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:

• 

  nice looking not dependable - 2002 Ford F-150
  By portzline - December 17 - 2:00 am

  had my truck in 3 times by 9000 miles for transmission and cluth problems and still hasnt been fixed right

• 

  Nice Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By kellyk - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car for a person who DOES NOT want to transport more than 3 people at a time or do a lot of outdoor activities. The interior is great but the center console (a/c cd/tape) is a long way to go for us long legged people. I love the "guts" the V6 has but, when stopped it has a little jerk to it every once in a while. Overall a great car.

• 

  Great - Beware of poor $2300 Engine Problems! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Blefort - December 16 - 6:21 pm

  Former Explorer owner, upgraded to Expedition. Very good ride design, comfort, size. Mediocre/expected gas mileage. However, after 40K, the right cylinder head cracked, and began leaking oil. Repair of $2300 out of pocket was followed up with complaints. Initially Ford repair shop indicated rebate of $1500, but after several weeks, their "mistake" was corrected to $700 rebate. BAD taste in mouth for Fords quality, as more investigation indicates that this is a "known Issue" with the Triton V8s from this period. Dont know if its been fixed or not, but any time you have major repairs before 50K, beware!

• 

  Fun first car, needs LOTS OF WORK - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By SRoberts - December 16 - 3:29 pm

  Bought car in Georgia with 60,000 miles. No lemon law! Had BAD shake, alignment made it disappear long enough for me to take it home. Head gaskets were blown, front end squeaks, car and steering wheel shake over 40 mph. Head lights randomly shut off. Fixed headlight switch 5 times. Put $700 into gaskets, $1200+ into suspension plus new rims to fix shake (finally!). AC compressor broke, new fan belt even squeals, oil leak, transmission leak, radiator leak, bad temperature gauge at 80,000 miles, rear end has developed kick and transmission hesitates badly in cold weather, passenger window & seat belt broke, weatherstripping rotting, fog lights dead, doors rattle. I put over $3,000 into it within 2 years, now it needs more work. Very comfy & roomy.

• 

  Supercab Facts - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Lee Luna - December 16 - 5:10 am

  This is the third Ranger I have owned, have never had to bring them in to the dealer for anything whatsoever, I know some of the vehicle reviews have stated that the Ranger is outdated in several areas, but why meddle with success? it always starts, takes me where i want to go, never quits while running and is very good on gasoline.

• 

  Trouble Free @ 81k - 1998 Ford Contour
  By David - December 15 - 9:08 pm

  Bought used at a bargain price. I use this car daily for my business. At 81k miles, I have only replaced the front brakes. No other expenses whatsoever. Excellent heat and a/c. Best I have had. Handling is super with the SE package. I have the 2.0 motor. A little sluggish off the line but picks up nicely ( without the a/c running). I averaged 28 mpg last summer in combined driving. Ride can be firm for some and road noise can be an issue, but this is one well made car IMHO. Best buy I ever made.

• 

  Retro Design new technology--perfect - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - December 15 - 5:40 pm

  this car is beautiful, powerful and fun to drive

• 

  Great Car from Chicago Pride - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Chicago Pride - December 15 - 3:59 pm

  best Ford ever built

• 

  Lots of value for your money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By kddid98 - December 15 - 3:33 pm

  I bought this car new in March 2003. I chose the SEL premium package and Im glad I did. Its got both a sporty flair and a touch of luxury. Friends have commented that it is a beautiful car and are surprised when they hear what I paid for it. Its a lot of car with a small price.

• 

  I like my Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Mary Baughman - December 15 - 3:19 pm

  Car handles well in snow and bad road conditions. Visibility is good except for front right corner, where the windshield bar blocks the view somewhat. I like the heated seat and passenger comfort system, heat and air both.