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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  Great Tuck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By winkhink - March 9 - 2:00 am

  It is at 65,000 and I have had it since the begining. Had minor proplems, speed sensor which kept ABS light on in dash but that was covered under warantee. DFPE sensor also turned that light on but that was at 45,000. Wipers come on every once in a while out of the blue but nothing excessive, once a month. Made many trips from SC to NY and travels very good. Drive in heavy traffic during the week and even a stick is easy to drive. Still have original brakes and 2 tires. Great Truck but have to agree the seats in the back dont amount for much when you put someone in the front seat.

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  One generation newer, many steps up - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By twoblondes - March 8 - 11:33 am

  What a step up this car has been. I am that point in my life I want a nice car and for me that is the Fusion. This car gets 22 mpg overall, as long as I dont drive too hard. The power is excellent, the handling is great and it looks awesome. This is not the perfect car, but it is the best for the price. The fully loaded V-6 (less nav.) went out the door for less than $24,000. This for a car that is safe, relaiable and fun to drive. Fellow Sync users will say "how did we live without Sync till now", I agree. A car without Sync is barbaric at best.

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  Go Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By sebastian - March 8 - 8:53 am

  Perfect car for those who understands the saying: Its not how fast you go but how well/fun it goes fast. Despite the body movement during turns Foci handles very very well.

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  Room for the entire family +dog - 2004 Ford Focus
  By regalbjudy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a wagon a "short person" can drive comfortably.

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  ford truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By p burke - March 8 - 2:00 am

  transmission problems vehicle in the shop 10 times in on and half years. power windows serviced 4 times and are still do not operate properly.

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  pure satisfaction - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By cubkodiak3 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  quick sproty and works.

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  Excellent Ford - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By James Songer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded 1993 Thunderbird for this Taurus SES Really excellent build quality, fit form and finish! Duratec is almost as good as 5.0 litre engine in old Thunderbird. Really like the leather interior and moon roof, seats are very comfortable. Gas mileage is good, also outstanding for this size car.(Over 22 miles per gallon in everyday driving).

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  Nice Car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Kristie Cox - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Good car, good gas mileage, roomy

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  Average Describes It - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By TaurusNC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle out of a rental fleet. Perhaps that is the reason I had constant problems with mechanical items. Heat, waterpump, radiator had issues from day one. Ride and handling were nice when the car was up and running. Ended up donating to charity after waterpump blew at 85,000 miles.

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  T-Bird = a gift from heaven! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By guysfun - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This card gains its superior ride from the Little Lincoln LS. The frame and drive train are exct Lincoln and that is why it is so good. The extra truck space and leg room come from the fact that the Lincoln LS is a 4 door car. Making a two door convertible from that plaform gave the design engineers lots of latitude. Stupid looking cheap plastic grill is this cars only problem. Too bad Ford didnt fire up more of the LS options like their mileage computer and other "free" features that are already built into the LS wiring harness.