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 car has Personality! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Patti - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever driven and owned!!! I love my Thunderbird. I love driving it fast, it handles so very well on curves, straight roads. My car has "guts", it seriously lets me be first when ever I drive. Im not afraid of passing other cars because I trust my car completely and trust is what I need when driving my car.

• 

  nice ride - 1999 Ford F-150
  By rooster5 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  no complaints. still tight and rides good. Steering wheel leather wears off. Seats have a small split in leather. WORK ON THIS FORD MOTOR COMPANY! Other than that, no complaints

• 

  Dons Review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By duffs62 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is expensive to maintain, but then again, the 95s are now 9 years old. With well over 100,000 miles, the only major problems Ive had are the starters going out. Im on my third one. Ill be looking to replace the show in a year or two, and will be sad to see it go. Ill most likely be moving towards the up and coming imports that are looking good these days. Thank goodness they still put stick shifts in their mid-size cars. I love the styling. Its 9 years old and stands out from the newer cars that have similar performance.

• 

  Ford Taurus I Wish I Didnt Own - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By tampaMan - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We own a 2000 Ford Taurus. Seriously disappointed with the quality and reliability of this car. We also own a Toyota Sienna which we are very happy with. Dont think Ill buy another american car, every one weve owned has been junk.

• 

  Probes rule - 1993 Ford Probe
  By proberacer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is strait up awsome. the only proble ive noticed is it needs a little more low end torqe. But Ive put custom exhaust, intake, and fuel system so my GT is absolutly untouchable on the street Ive got 150,000 miles, and the cars got at least 150K togo. I would recommend the Ford Probe GT to anyone (GREAT CAR).

• 

  Good Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Switchblade550 - January 21 - 12:36 pm

  Best selling SUV and for good reasons, excellent ride especially with the IRS, handles excellent in bad weather and gives a safe feeling while driving it.

• 

  Drive One... Youll see! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JustZx2 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a sweet car! This is my 2nd one I had a 99 ZX2 but hit a deer and traded it in for my 01 ZX2..The 99 was strip model however this is power everything and manual.. IF ya can drive stick GET IT! Its black fav. color and really good against a LANCER, Poor guy thought he could take a ZX2...he was wrong! lol! Its NOT a ESCORT <-- those suck, This has a 130 hp engine that can move it along, However escorts have 110hp and suck! So yea THIS is called a ZX2 so dont be ashamed when telling your friends you own a ZX2 (Showem the back bumper "says" "ZX2") LOL! Enjoy it if ya OWN ONE! Cuz I AM!

• 

  Terrific Fast Convertible - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By GTMustangBob - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun! The car goes faster than alot of cars Ive had before it...1970 & 1981 Vettes, 1971 & 1973 Challenger R/Ts, to mention a few. The power is instant yet contained. It sounds great all the way thru the gears. The stick is way more fun to drive than an auto version. Worth owning for a fun convertible that turns heads.

• 

  I LOVE this truck! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 49ersfan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck can tow a 21ft boat without any problems. It is excellent in the snow without additional weight in the bed. Its a great ride and Im always looking for an excuse to be out in it.

• 

  I will buy another one!!! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By schpaver - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I got this little p.u. new for basic transportation to get me through college. It has been a GREAT truck! Have had to do normal maint. on this nothing more. It just keeps going. I can well afford to buy a new truck now, but see no need with this Ranger still going strong. But when the time comes, I will buy another Ranger!