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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  99 Ranger 3.0 Liter - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Deez - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Not too bad of a truck...I have only had to replace a sensor for the emissions since I bought the truck with 40,000 miles in Aug. 2002. The truck is not that good with gas mileage. Seems like it should also have a little more "get up" when you step on the gas.

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  Dont Buy - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By NY - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and have had nothing but problems with both the car and Ford. The headgaskets, water pump, fuel pump, alternator, A/C compressor, and radiator all had to be replaced before the car had 60K on it.

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  Hits where it hurts - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Dave H - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased for way below book and made up the difference in repairs. Power steering, torshion bars, shocks, ignition and ABS all repaired in 14 months. Every 3 months I was in getting something else fixed. $2000 out the window. Anyone want to buy a Ford?

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ryan33 - February 25 - 8:43 am

  Only have 2,000 miles so far, but am liking this 06 Explorer the more I drive it. Very quiet inside and has a smooth ride and very secure handling.

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  Go get one! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By bruce allen - February 25 - 4:40 am

  Best car buying experience I have ever had, no contest. Salesman and dealer were superb. The car is fabulous. Compared to my wifes Scion, this car cost the same and is much, ,more. No comparison. And the Scion is a nice car. Generous factory rebate of $2500. I bought my beautiful light blue Focus hatchback for less than $12,000. No money out of pocket. Car is fun and sportscar like. Ford is stupidly dropping the hatchback. Go get one while you can!

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  Old faithful - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By hellloooo_newman - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago with 112k. It now has 145k, its the V6. I drove it across the country, and it has remained one of the few consistent things in my life for those years. I had an inexpensive transmission and brake problem, other than that NOTHING. It keeps going and going and going and going...you get the idea.

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  best car ive ever owned - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mevix - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my escort since brand new, its only had 2 things ever go wrong, stereo when it was fairly new and the other the electronic sensor for the a/c. I was told by a Ford mechanic that it was a design flaw and in 1999 it was changed. This is the best car Ive ever owned, 100% reliable, great gas mileage, roomy inside for a compact car. Sorry to say I was involved in an accident this week, got hit by an S10 truck directly in the left front, and I think held up well. Unfortunately it was totalled and I can honestly say Im devastated as it was such a great car! Too bad Ford quit making them.

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By VBkid13 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  My Excursion is my only vehicle and I love it. Its isnt too bulky to drive everyday. I have used my truck to its maximum capacity in its many versatile ways - space, towing capacity, 4WD, up- scale passenger room or as a real workhorse. I have never been disppointed. Yes, it is a little pricey but well worth it. No, it is not good on gas but would you expect it to be? Its a V10 with amazing abilities and weighs almost 3 tons. Because of the traction that the Excursion has, I very rarely have to engage the 4WD (and I live in snow country). I havent had any bad experiences with my Excursion and I would reccommend it to everyone. I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!

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  great car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By KMA - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I got a 99 contour se, w/ only 66k miles. its a great car w/ the 2.5L V6 24V DOHC. I havent had any major problems thus far. the drivers side window is probably the major concern, the window wont roll down. and the gas gauge gets a bit picky when it gets to a quarter of the tank. really sporty in black, rear spoiler helps to complete the effect alpine stereo made the factory speakers incredible seems to hug the ground in turns, which makes it all the more fun to drive. overall its the best car ive had.

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  Built Ford Tough - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By vikegirl - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ford Ranger XLT for almost 8 years and I have had very little problems with it besides the routine maintenance and up-keep. This truck is dependable and very rugged. The power is unbelievable in both city and freeway traffic when it counts the most. This is one of the best buys you can make if you are looking for a vehicle to be able to take tough driving conditions and last.