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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  Ford Missed Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dculin - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought off the lot based on price and Ford name. Big mistake.New transmission at 45k miles, front end noise that cannot be diagnosed, bouncing sensation at highway speeds, many minor repairs later, will never have another Ford in the driveway. I highly suggest TCO not price when buying a vehicle.

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  Great CAR - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Laurie - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice comfortable car, that also insures a great deal of safety.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TLCOOP - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle. No problems at all.

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  06 Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Danny boy - February 10 - 5:03 am

  The Mustang is really nice. The interior is a little cheap. Automatic transmission takes a while to down shift; likes to get in the high gear asap. The v8 sounds good, has all the power you need. Does not feel like 300 hp to me though; more like 230 hp. I have had mine to get a miss in the engine when I accelerate and turn; could be the traction control kicking in to stop me from spinning but not sure. Have to take it up with the dealer when I get my oil change which is every 5000 miles due to synthetic oil. But overall I am happy with the car. If you like to do adds for horsepower this is a good car - lot of add ons available.

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  Good but not great - 2005 Ford GT
  By grunger - February 10 - 3:14 am

  While this car is no doubt a monster under the hood, Im left feeling that it doesnt quite have the build quality and interior amenities that is found in similar German and Italian competitors. I also think that from a strict performance standpoint the new 2006 corvette with its 7.0L of displacement will run with this car at about half the price. That being said it will turn heads and Im certain it will be a collectors automobile.

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  After 150,000 miles - Still runs like new - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Justin - February 10 - 12:39 am

  Bought this little truck brand mew, and after 150,000 miles it still runs like new. Everything original, even the clutch, and I pull a 2300 lb boat every summer, and thats with the small 2.5l 4 cylinder. Small, but extremly reliable. Grade~ A++++.

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  PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron EX - February 9 - 12:50 pm

  What can go wrong on my Explorer has. I have had 3 transmissions. The inside is falling apart and the foil aluminum is coming off of my bumper and the thing is noisy.

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  Ford F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Douglas Chandler - February 9 - 10:36 am

  This truck runs exceptional smooth. Feels like one is inside a luxury vehicle. Outside sounds not heard. Great storage areas inside the cab, lots of room & comfortable. Exterior speaks for itself. Overall dependable, smooth running truck.

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  My Pony - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MizzDezz - February 8 - 7:26 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever driven and although the new Mustang is awesome, I cant bring myself to give up my 2003. Its fun, fast and the envy of everyone. Its given me NO problems whatsoever and my family members constantly beg me to drive it. Its a V6, but feels like a V8 and is truly a pleasure to drive, even in Southern Cal traffic!

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  Okay - middle of the road car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mrs. ryca2 - February 8 - 6:00 pm

  I had a 93 Taurus first, great family car, only needed water pump. My 99 Taurus is falling apart around me: electrical problems,sensor lights, a/c died and temperature only blows very hot, front end problems (ball joints), antenna stuck up. One saving grace, the 24 valve Duratec engine is a workhorse, still has great pick-up at over 100k. I am looking at the new Freestyle but wont touch it unless Ford puts this engine into it.