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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  My new Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By goodoldboy71 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this now for about a month and I cannot drive it enough! It drives nice and handles almost like a car! I would tell anyone who ask to at least test drive one!

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  Buy this car. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By caveman41 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Much comforting than my older model Explorer now that I dont travel much. The Explorer was great for long trips and held so much luggage, but now Im downsizing and single, this is still roomy and holds alot of items in the storage area way back.

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  What a change - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Luis Pinzon - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My daugther calls our best friend in Fl. Oscar my father lost his mind..- Oscar : What happened. Where is he. Tell me what is wrong... M. D. :He just purchased a Ford!! My surprise !! Exelent electronics.. I drive on and off road, tow a small trailer for an ATV.. Handles VG. I definitly try a newer model !! At the beginig gas was not so great... Rear bumper should be stronger.... More space to enter back seat...

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  Rough idle - 2004 Ford F-150
  By herman poppell - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck but the 5.4 has a rough idle. This problem is noted in special service massage, 18116 Setember1, 2004 (Fords OASIS) but no fix as yet. We hope for the fix soon.

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  like my 2003 Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By cookie - April 20 - 11:52 pm

  I had a "98 4 cylinder manual Ranger before this. It had 135k on it but decided to purchase another Ranger after test driving other brands. This truck drives tight, very GOOD suspension. Nice engine response. Extended cab & CD player. 15" tires are an improvement MPG is around 20-23. A main reason to buy was that my wife said the seats were comfortable to her back (she is picky) & she could view the road well.

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  Great Ride with problems attached - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Chad - April 20 - 7:37 pm

  I loved my Ranger when I bought it. It had under 65,000 miles. It was great to drive and was great off road. The rear doors would rattle a lot even though they were closed very tightly. Only problem is after a week of owning it, I had to take it into the shop already. The rear wheels constantly lock in place. A problem for most owners of the Ranger. It was in the shop at least 3 times for that issue. A few months later it was in the shop again for the transmission. Out of the blue the transmission blew a gasket so I lost third gear. Apparently another common problem.

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  Some Features hard to get on new cars - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By rabideen - April 20 - 6:10 pm

  Best looking Explorer Ford has ever released. The oversize two tone wheel wells and smooth lines make it a gem. Cool features in the 1995 Bauer include: 1) Retractable Antenna 2) Information Center (includes miles to empty, average fuel mileage and oil life remaining) 3) Auto-dimming rear view mirror 4) Compass 5) Two-Way sun visors (front and side) 6) Built-in tissue holder 7) Both driver and passenger power seats. Incredible protection if youre in a head-on collision. I was just in one yesterday. A car was heading the wrong direction on the Interstate. I hit it at about 40-50 MPH, both airbags deployed and I was able to walk away from accident with barely a scratch.

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  Tow vehicle for 5th wheel trailer - 1992 Ford F-250
  By Bob - April 20 - 3:13 pm

  This F250 long bed is ready to tow your 5th wheel trailer (rated 10,000 lbs. 9000 lb. rec.) 460 CID V8 (7.5L), AT, sliding rear window, AM/FM cassette, etc. Hitch, brake control, transmission cooler & temp gauge, mirrors, 5th wheel tailgate & 17 cubic foot truck trunk included. Just hook up and go. This truck is strong, fun to drive and good looking.

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  A really good commuter car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Jinxo - April 20 - 2:59 pm

  All in all, Ive really enjoyed this car. I buy a car primarily for the engine, and the Duratec V6 has been outstanding. You cant kill it if you shoot it, and it gives good power and mileage (25 city/30 hwy). Some things are starting to break now (the ignition lock, for example, plus some oil leakage), but Ive driven it long and hard. Im really sorry that Ford quit selling these in the US (still available in Europe as the Mondeo, for all the good that does me) I would gladly buy another.

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  Excellent Choice - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Israel - April 20 - 7:17 am

  The best car in its class, fun to drive, easy driving, with everything a car should have. Been driving it for about 4 years and the only maintenance is spark plugs, oil and filters, and lubricants. No doubt this is the best car in his category.