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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  Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Daley - June 28 - 11:00 pm

  Love this vehicle, Minimal problems, Front wheel bearings were the most costly item I have put on this vehicle. Most maintenece items such as brakes, oil, tires.

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  Decent Reliability/Everything else break - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Mindi - June 28 - 4:15 pm

  The car has worked for what we needed, but every summer so far something has broken with the air conditioner and had to be repaired (Buy the extended warranty!). My Taurus has to be aligned about every 6-12 months. It is roomy and comfortable and the engine has held up quite well. Im not impressed with the fuel economy. Be sure and get all rebates and dont pay too much for the vehicle and dont count on good trade in value as these vehicles along with most American made ones do not hold their value well at all.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Steve - June 28 - 11:46 am

  I have owned this truck for two years and it does everything a full size truck should do, and does it well. It tows my camper, its great on family trips, and you never have to worry about throwing whatever in the back. The bed extender really helps for those longer items. Its also very comfortable and easy to drive.

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  it is a great compact car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Memphis, TN - June 28 - 6:33 am

  I have very good experiences with Ford Escort. That is why I chose Ford Focus. My daughter considers the old 95 Ford Escort as our family member because it is so reliable and almost problem free for many years! The best part of the new Ford Focus is: everybody in my family loves it very much! Before I bought it, I read a lot of reviews on it and other cars in its class. I think people tell the truth: fun to drive, looks cute, roomy for big size guys, fuel economy, etc. as it claims, the gas mileages are 26/32. However, I get 30/34! During winter season, I still can get 28/33. It is quite, sharp and smooth. The Ford dealer is honest and nice. I am quite happy to own it.

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  Ford job two - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By charles - June 28 - 6:29 am

  I like the exterior modifications and the positive acceleration for the 2005 lineup. The ride and handling characteristic take awhile to get used to. I really dont like the extra swaying of the vehicle maybe a heavier duty shock needs to be used at all corners. The now standard Pirelli tires really helped me decide to get the vehicle. It made me think that Ford really wants the best for its customer.

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  Getting too old - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By R. Jones - June 28 - 1:04 am

  For the money, for a 4WD, the 2004 Ranger is a good buy for the money. BUT, it is basically the same Ranger I drove in 1993, with two more Mickey Mouse doors. Almost impossible to get in a 5 speed manual transmission. While the 4.O liter engine is good, youd think after all the years of producing it they could refine in a little better gas mileage. (Consistently getting 17 mpg and I dont hit the gas peddle very hard, very often, and get that mileage.). Truck wont hold a candle to the new Toyota I bought this year.

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  Great Car - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Fabrizio - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this 92 LX 5.0 in November. This car has been rock solid. Everyone notices a nice body. The T5 is a good tranny but I would recommend a Tremec for any hard drivers. The 5.0 will throw you back into your seat. With a 2.73 rear end I manage to get about 21 mpg combined driving and Ive gotten up to 26 mpg on a 600 mile trip. Not a performance gear but good for a daily driver.

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  I miss my Honda - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By ScubaSteve - June 27 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car with just over 21000 miles a little over a year ago. Great ride, great handling and excellent mileage for a V8. Now at about 45000 miles of mostly highway driving, the front end pops and squeaks like crazy and have already replaced the a/c unit.. Also, the CD changer croaked too.

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  GREAT Commuter - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bisquick - June 27 - 4:33 pm

  I bought the car for $8900 with Ford rebate. I was to use it as a commuter, expecting it to be a weak performer. The steering, brakes and ease of driving is great! Considering my other car was a 500hp monster with modified everything! While not as fun, its still very fun and reliable while getting 29-37mpg, wisper quiet interior, great AC, super stereo and its a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for the green people. I like it a lot!

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  2004 F-150FX4 One Impressive Vehicle - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Jim Steriti - June 27 - 2:00 am

  As a faithful GM truck owner for the last 20 years (00 silverado,02 avalanche most recently). Understand how impressed I was after driving the new F-150. I was not even in the market for a new vehicle, but while waiting for a friend to pick up a car from service at the dealership I took one for a ride.I traded in my Chevy Avalanche on the spot and drove the F- 150 FX4 off the lot.Almost 3 months and 12K miles later, I am even more impressed. This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven!