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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  Best Truck ever - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By ken black - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1986 Ranger and drove it for over 14 years. The 04 Ranger is much better and more fun to drive. Ford has done it right. The high back seats are very comfortable, visability is great, the sound system is excelent, the ease of access to the cab is effortless with the 4 doors, and the ride is much imporved over prior Rangers. I especially like the redesigned looks of the truck.

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  SHO - The only Taurus Id own - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By RedGeminiPA - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 SHO with 105,996 miles. Since then Ive driven about 3,000 miles with no major problems. I did have the drivers side tierod end replaced because it was getting dry (no grease fittings) and very noisy. It will soon need ball joints for the same reason (drying out). My average mileage is between 20 - 22 mpg. Car looks great - black metalic w/ chrome wheels... real head-turner! Mach Audio, moonroof, tan leather, factory cell phone - tons of features for this class! 4-wheel air ride is great on highways, but rough on bumps. Yamaha 32V V8 has good power and nice exhaust note. Will need suspension work - noisy. I paid $5995.00. Nice for the $.

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  Run away as fast as you can! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By disgruntled consumer - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the worst car we have every owned. Multiple brake jobs, sensor failure, door lock failure, tie- rod failure. I could go on and on. The transmission has failed 3 times 52,000, 84,000 and and 96,000. Each time slightly outside the warranty. I called for and they told me "There is no inherent problems with the Windstar transmissions." BALONY! Ford didnt even offer a discount as a goodwill gesture. Buying a new car next week... a HONDA!

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  Fantastic SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By MrTaz49 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV. Had rented one last year in 2003 for vacation. It really was comfortable to ride in, drive and all around vehicle. Found the one we bought at Enterprise Car Sales just had to buy it. Not too good on gas mileage but that is the only disappointment I have. Would buy another one if needed too.

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  What a Vehicle - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Griff - August 28 - 10:56 pm

  I compared all of the like vehicles and the bang for the buck goes to the Escape. The Escape is getting 24.5 mpg in mostly city driving, it tows my 2500 lb trailer without a problem and this is the 4 cyc. The 6 speed auto is smooth and responsive. Plenty of interior room, seats are really comfortable, the vehicle sits at a nice height and I can get all of my suff in the back cargo area leaving the back seats uncluttered. Anyone looking for a vehicle this size would be remiss in purchasing this Escape. (24,300 msrp with a cash prince of 19,440) how can one go wrong. Unless you are still one of the die hards who thing Asian vehicles are better. This Escape proves my point.

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  It just doesnt break - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By mooseberry - August 28 - 1:29 pm

  new late in 04. Inspection revealed one screw in rt frt fender cross threaded. No other defects. Towed Coleman trailer several summers all over Montana, no problems. It simply has never failed its mission. Has been through some very harsh winters up here. Had one problem with corroded emergency brake parts. Fixed by dealer. Caused by goo state sprays on roads. (eats metals). Best truck, best vehicle Ive owned in 60 years.

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  Better than my 96 Camry, even after 1 year - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Stephanie - August 28 - 12:00 pm

  What a great ride. Drove from No. California to Vegas and it was awesome to get out on the open road. Tight handling is so much better than the looseness of the Camry I drove previous to purchasing my Fusion. I have owned a Honda, a Nissan, and another Ford model in the past 20 years and aside from my very first "new car" which was a Nissan, this is the best. I would definitely purchase this car again. Price tag is unbeatable. Only thing is I cant quite figure out what is up with the high beams. Not sure if I am operating the device correctly or if they just dont work. Need to consult manual or ask the next time I am in for routine service.

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  operational functioning of 2004 F-150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By twohollands - August 28 - 4:00 am

  I think the fit and finish is much better than my Chevy. The only quality issue was a defective leather seat bottom, which the dealer replaced somewhat reluctantly (cost to them).

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  lots of repairs - 1998 Ford Contour
  By jbird1979 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  When I first purchased this car, I should have know things wouldnt go well based on the number of recalls! The fuel filler neck, blower swith, airbag sensors, and transmission gear indicator were all in need of repair. Too bad everything else wasnt covered by recalls or technical service bulletins. Ive had to replace the AC system, cooling fan (twice), thermostat, belt tensioner, and much more. At least its paid for...

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  I Love My Ranger! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By KayK - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I own a Ford Ranger and I am very pleased with it. It is a little rough riding at times if the road is rough. I have no other complaints. It has been very reliable and fun to drive.