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 review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By kim - January 1 - 4:38 pm

  Great little truck, never had any major problems with it, good gas mileage.

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  Shes been a good girl - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By M.J. Snyder - January 1 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my green 95 at the dealership I worked at in college. We went back and forth from Penn State a lot and she has always been good. I have 16" wheels from a 2002, and clear headlights from an LX, big improvement she looks great, minimal problems (starter, radiator, little trim pieces). I lease a 2004 Sable but wont give up the 95, she handles great, decent power, and looks new as can be it is one of the best looking 95s youll see running around. Bought it with 45,000 miles from my uncle, now has about 85,000. I just put in good Pioneer Speakers and Sony Headunit, the stereo sounds better than my Sable. I LOVE HER!

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  The Truck to have. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By gary mccarthy - January 1 - 1:11 pm

  This truck is very reliable and fun to drive, very spacious for the whole family .

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  MY FIRST THUNDERBIRD - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By DAN FISCHER - January 1 - 1:10 pm

  AS STATED, IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND BE SEEN IN. ALTHOUGH TRUNK SPACE IS LIMITED, CAREFUL PACKING OF CLOTHES FOR TRIPS CAN EASILY BE ACCOMODATED. BECAUSE MY WIFE AND I ARE SENIOR CITIZENS, THE RETRO INTERIOR STYLING BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF MORE GRACIOUS LIVING. WE THINK THE TURQOISE INSTRUMENT NEEDLES ETC. ARE WONDERFUL. SO FAR WE NOT ONLY LOVE THIS CAR BUT THOSE WHO SEE IT ARE VERY VERY COMPLIMENTARY ABOUT THE COLOR (MERLOT W/TAN SOFT TOP)AND THE STYLING.,

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By John - January 1 - 1:01 pm

  This taurus is the best car I ever owned. Rides very smooth. Very roomy. Im 375 pounds and it has plenty of room for me. Trunk is big.

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  repair problems - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By woody - January 1 - 11:49 am

  The truck has to many expensive repair problems. Brakes $950.00, Cluch & slave cylinder $935.00, poor performance engine repair $600. note truck all 3 times was down for 2 to 3 days.

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  New owner and loving it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By SEi45M in Canada - January 1 - 11:16 am

  Just bought my Fusion SEI45M - picked this over a Focus, Mazda3 and Civic DX-G. No comparison. Much more room, better ride, quieter, more comfortable and just as fun or more fun to drive as either. Gas mileage is unbelievable - first trip saw 41 mpg imperial gallons!

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  True American legend - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dep4457 - January 1 - 10:24 am

  What a fun car. Who needs a $50,000 Vette or a Cobra. For the money and the power, you cant go wrong.

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  Wow! I Love this Car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LAM in Michigan - January 1 - 3:33 am

  Have had my new Fusion for about a week and Im thoroughly in LOVE. Never thought Id love a car at this point in my life (female age 45). Great value for the money. I bought the Sport in Blue with the "funky" interior (blue perforated leather inserts). Even my staunch union, GM neighbor said "sharp car." I am a little sad when I pull in the parking lot at work after a 13 mile commute...I would like to keep driving it!! I hope this love affair continues...if Fords quality carries on as this car ages, Ill be a loyal Ford customer. (Just came out of a 2006 Saturn Vue that felt like it was falling apart!).

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  Couldnt Ask For Anything Else - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Great Truck - December 31 - 6:17 pm

  Bought it new. Original brakes lasted 80k and first set of tires lasted 90k. Unbelievable but true. One breakdown in 8 years (ignition interlock). Plan on keeping it for as long as possible.