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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  Great inexpensive car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By brianl703 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This 1997 Ford Escort has aged pretty well. It drives pretty much as it did when we got it 5 years ago. Gas mileage is good, it handles pretty well (the chassis is much more rigid than previous year Ford Escorts). With 81,000 miles, the engine barely uses 1/3 quart of Mobil 1 5W-30 in 4500 miles. The check engine light had been on for a couple of years (with a P1443 trouble code), I finally got around to fixing it by replacing the purge flow solenoid with a $5 wrecking yard part. It turned out the rubber hose had started deteriorating, and the solenoid got clogged with debris.

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  2006 Ford Fusion SEL I-4 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mark - August 27 - 2:20 am

  Just bought a new Ford Fusion I-4 after trading in my Expedition. The gas mileage is so good on the Fusion. I average about 22-25 mpg in the city. The interior is comfortable (w/standard cloth seating). Everything is nice and accessible. The controls on the steering wheel (for the climate control and radio) are so nice to have. Love the console shifter and the Automatic Climate Control. I wish the SEL came with standard automatic headlamps. But besides that, the Fusion is a great car to own.

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  Great Ford! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By AaronMAaron - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Explorer from my sister with 203,000 miles on it. Since Ive put 6,000 on it with no problems. In its 15 year life span the Explorer had only needed maintenance, a muffler, and a transmission...not bad for 209,000 miles. I suggest one for anyone who likes them...great ride.

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  Love it in Texas - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By red wolf - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Impressed with the new design and available features. 4x4 suspension is great. Very smooth highway ride and comfortable for long trips. Plenty of room. Recommend the 5.4L engine if at all possible, I test drove both and found that the 4.6 doesnt provide enough power for this big vehicle. Overall, very satisfied.

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  ok truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By madriver - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Was beginning to notice problems at 43,000 miles with front end noises. Did full brake job on front-end at 37,000(rotors and everything - $400!). Terrible fuel economy 14-15 mpg seeing that my new 4Runner gets 25-26 mpg. Decent truck and fun to drive but go with a toyota

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  Ford Ranger XLT - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By wv_mark - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Went from a Jeep Liberty to a Ford Ranger XLT 4x4. Very nice truck.

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  I Lost It - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By 96rangerlover - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My mom got it brand new in 96. Then my dad put a 3" lift on it. Then when I turnd 16 my mom gave it to me. I was using just to go to work and school. Then 4 months later after i got it, I was making a left turn and some people in a car T-boned me. So truck is no more. Ever since then Iv been looking for another 96.(My favrite year).

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  GT40 - 2005 Ford GT
  By bobthecarenthusiast - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Not as fast as my viper, but it is an eye catcher.

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  Clifford the Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ACEMARKEY - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We have TWO! Named my Escape Clifford. Guess what color it is? I love this car, looove, there arent enough positive words. Much better mileage than what the sticker says. Peppy, roomy. Handles great in snow. A bit of wind noise at high speeds(80mph) makes it difficult to listen to the excellent cd player (single). Please follow the dealer maintenance record religiously. There have been a few problems, but the dealer fixed. Dont bother with the dealers ext. warranty Call Ford Mo Co yourself and ask them specifically for their own. Dealer will try to sell you an aftermarketinsisting it is Fords. After 2 dealers, 3 cars we learned the hard way.

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  GOLD XLT STEPSIDE REG CAB - 1995 Ford F-150
  By 351 Venom - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought from orig. owner. Truck was babied. Took it to Ford dealer for oil change, and 3 mechanics begged me to sell it. Hope to convert it to older lightning truck later, but its still nice now. Unusual fact gold color, tan interior, mint condition. Ill have it a long time. Had rear differential bearings replaced due to roaring, otherwis no problems- 110,000 miles so go figure. Luv it. Eric