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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  Love My Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By SCMunchkin - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my escort & it has been very reliable. Have taken many road trips with it & never had any problems.Other than normal maint. I have only replaced the clutch,the dr side cv joint and heater core. I have never been stranded in all my travels. In 02 it finally gave out w/163000 miles. Had motor replaced runs great now and odometer reads 200589 (actual is 63000 on new motor). Interior good cond and exterior no rust just some scratches and bumper damage from some idiot backing into me and not said a word. I have used and abused this car for multiple purposes. Think of buying another car but not sure I want to part w/my baby.

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  #1 Small SUV! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Madelyn - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle that was built by Ford. As my dad worked for Ford for 38 years I will always drive a Ford. Before we bought the Escape I thought that it would be to small but it has enough room for us. The small suv has a lot of hp rated at 201 which is more than enough for an suv. This vehicle is only about two years old and should be a great seller for many years to come. And also farwell to the great selling Taurus.

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  Ford ZX-5 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LAK - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Focus ZX-5 (5-speed manual) since April 2002 and have been happy with my decision to purchase this vehicle. I put a lot of miles on the car initially so I have about 20,000 miles on the car, and reliability has been very good, with no trips to the dealer other than for routine maintenance. The car handles well, and has a good amount of power for a 4 cylinder (16 valve vetec). The front seat position is higher than most cars, making for easy entry/exit and providing good visibility. Fit and finish are very good. Mileage is about 26 city, 32 highway. At this price point this car is hard to beat.

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  good vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By chckinitout - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I am pleased with the ride of the vehicle. very smooth for an SUV. The feel while driving makes you feel safe. storage and cargo room not a problem, plenty of room. The leg space for the third row seating is great. I have never owned a large vehicle like this but now it is something that will be hard to give up if I had to.

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  excellant explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By lineman1 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle

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  Great SUV by Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sherman - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Fords Exployer XLS is a great buy. Has the looks of the higher cost Exployer at a affordable price.I get good gas milage as I dont have to get to 60 mph in a second. Love the inside seating and the ease to put down rear seats for more carring room. Handles great on the road, and you feel safe driving it.Best Ford I have had in a long time.

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  1996 Ford Thunderbird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By TopJimmy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Thunderbird used 4 years ago. It has been a great car and has only left me stranded once when the manifold cracked and I lost coolant. There was a TSB on that problem and Ford fixed it free of charge ( an $800 repair )It is fun to drive and has plenty of power. The 4.6 V8 is quite economical and there is a feeling of safety with this vehicle.

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  No More Windstars - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DJL - January 18 - 2:00 am

  We had many problems with the automatic rear sliding doors not closing all the way. Too noisy when driving on the highway. Gas mileage is poor. Resale value is terrible.

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  i will never buy another Ford ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By John Buettner - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My 1995 ranger was a great truck, never had a problem with it and drove it for 8 years. Bought a new 2003 and have had nothing but problems, its been in the shop over 7 times this year and two of the times it needed to be towed in, i drive for my job and cant afford to have this many problems with this truck, iam in the process of trading it in on a new Toyota pick-up this weekend, thanks John/seamars1@aol.com

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  Another Great Ford - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Happy - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My third Ranger and probably the best one yet. Simply the best small truck on the market and American owned. Handles great in snow and off-road. Improved sound system and engine.