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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  spend your money elsewhere - 1994 Ford Escort
  By kjlnjlnnminoimiojmip - March 16 - 2:00 am

  maybe its jsut the particular car i got, but ive had nothing but trouble with it. 500 miles into my ownership, the ac goes out. dealer replaces compressor (for exorbitant price of $400) but radiator starts leaking. my freakin speedometer doesnt even work! even though ive heard of lots of people that have loved this car, i see no reason to spend the money on it. why bother when you can get a comparable civic (better reliability and mileage) for about a grand more?

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  Problems that should not be happening - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Tonyhca - March 16 - 2:00 am

  At 45k miles, Ive already had to replace tires (primarily due extreme feathering on front left tire...or front suspension/steering/alignment problems from the factory?) and brake pads. Pulls hard right after brake replacement. About 50% of the time electric door locks dont respond to the keyless entry pad, clicker or door control. Misc. interior plastic coverings falling off. Finally, 10.7 mpg is frustrating, especially with California gas prices.

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  Economical Car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Festiva Driver - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a few years ago as a high school student. It has turned out to be a very dependable car, having incurred no expenses other than routine brake pad, tire, and oil changes. The car gets good gas mileage, and is cheap to insure and plate. While the car appears small on the outside, it is actually fairly comfortable on the inside, and has a useful amount of storage space. The interior is simple but durable. My biggest complaints are that the car tends to get a severe lack of respect on the road, and I wouldnÂ’t trust it in a wreck. Im not comfortable with taking the car over 70 and even that is pushing it on a long haul.

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  All rolled up into one package... - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By GR Mills - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Just enough nostalgia combined with techno-styling makes this elitist-type personal driving machine a lot of fun to own and drive. Lots of comfort, lots of aftermarket accessories to personalize you TBird. (continental wheel, groundworks, fender skirts, porthole logos, chrome bezels,wood dash inserts, etc.). If youre getting a front end cover ("bra"), make sure you get it from Ford because then it will have the TBird logo on it and looks pretty sharp.I have always driven interesting vehicles and this new TBird is right up there with most of them.

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  Built FORD Tough - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Riverrat34 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for a little over a year and I love it. It could be a little bigger but thats not a big deal. The truck rides like a truck should. To many people are soft these days and I am glad to see that ford didnt go soft. The towing cappasity on this truck is outstanding. For the money this truck is the best on the market.

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  Reliable Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Arty304 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a good basic reliable compact truck. I own the 4 cylinder 2.3L model with a five speed. For the higher elevations of Colorado its a little underpowered, but around town and the plains its fine. A good quality truck.

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  Ultimate Family Limo - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By coxclan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After 3 Suburbans and a 15 Passenger Van and a Toyota Landcruiser we have family found a true family limo. This is our 2nd Excursion. Comfort and Space. Our massive family felt confined in a suburban and like a tour crew in a 15 passenger van. The Excursion with its built in DVD is just right. Way to go Ford. What is the world are you thinking by discontinuing the Excursion after next year.

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  The American Tuner Car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Michael10012 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 2001 Mustang Convertible for about a year now and I must say it is a vast improvement over the boring Front-wheel drive sedan I owned before. The power with the V6 is adequate, though not stellar--but a few aftermarket performance parts can solve that problem. The car is also surprisingly sturdy, handling a collison with a toyota pick up with minimal damage. By far its best attribute is its agility.

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  Overall an excellent Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By An automatic - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This excellent car is a huge step up from the 1993 GT I owned previously. It is far more refined and much more of an adult car. The handling and power are smoother, the power band broader, the breaking much better, and the manners are calmer. Also, the 1999-up cars have probably the first decent leather seats in the history of Mustangs.

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  Muscle Car Top 10 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Carlos Jauregui - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth mustang in the past 10 years I never had any problem with it. God Bless the Ford motor company.