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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  Wheres my 4x4 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By wraith424 - January 8 - 2:00 am

  For the past 3 months I have had to take my truck into the dealer to fix the 4-wheel drive. So far it has shorted out 5 times, stupid electronic shift on the fly and none of the mechanics at the dealer can find the short. Not only that but my cruise control also shorted out. I have less problems with my 96 ranger then I do with this one.

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  Sharpest handling small car available - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mike Freed - January 7 - 7:36 am

  The ST is a terrific choice if youre looking for a performance sedan at a low price. It has razor-sharp steering response and great feel, strong brakes, and a suspension that strikes a nice balance between sport and comfort. The 2.3 engine has a lot of torque, but seems to run out of steam over 5000 rpm. The ST is also a solid highway cruiser, and tracks straight as a laser. Best of all, this is an easy car to upgrade with aftermarket parts. I drove all the small sport sedans, and if cost is no object, the Mazda 3s is a marginally better car overall than the Focus (the Toyota Corolla XS and Kia Spectra 5 are also pretty nice), but with all the discounts, is it REALLY $6,000 better?

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  SVT Majic - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Chicago Soldier - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very fast and sturdy. I feel very confident to "pull up" next to a high performance car at a red light.

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  the best car - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By nick austin - January 7 - 2:00 am

  its my second car and i love it!

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  This is a Great Car - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By Brandon - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most "fun to drive" car I have ever owned. It has the power when you need it and the comfort when you have a long road ahead. It is an all around great car!

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  no more escape for me - 2001 Ford Escape
  By gestyl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have liked the escape until I started having problems with transmission and converter. Ford did treat me well on replacing it though for being out of warrenty, but transmission should be go out at 60,000. Probably wont buy another.

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  This is a GREAT truck! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By rrobbben - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I just bouth my Bronco with 133K miles, and it still drives great. Its a blast to drive, started right up this AM when it was 12 degrees outside w/ a wind chill of zero! Lots of space, and the 5.8 liter V-8 sounds runs smooth as silk. Only complaint is that most of the Broncos I looked at have rust at the bottom of the tailgate. Oh, and, that they dont make it anymore! It looks SO MUCH BETTER than the new Expedition which replaced it.

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  Satisfied - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Fordman - January 7 - 2:00 am

  So far we have had no problems. We bought used and I was a little apprehensive at first, but now I am extremely satisfied with the Contours performance. My wife normally drives it and likes the creature comforts, but I like the way it handles. The engine has more acceleration than I anticipated. Too bad they stopped making it.

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  I love my Ranger! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Bud02Ranger - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I rolled my 02 XLT 4x4 4.0L after only owning it a year. This truck save me from incurring any harm whatsoever. And, the strong structure of the cab held itself so that I was able to repair the truck. Since then, Ive customized the truck with a lift, 35" tires, custom paint, etc. I love this truck! Shes a keeper!!!!

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  Better than a Minivan! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By L.A. - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have bought my first Tarus,a couple of days ago.Its great for a family car.I have more room in it than the minivan that I traded it on.I will not go back to a minivan and I will stay with a wagon.Its quiet running,I have plenty of room for groceries or weekend trips.Believe me with 3 little girls you need all the room you can get with all the toys we drag around.