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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  Live for today - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Evil_Oppie - April 29 - 7:06 am

  The only purchase that I have made that puts a smile on my face every time I see it. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning whenever I start my Mustang. The fun I have behind the wheel encourages me to take the long way and enjoy the scenery. I recommend this car for anyone that is tired of the humdrum drive to & from as a chore and make it a dream.

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  Best car ever - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By svendog - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I have never been a Ford owner but have to say my Ranger is the best car ever. In the past 10 years I have only replaced brakes and tires once and not even a tune up has been required. Only problems have been with cruise control (stopped working) and occasional leaking gas near filler neck.

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  Basic Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By nomad62 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck mainly to commute to work, with the occasional bed hauling duty in mind. I was surprised to see that the truck would actually get 20 mpg if I watched the right foot. It is the 4.2 liter six so it does not have the oomph of the V8s Ford offers but for my use the 6 is more than adequate. The tranny shifts smoothly and operates seamlessly. I recently drove from Houston, TX to Salem, OR in 3 days and was surprised at the trucks willingness to provide comfort and considerable control over all road surfaces as very little of the trip was taken on the interstate. I am pleased with this truck and would gladly buy it all over again.

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  Think about it - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Doorwood - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new with 8 miles on it. @ 50 miles the tie-rod broke and it cost me $70.00 for a alignment (non warrenty) now the car has 118,324 miles on it and it has well over $6k in repairs..2 sets of Head-Gaskets, 1 Transmission, $800 in emissions work..Tires last about 40k miles and brakes last about 9k miles. dealership is unable to resolve front end problems and they have had it 6 times.

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  96 black gt - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Craig karr - April 29 - 2:00 am

  The heater core has gone out 3 times since 2000, and its been in 2 accidents. Even though it is not the best car by far, i still love my gt.

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  A great reliable car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By gigfy60 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this wagon for over two years and all I have do so far as maintainance is change the oil and filter.It is a solid vehicle that does its job very well.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Sailer - April 29 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a great family truck for those who tow. Room is a big plus. Mileage is good in the diesel. Avgerage 18 highway 16 city. Towing avg is 12.

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  Fine for Us - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By gracer - April 29 - 2:00 am

  So far, weve been very pleased with the Ford Windstar. Its not posh inside, but certainly a great value. The "check tires" light has gone off more than expected, but its easy enough to reset.

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  Another Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Gordon Smith - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I was iffy when it came to buying a ford. I test drove the Chevy Tahoe and the Expidition both the same day. I have always been a Chevy fan (#3) from childhood. However, after completely being critical of the ford - we bought it!!! My family and I love our expidition.

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  1993 Ford Explorer Limites 4 door - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Zippide - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Over 180,oook hard miles with no engine work! Always runs great. And I dont even like Ford.