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:

• 

  My edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By niss240x@aol.com - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun and sexy truck. you cant help but look and compare yours to all the others you see every day, make sure you drive it with an attitude.

• 

  Good van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Homeless ministry - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This van is the easiest for my friend with the bad knees to get into and out of. That and the need for room for charity work is why I bought it. Plenty of power. Had a few problems when I first bought it, but has 56000 miles on it and has never in over a month left me stranded or had any kind of breakdown. OK ride, some people think it is quiet, but I think is a little noisy and my friends Town and Country is smoother and quieter, but not as peppy.

• 

  Fusion Sport - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By scott - February 21 - 9:00 am

  This car is very nice, great looks inside and out and a very nice ride. I drove the Honda Accord, whats up with the road noise could not stand it, drove the Mazda6 to big cheap inside, drove Nissan Altama a let down felt cheap. The Fusion sport is very solid and great to drive it continues to grow on me.

• 

  transmission - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Tracey - February 21 - 2:50 am

  I agree with the other transmission review. Just purchased an used 2012 fusion se and noticed that when you first drive, the transmission seems confused and kind of stutters for a few minutes.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ever - 2000 Ford F-150
  By ChrisA - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Not a single problem or issue in 4 years of use.

• 

  2001 Lariat Supercrew w/ 5.4 Triton - 2001 Ford F-150
  By snow - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Finally bought this truck Nov. 03 used. Love it! Lots of room inside and even with the shortbed. With the leather and all the options its like sitting in a big Lincoln! Reliable so far, runs great. gas mileage is the only problem, but its expected with a vehicle this size.

• 

  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Felito - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and I had numerous problem issues with it. The interior cheap plastic broke on numerous occassions, Passenger shoulder harness housing, cuptray, etc. Drivers window motor broke twice in 4 yrs. time. Transmission went out at 52k miles. I am an aircraft mechanic and I maintained this car twice as better as the recommended maintenance intervals. I purchased a 2002 Toyota Corolla brand new it has 62000 miles now and still has not given me any problems. I am convinced that if you want a dependable transportation car you need to buy a Japanese one. I will never buy american junk again.

• 

  A Total Shock - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Kyle T. - February 21 - 2:00 am

  After coming from a Ford Stockholder Family, which has owned 6 Fords in my lifetime, I sure was surprised with the results from my Ranger. This truck doesnt hold the ground well (slides all over the place), I havent had it for 50K miles and the brakes have been repaired, the radio volume doesnt work correctly anymore, a blub behind the dash has burnt out, 3 sensors had died, The parking brake got stuck, and it occassionally stalls in the rain (yet Ford says it doesnt). Lets just say, Im never buying another Ford, and my parents have sold their/my Ford Stock!

• 

  Little 4banger needs assistance - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Prez Max - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. I bought it as a powered wheelbarrow for hauling stuff to the dump and from Home Depot. So I bought one w/ very few creature comforts, but the thing is very comfortable to drive and great for long trips. Very comfortable seats for stock ones.

• 

  6.0 engine vibration - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By 6.0 excursion - February 21 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle all-round EXCEPT 6.0 diesel has severe and unacceptable vibration at 1700 rpm (65 mph). Dealer advises Ford says they are aware of problem but have no fix.