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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  Standard Ford Headaches - 1999 Ford F-150
  By red-truck - April 7 - 2:00 am

  My truck generates the standard Ford problems annually. The hem seam on all four doors developed rust (which Ford refused to fix as the rust did not perforate the metal), phantom windshield wipers (unfixed), coil pack failure (1) and air conditioner refrigerant leaks requiring annual recharge and also the famous Ford door crack above the intersection of the front and rear door on both sides. The irritation is that these problems are all reported but Ford refused to address the problems until (reportedly and time will tell) the 2004 redesign. How does one say "Cash Cow".

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  I love it - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Pedermen - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car drives and handles. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. With a flowmaster exhaust system, it will sound close to a GT, gives a great driving experience. Even without exhaust it is fun and fast.

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  good truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jewels - April 7 - 2:00 am

  2.3L SB 4x4. I have 130,000 miles on truck, been relatively reliable in the 9 years that Ive had it, but not totally perfect. Now burns about 1 quart of oil every 5000 or oil change, not that big of a deal for a 9 year old truck. New ABS brake module at 50k, rusty radiator replaced at 100k, electrical lights came on at 24K, covered. The gas gauge stopped working at around 70-80K. Good gas mileage, just wish that they continued a 4cyl ext cab. version. overall, I have had very good luck with my first domestic vehicle. Would consider another one, but the new 4x4 gas mileage is very poor.

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  Taurus GL 1994 - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By michael moy - April 7 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this used vehicle there were problems with the transmission,and leaking radiator. The dealer had it checked by a mechanic but said the car is okay.

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  Happy with the Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By 99Aggie - April 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this so that we would have a vehicle where we could carry our son and groceries at the same time. We also bought it for added safety as compared to our other car. We are very happy with it. It can really take off, the power is great. Only problems have been the stock tires, which we just replaced, and a repair needed on the throttle control. Of course this was not under the warranty and the dealer had it for 3 days for a simple fix. Overall we love our bright yellow Escape.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily--ford 99 sel - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By danny z. - April 7 - 2:00 am

  purchased used at 36,000.needed intake manifold,starter,trans,battery,computer, side doors dont closed all the time [motors replaced,dashboard ratels,etc.. called ford and they can care less.van now has 54,00 onit and today the plastics gear changer that regulates the air flow to parts of the van is sounding like a bomb in the dash.Called ford another 4400 please.What a junk box...traded my honda for this !!!

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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By BlackLabLover - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an Explorer with a BIG trunk - this is it! I drove an Explorer before this and the cargo area was too cavernous when I wasnt hauling anything, and sometimes too small when I was. This is the best of both worlds.

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  Loving the 2003 Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By JJGullett - April 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife ordered her Expedition completely loaded. The Kids love the DVD player, the Dad loves the A/C seats and GPS-Navigational System and Mom loves all the room. I especially feel safe knowing that she is driving my son and newborn twins around with the ATS and Side Airbags.

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  move over sequoia - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By doc123 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This truck drives about as good as a sequoia, has a great new suspension, outstanding safety features, a very nice fit and finish and options which make this the best suv in its class period. I thought that the interiors of the tahoe and sequoia were very average. The tahoe drove ok and the sequoia seemed overpriced for the total package you got.

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  nice truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Baubalu - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I,ve taken this truck on several vacations out west.,the gas mileage was pretty good. Driving in snow and ice this winter was great with the limited slip rear-end, who needs 4wd.