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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  1997 F150 4.2L Ext. Cab - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Cranky - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Lots of interior room, good instrument layout and enjoyable to drive. Mech. probs. incl. torque converter failed at 60k ($1200), head gasket leak at 93k ($2000) fast brake wear (changed to ceramic pads ($75 pair) reduced freq.of pad replacement), ball joints replaced ($400 cost), gas city ~11 mpg, highway ~16 mpg, oxygen sensor failure at 65K ($40). I have mixed feelings about the vehicle overall but still like the comfort of driving it. New body design on the 2004 is too boxy looking so I probably would not buy a newer model F150 anyway. Too bad, I liked the styling of the previous models.

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  Super Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dferentz - May 21 - 2:00 am

  After 213000 miles, shes still great. The only things done was oil changes, 2 sets of Tires, plugs and 2 sets of brakes, every thing else is orginal. I avg. about 23mpg.

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  not pleased - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By tparks865 - May 21 - 2:00 am

  this car has needed repaired more times in the past 3 weeks than any car i have owned in the past 2 years. it has a major hesitation to it when you accelerate. it also has vibration to it when you turn slightly left or right. i am very unsatisfied with the performance of this car.

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  Eddie - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By bbitter - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for the size.

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  96 Ford Thunderbird LX Now Supercharged - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jerry S - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a V8 American muscle car with RWD that wouldnÂ’t hit me up with high insurance rates. After a year of research I Bought this V8 T-Bird with 65,000 miles on it. Red with sunroof. Fell in love with it. Very powerful and with the available mods out there, I have added over 200 hp, its now putting out little over 400HP, to it with a vortech supercharger and bunch of extras. Now with 92,000 miles and a bunch of fun it runs like a champ still with original engine and transmission. CanÂ’t ask for any more!

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  Love It - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kingcool - May 20 - 11:46 pm

  Mustang GT has great handling and acceleration. Interior comfort is much improved over past models. The traction control gives the car excellent handling ability.

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  Fun "drives different" SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Ivan Alexander - May 20 - 4:50 pm

  I wanted 4WD but with electric hybrid performance, and this is what Ford Escape delivers. A fun vehicle to drive, great pick-up, but must be easy on the revs to get higher mpg; watch the in-dash screen, which becomes a kind of game of "drive different" for best economy. Really like this new SUV, meets all my expectations.

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  Wagon With An Attitude - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ed praul - May 20 - 3:50 am

  I like the easy entrance and exit. The ride is car like. I like the bucket seats in the second row. With two grandkids it is easy to see them with the theater seating.

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  GOOD CHEAP PERFORMANCE CAR - 1999 Ford Escort
  By jkk1 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car. NO warranty or mechanical problems at all.

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  Big Blue - 1999 Ford F-250
  By sdscott - May 20 - 2:00 am

  The F250 has performed as a child- hauler and car-hauler. It has gotten us through the snow in winter and the air conditioning blows cold in the summer. The 7.3L diesel has had few mechanical problems.