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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  good car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By honeybunny - June 12 - 2:00 am

  i had this car for4 years bought used and love it, chep on gas, oil. tires. brakes and other mentaince .

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  my bronco - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By jacck - June 12 - 2:00 am

  it has been a good vehicle. it has never let me down. 133k+ miles and still usses no oil at ALL!

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  Ranger beats the rest - hands down - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By TerryM - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My second Ranger - I purchased this vehicle after test driving and/or renting Chevy/GMC, Nissan, Toyota, and others. None can compare to the Ranger for quality, performance, drivability, driver position, seat comfort, driver visibility, quiet cab, and pure "fun to drive". And after extensive shopping, the Ranger was the best value I found.

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  Drive the Machine - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By BossHog - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is a childs hot wheels dream come true. The feel of power, the mystique of tradition, and the roar of the mighty mustang combine for an unforgettable driving experience.

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  Great Car....but not for tall people - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By MustangShelbie - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a Mustang Family (2 1970 Fastbacks/ 1 1989 Hatchback), when I was purchasing my first car I had to go with the Mustang! I love the looks and it still has speed, even though the smaller engine. I would recommend this car to most. The only problem is that at 6 feet tall, my knees are at the dash when I drive. I lower the seat, but I cant see over the front of the hood. The older Mustangs had more leg room...maybe Ford needs to work on that. However, its a great car!

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  thunderbird review - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By steves57fords - June 12 - 2:00 am

  the only thing I dont like about this car is turning it off.

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  It really is okay... - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Husoni - June 12 - 2:00 am

  At first I had some issues with look of the vehicle as well as my experience with the dealership, but over the years I trully can not complain. I have backed into poles, other cars, spun out on the free way and still I have not had any injuries or had any repairs required. "it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin..." really. Gas is great as well. Its like my own private bumper car.

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  2003 Ford Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By F. Hamlett - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Drives well, comfortable interior. Would have liked leather but not available. Reliability has not been great. It sported an out-of-round rear axle from the factory and I thought it may have been just a fluke, but a few months later a front axle bearing went out. These kinds of reliability problems could have been avoided with more care at the manufacturing level. No more problems to report at this time. I feel a little better about the truck now that these problems have been addressed and I have driven it for approx. 10,000 miles since the incident with the front bearing with no other problems to report.

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  Quality Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Steve D. - June 10 - 5:06 pm

  The 2007 Limited has a lot of nice features that distinguish it from the XLT. The quality, ride, handling, and comfort are more than expected. The truck is solid and have experienced no issues at all since driving it off the lot. A real winner!

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  It just keeps on going - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mruconn - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 LX after my 1993 Ecort GT started to give me problems and it was the most affordable car for me at taht time. I bought it new with 18 miles on it and as of today, 6/10/04, I now have 209,670 miles. No major problems, just things are wearing out but that is to be expected, plus I ma still getting 35+ mpg. It just keeps running and running, maybe thats why Ford discontinued it, it was too good.