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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  disappointed - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 52 MORE PAYMENTS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Should of bought a Tacoma. This truck is one of the most popular mini trucks on the road, and other then price I dont understand why. Ive had this truck for five months, and its been in the shop for twenty five days, at diferent times. The list is long, The computer modual that controls the wipers, the wiper motor, passenger power window, passenger door latch, fender flair, rear end rumble, and an alignment in first week. What happened to fords claim that quality is job one.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By richard is my real n - September 28 - 2:00 am

  we have a loadid zts 4 door sedan.it is very well put togather fun to drive leather seats nice.moonroof is also nice.motor strong handling also strong.ride is very good.6000 miles and only an oil change. car has been problem free.

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  Fun on wheels - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Somebodyhere - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great little SUV...peppy and manuverable...a real kick to drive.

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  My Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By dvargas - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no major problems with the engine or performance in the last 8 years. The only recurring problems were with the body parts such as plastic interior items breaking including gear shifter, mechanical window repairs on 4 occasions, etc. Overall I have been very happy with my purchase. A very economical vehicle.

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  Fast and Fun - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Ixion - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Bang for the buck, you cant beat a Mustang when it comes to performance. Beautiful car, powerful, fun in the straights and the corners, and almost 100,000 miles without a major problem. Who says American cars are low quality?

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  the best - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By carracer568 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  thae best car i every wonted and got.

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  Room for 9 - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tharpomaximus - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Drives great and plenty of room for passengers. A lot of standard features in the base model. Much more flexible seating than the Suburban or Yukon. Wife loves it.

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  No problems - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By tiger0hs - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my convertible for over a year now and have had absolutely no problems. It is just an automatic v-6 mustang but it is still fun and comfortable to drive. All of the problems that I have heard of from people who have owned convertibles are non-existent. I have had no problems with leaks, tears, or cuts. Being in college I was also looking for a dependable car that would have no problems with trips home. I put higher performance touring tires on it and it drives much better.

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  Was Time for newr Truck - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Augustine Beltran - September 26 - 8:59 pm

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  Side Crash - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kansas City Mom - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  This month my fiance was driving my 2008 Escape and I was passenger when we were in a side impact collision. All of the airbags including the side curtain airbags (which are standard on 2008-2009 models) were deployed. We walked away bruised but we walked away. This vehicle drives like a car. I will recommend it to anyone. It is safe, reliable, and the only problem mine had was that the back glass liked to rattle a bit. But I love everything about it and Im out looking for a 2009 model now.