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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  Most Reliable Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By AQ - December 31 - 4:41 pm

  I bought this car when I was in college. It was a Salvaged Title with only 3K miles on it. I drove it till a couple of years ago and donated it with 245K miles. NEVER HAD ANY DRIVETRAIN ISSUES! Barely changed oil every 15K miles, only problem I ever had was the alternator went bad, which I changed myself/ NO OTHER PROBLEMS. What a great car. Now Im looking to buy another because of its reliability (for commute).

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By tcole - December 31 - 11:43 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned

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  Excellent Value for an American Classic - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Massarian - December 31 - 11:20 am

  What is there left to say about the Mustang that countless magazines and newspaper articles havent. It is the definitive American icon. A muscle car that has captured the hearts and minds of the American people and wont let go. The 1990 Mustang is a great all around car whose current prices are hard to pass up. With the legendary 302 in the engine bay this car is a force to be reckoned with. Its light weight give it a distinct advantage over modern muscle. Another great feature of this car is the great aftermarket availiability. Over all a well maintained Mustang is very reliable and fun to drive. Take a test drive and youll be singing its praises too.

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  Very happy with it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By FOCUSLOVER - December 31 - 3:20 am

  I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus SE with 13,000 miles, which is unbelieveably low for that year,. It has 24,000 miles on it now, and been using it for 3 months. It has a wonderful ride and smooth acceleration. Never had any problems with it, previous owner was a old couple and rarely used the car. Still has the new car smell and everything inside and out looks like brand new. The sound system is wonderful! All of my friends loved it and they are thinking about buying one like mine. Although the one thing that Ford needs to improve is the gas mileage because I only get 270 miles on full gas tank.

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  Exceptionally High Number of Failures - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Ryan - December 31 - 2:28 am

  If I had not purchased the Ford version ESP Extended Service Protection to 75,000 miles, I would have paid over $8,000 in repairs. Failures within this mileage: air conditioning, steering pump, ALL tie rods (inner and outer), ABS antilock brake module, mass air sensor, both power door lock modules, ALL upper and lower ball joints, heavy RUST on both front doors inside at the bottom, RUSTED spark plugs and coil #6 at 74,000 miles when Ford says replacement at 100,000 miles.

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  A Good SUV/Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chris500 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This has been one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive ever owned. It seems to fit like a glove. He has performed flawlessly and has never had to return to the dealer for anything. It doesnt get quite the mileage I was hoping for, but it is very reliable and stable on the road. Most everyone Ive met has liked it and they comment on how smoothly it rides.

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  American Made means something again... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ProjectMagnus - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Im less than 12 hours with my new Ford F150 Lariat SuperCab 5.4 Trinitron. Im very impressed. The ride is smooth and almost car-like. The interior design is simple, yet perfectly designed. This truck has almost too many features to mention. This is perhaps, the greatest vehicle Ive owned. Ford has really, truly outdone themselves. Lets hope I have the same great things to say after the odometer turns 100k.

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  excellent truck great towing - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mike tatz - December 31 - 2:00 am

  the truck looks like a big tough truck but drives like a expesive luxury car, handling is great towing is great and inside instruments very well placed

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  A Big Let Down - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mandi - December 31 - 2:00 am

  When we bought this car, it seemed to have so many great features for an affordable price. However, not two months into it and with a brand new baby riding in it, the mechanical flaws rared their ugly heads. It seemed atleast once a month their was a recall on something mechanically vital or something would just not work, for example the key wouldnt come out of the ignition one day. Turns out the ignition was faulty and recalled. A year later, the key wouldnt go into the ignition. Turns out that ignition had been recalled too. It was fun at first, but after a couple of thousand miles, it just really starts to suck.

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  One more happy old guy!! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Richard Johnson - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car instead of a Chrysler Crossfire. Fit and finish of the t-bird is just excellent. Did not buy for acceleration; etc. But this car is just great to drive whether on an Interstate or just on an around- the-town by-pass. Lots of quiet, smoothe get-up-and-go! Love it!