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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  I love my Mustang GT!! - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By mahstang - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Not particularly reliable or high performance. However after you get the modification bug it gains both fairly quickly.

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  Best deal on small truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By redrodz1 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Started out wanting a toyota P/u and bought a ford.I test drove all small trucks and the ford for price,fuel economy,style and quality was my choice.Previously owned a nissan and toyota small truck.The ford truck has caught up and surpassed the imports in my mind. Insurance rates and dealer service rates were cheaper too.I like my ford pickup and would recommend it highly.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned, $ for $ - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By abouttime - January 25 - 2:00 am

  It seems lots of folks are looking for a good used truck, for 2nd. vehicle or as primary driver. This Ford Ranger is everything you could ever hope for. Reliable, get in and go, always. 21mpg around town, bed is big enough for most jobs, x cab is great for couple with luggage, etc. 4 cyl/5 speed is strong enough to get a ticket by end of 2nd. gear if you stay in it, floats at 65-70 in 5th.with no effort. Will tow bike trailer with Harley, no problem. Mine has over 100k miles and nothing gone bad except a tail light bulb so far. I cant imagine a better value for the $.

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  Scrap yard material - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By DOsborn - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle about a year and a half ago and have had nothing but problems with it. I have had ABS brake issues, fuel sensor problems, transmission problems,oil pressure sensing problems, rust problems, and more stuff that would take too long to mention. The reliability of this auto is terrible and its plague with numerous technical service bullitens and recalls. You would think that a vehicle whos design has remained unchanged for the last 10 years would have all of the bugs worked out of it. If you are looking for a good truck, dont look to Ford.

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  Dream Come True!!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mustangmayhem - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Long before the time I was old enough to even sit behind the wheel of a car I dreamed of owning a mustang. That dream finally came true and I could not be happier. This 2000 silver mustang convertible with a black top is simply amazing, From performance to looks. I believe that body style of the mustang from 99-04 is one of the best body styles since the mustangs of 19641/2- 67. I wish the gas mileage was a little better but, I can not complain because I am finally driving a mustang.

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  My Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Jane Greene - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I am a young driver, so this car made driving not only fun but a great experience aswell. Its easy to drive and easy to control. It also makes quite a statement if you are a student!

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  Ford Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Destra - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The excursion is a great SUV but its fuel economy is very poor. the excursion`s relability needs to improve.The peformance is also bad.How can you pay over $40,000 for an SUV that doesn`t perform well.

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  Mechanical deficiencies - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Wayne Hopp - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I leased my car for two years before I purchased it in Dec02.Sincr the leased ended,I have replaced inner,outer tie- rods,replaced bushings on the right rear,replaced the brakes three times on 38000 miles.I now am faced with replacing the ABS motor sytem controller.The car runs hard and noisy.I would not recommend a ZX2 to anybody as the kinks were never corrected.Ford Motor Co.,completely turned there assistance away claiming warranty.This was my fourth Ford and LAST Ford

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  Goods and the Bads ! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Mike Shirley - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The vibration is annoying..suprised Ford didnt have enough ambition to fix it before letting it out of its cage !..It is reliable though and has ample power and handeling ! gets me from point A and B.

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  Ones enough. - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By AD - January 25 - 2:00 am

  At 135,000 miles developed heat gasket problem and lost the transmission! The cost of repairing the two is more than the value of the vehicle. Im disppointed. This happened one month after finally paying of the vehicle. I was hoping Id see another year, at least, before having to worry about serious problems. Now, Ive got a real nice "looking" van that isnt worth $300! Rack-and-pinion steering has been bad also quoted $800+ to repair the steering!