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:

• 

  Love it!!!! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By miozzi - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the way this vehicle looks, feels and drives. For an 8 passenger vehicle we expect to have to pay more in gas, but its worth it, even the kids love it. its huge, i feel totally safe in this vehicle, and for some reason driving it, comes naturally. AWESOME!!!!

• 

  love my truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cobb - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This truck is awsome. looks great,drives great. and i got it for $12000 after the rebate from ford. the ground clearence is great also.

• 

  Love This Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Posie - September 4 - 2:00 am

  this car is perfect for me as a young mother. it gives me the sporty look i want and the room i need i have had a few minor problems with this car (normal wear and tear issues that occur with any vehicle) and it does make a strange noise in the engine that noone can figure out. however, it has always started without missing a beat and been ready to roll wherever i needed to go. i will keep this car for a long time and have recommened other people purchase it

• 

  What a Deal!!!!! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By New 4 only $14K!!!!! - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the best deal out there for any car. $14K for a brand new midsize car that had a $22K MSRP. Much more car for the money when you compare it to any other car. We are extremely pleased with the fit and finish of this car.

• 

  Escape into the Future - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LaChanda Hawkins - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck easter weekend this year. I wouldnt trade it for anything. It is dependale, great on gas, easy to handle and very spacious for my family of four.

• 

  I love my SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Lorraine Coffey - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my SUV! I cant find anything to complain about so far:) The cupholders could be deeper.

• 

  Ford Contour 1999 - 1999 Ford Contour
  By JoeT56 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been a fairly good car. No engine or major problems at all. I think that the gas mileage could be alot better for a four cylinder. The only horrible problem Ive had is a bad dasboard. I had my dash replaced by the dealer because it warped in the sun peeling back from the defrost vents. The new one did the same thing. The dealer will replace it for about $1200.00 dollars! Theyre stupid. They replaced my defective one with another defective one. Other than that, its been a fairly decent car. Personally, I would not buy another contour, or another Ford. I didnt like the way they handled my dash problem. Very cold, not willing to help solve the problem.

• 

  great truck - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By polski37 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  i got this truck with 149000 miles for almoust a year i had it i never had any problems it was really wonderfull machine only one complain may be rust on tailgate and door but overall great car

• 

  Brakes Suck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By HarryB - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 that I have replaced the brakes on this vehicle 5 times in 120000 miles. They are terribly undersized for the weight of the vehicle and dealer denies knowledge of any problem, even though I have talked to other owners and mechanics, 100% agree that Ford has a major design problem with the brakes. We finally replaced the brakes with racing brakes that were cross-drilled and slotted to disapate the heat (not a Ford product) and know the brakes are working much better.

• 

  Good Choice - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Good Driver - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to tow a boat and has the power and smooth ride to make it a good experience.