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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  Lightning - 2004 Ford F-150
  By matador818 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, definetly makes heads turn and gets the girls. Gas milage decent on highway and not so great on street but what can u ask for when ur running nearly 400hp. Love the sound of the s/c when u gas it. Insurance is nearly same as a reg. f-150. oh ya, always have to put octane 91, $2.50 P/GAL isnt fun.

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  My Review - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sunwoshiper816 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle can take a beating. I have driven it on off-road, interstate highway, country roads, and city roads and it has performed quite well.

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  se - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By don123 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  nice car rides excellent handles well for i inexpencive luxery sedan. could stop better but overall i am very pleased

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  2.3L PZEV, 148HP, manual - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Llyra - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The pick-up and top speed far exceeded my expectations. Its well designed as far as looks and function also. Gas mileage is great. It also happens to be our family car since it is so spacious. I would recommend this model to anyone looking for a little more speed combined with comfort and practicality.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By T Jaspers - April 25 - 3:00 am

  I love my new Escape Hybrid. The GPS Navigation system, map, icons showing when the gas engine is running, electric engine is running, both running and battery charging are really neat. It also tells you your mileage over last 15 minutes, and how many kilometers till your tank is empty. My model doesnt have automatic headlights which I miss. But its other features make up for that loss.

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  Best small truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By mycobrars - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck would buy another, I"m sure Ill make 200,000 mile no problem. Great on gas.

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  This car just kicks ass... - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By GrapeDawg - April 25 - 2:00 am

  What can I say.. Ford finally made the no-frills GT weve always wanted. The emphasis is on under-stated looks, torque and exclusiveity. Spend 5 grand on a supercharger and youve got yourself the ultimate sleeper. Vette owners beware...

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  Run Away Fast - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By buy another car - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems.Oil leak under chain cover ($525) Transmission ($2500) Steering column broke ($310.00) + 2 recalls, & many little things. Disappointing vehicle. Never buy Ford again. Will buy Toyota to get a real car. Mechanic who fixed steering wheel said Ford told him that the Fords have alot of problems with this steering wheel problem. I went to turn off my car and my key just flipped around & then it would not turn off my accessories. It was not my starter it is Actuators and Assy Bracket. My suggestion is buy another car.There are many more out there that are better than the Ford Explorer and Ford all together. Gas mileage stinks to.

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  This is my last Ford.. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By drifter - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I dont know where to start.With 68K miles engine died (chain tensioner failed),paint is allready chipped and faded,running boards are all rusty,hood lootch broke off recently, drivers seat frame and seat latch broken too,rear differential makes horrible hissing sound,front bearings and ball joints failed also,radio LED is blinking all the time,one of the control panel lights died,check engine light coming on and off constantly,had to replace lower and upper intake gaskets and idle motor(engine wouldnt start in cold weather,faulty headlights switch,terrible gas mileage and the list goes on and on...This is my lesson, last Ford EVER.

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  Shifty at best - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By wunderkid49 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  By the time the car was five years old with 63k miles, I had had the transmission rebuilt, did the brakes twice myself, replaced several suspension components trying to fix dangerous at the limit handling characteristics, installed several new electrical items including power window motors and power seat switches, and several mechanics were chasing a check engine problem. All this and 22 mpg. So, I traded it this weekend for a 02 Subaru. It handles, shifts, and stops like a car should. No more Fords for me.