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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  Economical, fuel efficient, roomy lil SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By astromike - April 23 - 12:16 pm

  Editors get paid to find weak points in all vehicles. Overall I think the Escape is a "sleeper" in todays gas guzzling SUV, 4.00/gallon gas world we live in. I mean this lil SUV is known for been fairly good on fuel (19-26 mpg) and is fairly inexpesive. Yea its not perfect but the fuel efficiency alone is the prime reason I got it! As thats hard to find in an SUV. Decent factory sound sytstem, and plenty of room. I love my 08 Escape, its fun to drive!

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  2004 makes 3 - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Elijahbird - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased a 2004 Merlot with Sand package. I have 2 other Thunderbirds, a 56 and a 66 that are show cars. I wasnt that fond of the new style when it first came out, but I grew to like it. When I saw the car in the Merlot color, I jumped off the fence and bought one. The performane was a little surprising. It really flys....I really liked the 2002 Tbird Blue, but didnt want to buy a first-year model.

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  Reliving our youth - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Rmtnone - April 23 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought our Mustang in April, and so far we are very happy with every aspect of the car. We find the handling and performance of the car outstanding. My husband compares it to his 68 Mustang and thinks it is even more fun. We have the exterior sports package and I have to say that we could live without the Mustang decal, but that is probably the only thing we would change. Overall, this a great car, we would prefer to get better gas mileage, but if your going to have a car like this I guess gas mileage isnt at the top of your list. Reliving your youth could be though. Thanks Ford for bringing back a REAL Mustang!

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  Best truck i have ever owned - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Bridgerat04 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this truck and it is just a fun but very reliable pickup. It lives up to its name Ford Ranger.

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  economy - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By hankl77 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This little Ranger gives a big bang for the buck. I got a 3000 rebate and a dealer discount. FInal price was around 13,500, List was 19,500. I enjoy the ride, fuel consumption, and ability to haul wood. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Ford Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By jsmalcuga - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd Taurus and we are quite happy with it. At present we own 3 Ford vehicles and all have given us exceptional value for the $$$$.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By 2000 Lemon - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Covert Ford delivered the car with a huge scratch on the drivers side window. A sign I should have backed out of the deal immediately. The AC unit has been replaced 2 times in 4 years. Both time failing on long trips. The seams on the Leather Interior seats are coming apart. The rear door panels on both side the vinyl is coming un-glued from the doors Covert Ford can replace the rear door panels for only $900. It is the loudest driving car I have ever owned. Road noise will drown out the stereo system - not to mention a telephone call. Ford is poor Quality - Covert is bad service!

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  no engine problems - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Jim Jensen - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Weak front end and suspension system, which Im finding is typical of Ford. Sound system marginal. Very disappointing car. Good dealership.

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  Nothing Fancy, Gets The Job Done - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By SteelersFANinMA - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought used in 1996 with 60k/mi., 8 yrs. later it has 196,500mi. & burns no oil. Other than regular maintenance this car NEVER failed me until the summer of 2003. I then had to replace the ORIGINAL battery, starter, muffler, A/C unit, CCRM module and most recently the oil pan. At this point the car could use some new struts and the odometer recently started to float, but stays near the actual mph. Since the car has been paid off for a few years Id say the cost of upkeep is still cheaper than having a car payment. Overall I would say that this is a highly reliable and easy to maintain vehicle that I would recommend to anyone.

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  Mine Rocks! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By buckin Bronc - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Let me explain, stock its a great truck, with a little work its a work of art. Add a K&N kit Flowmasters, a little suspension, tuck some 35X12.50 into the wheel wells and start driving anywhere and everywhere. This truck is a real looker as well to keep the look origional I had to have some brackets made to keep the stock bumpers.