLT - 2001 Ford F-150
  By MARSHALL - August 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE - 3RD SPRCAB AND THE 6TH FORD VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED!

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  2003 FX4 Super Crew 5.4L - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Thomas - August 7 - 5:19 am

  I enjoy this truck. It has the 5.4 and still the power isnt overwhelming (but more than enough to haul or tow easily). The looks are great (I prefer this style to the 2004+). I did and do have problems with the build quality, the roof rain rails of the FX4 were unpainted from factory, and the dealership made me less than happy. But interior quality of the Ford is fantastic, its easy to drive and smooth and comfortable. Ive always had fantastic luck with the reliability of Fords (even if I have to have a little less performance).

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  In 2001, Best sedan for the money. - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By jjuhring - August 7 - 1:46 am

  Bought the car new in 2001. This is the SES model with 24 valve V6, 200HP, center console shifter and 6-disc CD changer. Purchased the car for the following reasons: Quieter on the freeway and $5,000 less than equally equipped Accord, sleek looks, VERY roomy interior both front and back, 200HP V6, leather seats, adjustable pedals, all for under $21,000. Now has 97,000 miles (almost all highway). Reliability has be very good. Brakes were just replaced at 85,000 miles, and fuel pump just died last week. No other problems so far. Engine and transmission still run strong, no rattles or interior noises, after washing it still looks new. Replaced original Continental tires at 60k miles.

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  Happy Owner - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Owner - August 6 - 5:00 pm

  I usually get a new car every 2 years. I have kept this one longer than any other. We have three active boys. We have taken 3 cross country trips without any problems. The VHS entertainment package is a life saver on those trips. The 4.6L engine has enough power to haul trailers, boats and horses.

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  Disappointed in this vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By LuckyDL - August 6 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this SUV for the gas mileage and I have not been disappointed, I travel all over DC every day and this SUV is perfect for it. However it is the most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever driven. The distance from the steering wheel to the back rest is uncomfortable. The cup holder is not convenient in the least bit. I load alot of things in the back, especially early in the morning - there is no light back there, cant see a thing! I HATE the noise that goes off when you dont buckle your seatbelt, (if I want to buckle I will). Drivers seat is hard and uncomfortable. This care zooms around DC with the greatest of ease and for that and for the mileage I am grateful.

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  Miss my Audi - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Jo Ann W - August 6 - 3:14 pm

  Grateful for this car. Due to BC my interest rate is sky high but I still have a car so I am very grateful

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  Buy a chevy !!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nick from nj - August 6 - 1:36 pm

  I thought I was the only person with transmission problems. The dealer acts that way !! Has been back 3 times for trans slamming and shuddering, still not fixed !! I am glad I purchased the extended warranty, even with 0 % financing you can not keep up with depreciation so you can trade them in. I will bite the bullet and lose money so I can trade it in before warranty runs out.