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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  Love My Ford - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Mistyt - March 17 - 3:00 pm

  This is my 2nd Explorer, love this truck. I upgraded from an Eddie Bauer to the Limited. Love it better than the last one. I had an 02 Explorer and boy, has Ford stepped up the suspension, it rides so much smoother and the engine is quieter. I love my truck and I will continue to buy a Ford!

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  Reliable Transporation - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By TonyH - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This has been a reliable family vehicle. The only problems with it were covered under warranty. We are extremely happy with the Battlefield Ford of Manassas, VA for all our service work.

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  Amys review - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By amy40 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my T-Bird for a couple of months but so far I absolutely love it. I cant wait to drive it every day especially as a convertible. My husband bought it for my 40th birthday and he compared it with the Mercedes and the BMWs, but he liked the T-Bird the best and so do I.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By MDSuperCrew - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my SuperCrew for just over two years now. I have 32k miles on it and just took it in for two minor repairs before the 36k mile warranty expires. A plastic trim piece under the front bumper developed cracks and the a seal of the sliding rear window came loose. Thats it. They replaced the whole rear window with a better design and the plastic trim piece was replaced as well. I have the 4.6L version and loaded on a long trip it will get 18 mpg. Amazing for something so huge.

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  I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD - 2003 Ford F-150
  By pissonford - March 17 - 2:00 am

  STARTING AT 1K MILES THE ENGINE KNOCKED LIKE A DIESEL UNTIL IT WARMED UP.(65 DEGREE WEATHER SO IT WAS NOT THAT COLD) FORD CLAIMS THAT PISTON SLAP IS NORMAL!!! WHEN RUNNING THE TRUCK KINDA HARD IN EVERY GEAR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED IT MADE A SCREECHING NOISE. (DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE) DRIVER SIDE DOOR RATTLED LIKE IT WAS FULL OF ROCKS. I HAD MORE FAITH IN MY 1985 F150 W/ 170k MILES THAN I HAD WITH MY 03 W/ 9K MILES THAT I LOST ALOT OF MONEY ON WHEN I TRADED IT IN, BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE MAKING ONE MORE PAYMENT ON!!!

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  My Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Halle - March 16 - 1:06 pm

  The Escape Hybrid looks great, is comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage compared to my last suv. I wish the fit and finish were a little better. Quality of materials on the inside is on the cheap side but still looks ok. Ford skimped on things like lighted vanity mirrors, auto door locks and more convenient audio controls. Apparently the Escape has a few common defects which are disappointing that Ford continues to ship them without resolving the problems (seat belt sensors and air bag module). My new car sat at the dealer for 6 days during my first month waiting for a part. Now it is happening again. Also a problem with brake rotors.

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  ESCAPE - 2001 Ford Escape
  By GREGORY - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints with escape. The only problem was it shut off four times.Took back to dealer & after fourth time I think problem is solve. Over all I like escape very well & would buy again.

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  good - 2000 Ford Contour
  By xavia2 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is in my experience a pretty good car. I have not heared any complaints. If you live on dirt road, the struts can be costly Apr. 1000 for all 4 with alignment Im going in for the first time in 5 years.

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  Not Great - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Rosalia - March 16 - 2:00 am

  well i liked the car untill the transmission went after 37, 000 mile the car was only used to go to work and home and the transmission went and they refused to give me a new one they only gave me a rebuilt one

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  Awesome little run-around! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By adambrunetx2e - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My mom bought the car in 1997 and the only money she has had to put into it was basic maintenance. It was mainly used around town but is great on the highway as well. It is now my college car and a lot of miles have been put on it, and has always been driven very hard yet runs amazingly. The body has always been poor but mechanically it cant be beat.