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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  Nothing but trouble - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Zeiler - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Continual electrical problems, just like last Ford Windstar. Will buy someone elses minivan next time.

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  Loving My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By truckin girl - June 6 - 2:40 pm

  I recently purchased my Escape after driving a 03 Honda Civic EX for a year and a half, which I hated. The Escape reminds me of the 01 Explorer Sport I had before the Civic which I loved but it was leased and had to be returned and they no longer make it so I got the Civic because it seemed nice. I longed for an SUV again and I looked at all the smaller ones from the Liberty to the XL-7 and I found that the Fords seem to be the most comfortable and best designed. I was a little leery about returning to Ford because there was a gammit of problems I had with the Explorer, but I loved it so much. I think the Escape is by far the best in its class. It had the best ride and the nicest features.

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  The Bird is the Word! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By bird_luvr - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my bird! (So does my wife.) I have a Pacific Coast Roadster that is out of this world. She now has over 600 miles in 1 week, all from just cruising around. I have never heard of a car that gets as many comments as my bird - everyone loves this car! Like driving a classic with the safety, reliability, & features of new. The PCR is the 04 limited edition model and the only bird you can get with a light dash instead of black, which was a big factor in our decision. Only 1000 made, so not too common. Color very classy. Gas mileage good for a V8. Get both tops: ragtop-only costs double(!) to insure. You WILL be seen in this car!

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  Overrated - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bdoug - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My previous small truck was an 89 Mazda B2200 and I really miss it. At 64" I have trouble seeing to my right at crossroads because of the mirror. The gas mileage has been awful. The gas mileage started out around 15 mpg and is at 13 now that I am running the air conditioning. The worst thing, however, has been the bouncing bed. On any road that has bumps, the rear end of the truck bounces all over the road. I took my winter weight and have been driving it around this spring to try to keep the rear wheels on the road.

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  Ranger xlt - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Rotsinger - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck and wqouldnt trade for any car. I have the 4.0 liter which has plenty of power for its size and still has a pretty smooth ride for a truck. This truck still amazes me with its off-road capabilities (I go in some very deep mud when I haul grass to a recycling composte site, so I know what Im talking about).

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  Still fun after all these years - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Big Red One - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, gets comments eight years later. Red paint glistens. Blew the intake manifold at 55 k, Ford covered repair even though out of warranty! Differential leak at about 90,000. Ended up paying for a new rear end. My fault...fixing the leak would have been much less costly. Clutch went at 110,000, but got the repair for $600 by avoiding the dealer. Ran too hot for a summer. Replaced radiator at 120k which fixed the problem ($400). Now runs cool even in 100 degree heat with the a/c blasting. Tires good for no more than 45 k. Im now running my third set. At about $900 per, thats not cheap. But man, those meats look good.

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  Great - 1996 Ford Probe
  By shawdy_fosho - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had a fun time with this car, it drives great, they exterior designing is awesome, and the interior is well designed!!! I give it an A+++++++++

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  Very Happy With My Choice! - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wrightkl - June 6 - 12:29 am

  First - fuel economy - I have carefully tracked every fill-up and after 3 mo./3400 miles cumulative economy is 35.8 mpg (the display is 3% optimistic and shows 36.9). Outside temperature makes a big difference. At 70 deg. I get 40 mpg and at 25 deg. I get 33. The ride is enjoyable and very quiet, even in the gasoline mode. The transmission was a happy surprise - the CVT eliminates that shifting feeling and acceleration (of which there is plenty) just feels better. Interior is classy - I have the Smokestone leather seats (along with the Steel Blue Metallic exterior, which is a nice combination). Only reason I have a 4 for build quality was two small items which the dealer handled - no biggie.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By TOYO - June 5 - 9:50 pm

  Great truck, fun to drive, and very reliable. Overall F-150 is the reason Ford is the #1 truck seller in the nation.

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  not getting rid of it - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By jadebudan - June 5 - 6:57 pm

  We just got 14 inches of snow and i decided that i might want something with four wheel drive. i found a jeep and went to read the reviews on it.. they were mostly very bad! so i figured i would read the reviews on my car and they were amazing which made me realize that i do have a great car. i only had a weird electrical problem with my dash that hasnt happened after it happen that once ( all the gages wouldnt move and then were jumping up and down while i was driving.. did this happen to anyone else??). I am very glad that i got this wonderful car and im definitley not trading it in anytime soon!