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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  Gasaholic - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Truddster - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is 3rd ford 4x4 that i have owned. purchased this mainly for my wife to use.absolutely love everything about the truck, except the gas mileage is absolutely terrible, 8-10 city and 11- 14 highway. was told by dealer that mileage will get better after a few thousand miles, but i dont believe that.

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  great small car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By focusdriver - April 1 - 2:13 pm

  The biggest downer is its interior. A little bland. The build quality, inside and out, is good. The car drives great. The steering is tight and precise, and the engine has far more power than my old Civic. The ride is a little rough and the car a bit noisy when its really windy, but overall for a car its price, Im extremely satisfied. I test drove the Corolla, Civic, Jetta and Sentra before choosing the Focus.

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  Im LOVING IT! - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Debbie Cha - April 1 - 10:15 am

  I have NEVER been a fan of FORD.......EVER! This is my first truck. I bought my 2014 truck last year in February (2015) and have had it for a whole year and I cant say enough on how the handling is and how reliable it is. I LOVE the space in the back...........all the things you can imagine I have done.....LOL! J/K The drive is great, although it can use a handle on the driver side, too, to get in. I have four kids all under the age of 12 and they definitely love sitting in the back. It tows my jet skis and my travel trailer just fine. No problems yet with the engine as with any new car, but I will definitely be back on this sight to rate it again in five years. ;-)

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  2000 Ford Mustang Coupe GT - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By John Sprentall - April 1 - 3:30 am

  Had the car for 16 years. Great car....no major problems.....still runs like new!

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  Mustangs are the best - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By nick wallace - April 1 - 2:00 am

  They have good values and i want a nice one with a V8 GTS for under ten thousand dollars!!!

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  Always reliable - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gareth - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The mustang has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever driven. It has not broken down since it was first leased to someone else in 2002, and it is still putting along at 23000 with only oil changes in its history.

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  2003 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By R. Eggert - April 1 - 2:00 am

  If there is any moisture on the road, be very careful. If it snows, leave the car home, it is useless. It wont move in the snow. The power is nice, handling decent on dry ground, car looks good and sounds good. A fair weather car.

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  this car sucks - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By kirgo - April 1 - 2:00 am

  when I get this car, it seems to be a good deal... what a mistake, transmission really bad, and nobody can say what is wrong, and the brakes, I have to change rotors every six months, definitly never gonna buy a Ford again.

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  Dud Engine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By yard man - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Truck was great until the motor imploded. Research on the web informed me of 4.2/v6 engine problems with Ford. TSB only addressed lower gasket. Recall only fixed a portion of engines mfged during period. Water coolant leak into motor from upper and lower gaskets displaces oil in motor which results in total engine failure. Clues should have been coolant odor but never a leak on ground. When it happened, loud bang and clank under hood and continual pouring of white exhaust from tailpipe. Also strong odor of coolant from exhaust. End result, $4000.00 Jaspar replacement engine which is the same engine but with improvements of Fords poor design.

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  Greatest SUV ever made - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By guest@unknown.com - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The ride in unmatched and it is just the greatest SUV to date.