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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  Stay away - 1995 Ford F-150
  By disappointed again - November 13 - 3:02 pm

  This vehicle has been parked or on a rack more than it has been driven. I have replaced the engine, trans, rear end, radiator, fuel pumps so far. I have tried to sell it three times in the Memphis area. Nobody is interested.

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  Think My Explorers Days Are Numbered - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By angelb - November 13 - 11:59 am

  I bought Explorer 21/2 yrs ago with 114000 mls . The transmission had just been replaced everything worked great no leaks. at 136000mls took it on a long road trip broke down, TRANSMISSION again had the front seal repaired cost $500. today at 150000 still having transmission problems,mechanic says these tranmissions are notorious for having problems, radiator needs to be replaced, ac n/o longer works, electrical problems, have replaced starter and other routine maintenence.change the oil every 3000 miles no problems there. we have some rust but in the upper midwest that is to be expected.its a great car for daily driving but wont be taking any more road trips.decent for 150000mls 12yrsold

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  A few quibbles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By prunnmo - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Only had it for a month but considering my occupation requires me to drive trucks and/or suv I would say it has been a great buy. With the dealer discount and rebates I ended up spending a lot less than the foreign models. Only time will tell if it holds up. 2 things tho: theres a rattle in the back hatch. Think its the 2 plastic latches in the door. And the radio doesnt have the greatest reception.But its been fun to drive.

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  best yet - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bobbyll - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 7 suvs and this is by far the best. It has features found nowhere else except in the Navigator and gets great gas mileage for a 5400 pound vehicle.

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  lighting # 1 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By 01 lighting - November 13 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN BUY AND DRIVE

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  Fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By McDave - November 13 - 2:00 am

  What a great ride...I love this SUV...You have to go and drive one

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  frod is the best - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dozer - November 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is the best car that i have ever driven.

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  UNSATISIFIED FORD SVT OWNER - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By com - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Cobra Mustang 2003 with a 3 year 3600 mile warrenty took it back to the dealer with rear noise cv joint noise body panels misalined on vehicle engine shutting off rotors are gouged over flow is pushing out antifreezeinsulation tires when cold have as sever thumping in the tires until the tires warm up 7 times to be fixed I demanded an SVT Field Representive to come out and look at the problems several months ago and still have not gotten anywhere I demanded a new vehicle because it falls under the Lemon LawI thought Ford stands behind their vehicles and their warrenties

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  Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By lzrd - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my car, I owned the 98 2 door coupe before i bought the convertible and I cant express how happy I am with my convertible. It truly is the best car Ive ever driven.

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  Ford mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By joboa - November 13 - 2:00 am

  good gas mileage comfortable looks great good price