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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  Why I Adore my Mustang - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Kendra91GT - February 5 - 2:00 am

  It is incredibly reliable. I drive this car at least 50 miles daily. It is quick and responsive...great handling. The sheer beauty of this car is awe-inspiring. People drool over this pristine GT of mine. The availability of after-market performance parts is wonderful.

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  TOWING WITH MY F-150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By j larson - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY F-150 IN 9-2002 AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED PULLING MY 7000 LB 5TH WHEEL CAMPER. THE FIRST TIME I HOOKED UP THE TRUCK HAD 80 MILES ON IT. I PULL THIS CAMPER ON AVERAGE 85 MILES TO MY FAVORITE CAMPGROUND. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY TRUCK IT HAS RAN AND PULLED FLAWLESSLY. I AVERAGE 18 MPG WHEN I JUST DRIVE AND ABOUT 13 WHEN PULLING MY FIFTH WHEEL. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN PERFECT WITH PLENTY OF POWER, I HAVE NO PROBLEM RUNNING 75 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHILE TOWING CAMPER.

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  frustration - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By ns - February 5 - 2:00 am

  bought new to use only as a daily driver no racing at all. i have had continuous problems since day one - car has 28884 miles on it. The engine has been replaced twice,motor mounts replaced, head gasket replacement twice,transmission and drive shaft replaced, all air condition vents replaced 5 times.just found out my engine,drive shaft and transmission needs replacing again. toyota dealership for me next week, now we know why toyota knocked ford out of its number 2 spot - dissatisfied customers like me multiplied thousands of times. enough said.

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  LOUD wind noise - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By derf - February 4 - 10:26 pm

  I had a 94 4.0 reg. cab with 170,000. Excellent truck. I traded it in for a 2002 extended cab 4.0. The driver seat is breaking down. Ill need to take it in for them to build it back. The worst is that is is loud on the road over 55 mph. I get a bad wind noise between the doors. The truck seems "thin" because when Im on the highway, the ground noise picks up. I really dont like the noise level. I wonder if some it is cause of th Firestone tires.

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  Love this vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ken Collier - February 4 - 5:03 pm

  I love this vehicle. The gas mileage, the look of the vehicle, the fold down rear seats and the quiet sound when the vehicle is in motion are some of my favorite things.

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  Excellent 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jim - February 4 - 2:16 pm

  I have been achieving 90% mpg that the EPA rates for the Escape Hybrid in city driving. The area I live in has many hills and has a variance of speed limits from 20mph to 45mph. I believe that I would achieve or better the EPA rating if there were less hills and speed limits of 30mph or lower. I also drove 1500 miles on a trip and average around 29-30 mpg and that included mountain driving in Tennessee and North Carolina. So far I am really pleased with the Ford Escape Hybrid.

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  good car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By cargiver - February 4 - 1:36 pm

  I bought the Focus for my daughter and drove it 850 miles to deliver it to her. Although I usually drive very large cars, it was very comfortable for a small car. Like all new models there were several recalls, but the car has done very well in the past 2 years. Its had none of the problems that Ive read about in the other reviews, except for a brake problem that was fixed under warranty. Its been a very good car.

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  expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By maryapple - February 4 - 2:00 am

  i have had this car for some time its not to bad.small BIGGER IS BETTER.little things break in the car like the handle. the gass needs to be better for trips .like from tampa to wesley chappel 10 times a week...

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  BEST SUV ON ROAD FOR SIZE - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By HIRAM 1 - February 4 - 2:00 am

  THE VERY BEST TOO BAD FORD IS GIVING INTO THE ENVIROMENTALIST. THIS IS YOUR LAST YEAR TO BUY AN EXCURSION. I BOUGHT MY 2ND ONE WHEN THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY FIRST ONE JUST TO PICK UP 2 YEARS ON MODEL.

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  99 Ranger Review - Transmission Problems - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Kloman - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, but have major transmissions problems at 50000 miles. If this were a Chrysler I could understand it. I have had Fords all my life. Unless Ford extends their warranty on the powertrain, Ill be buying a Toyota next time.