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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  MY FORD TARURUS - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By GRFWW - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed admirably and has given us very little trouble. We have had the car for nine years and have had very few repairs done on it. I highly recommend the Taurus.

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  Nice looking, but poor ride/quality. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By akeeney - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Problems with this vehicle from the start and none of the dealerships (3 total) can seem to fix them: loud brake and wind noises, door rattle, vibration between 40-50 mph, paint defects when delivered from factory. Many other "minor" issues which took weeks to correct. Ford Motor Co (consumer assistance)has been no help.

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  Quality is NOT job one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Never again! - January 4 - 2:00 am

  ford does not stand by its product. 3.8l eng. with head gasket leaks and trans. problems. (replaced twice) Even under warranty, ford refused to assist customer. You get the run around. Ask ford for help, they till you its the Dealer. Ask the Dealer for help, they say you have to ask ford. NEVER AGAIN!

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  Pocket Rocket - 2002 Ford Focus
  By YellowMenace - January 4 - 2:00 am

  When the Focus first came out, all I could say was yuck! I got to drive one of the first one but was not impressed. But somehow since the release of the SVT it struck me. It just needed a facelift and more power. When I saw the SVT I fell in love. It was a hot little car. I have found out that others think the same. Even though it has a 170hp engine, It is still a long ways from its bigger brothers the Lightning and Cobra. Dont get me wrong, it is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven, but with a super or turbo charger this car would fly! Next year we are going to put in a Supercharger. WRX and Mustangs watch out!

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  Better than expected - 2001 Ford Escort
  By elgringo247 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was bough in a hurry because I was looking for the cheapest car fast. well I really like this car. 63,000 miles, no mech problems. What suprised me is the peppiness of this car. It will get up an goand handles extemely well in 90+ mph. Just watch for the cops when driving this car. The only neg is it really bogs down with a lot of weight in the car

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  My new 2003 Explorer - comments... - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By toecutter - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I like the design and the included running boards on the sport option package. The 17" wheels look much better, along with the two-tone paint. I bought this mostly for the 3rd row - there was more legroom than I thought, but the floor raises where the spare is located under the truck, so your feet are always on a bump.

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  horrible car 2 be your first - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jenet - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i thaught it was nice but really it has been nothing but problems.Like: engine shaking and dropping,a whole in transmission,air conditioner stop working,engine light come on,made entire front shake,trunk pop open going over railraod tracks,key control entry stoped working,leaks in car so carpet got mildewd,brake light would come on for no reason,the gaslite would go on when i had just filled it,cd player act silly.the problems go on and they still wont replace it.

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  Remarkable - 1999 Ford F-150
  By ptcooper - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the ride. Love the looks. Love the cd/cassette. Love the remarks from others. Love the room

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  I love Ford - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Brian P - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always had Ford Products and they have all gave me great service. This truck has been the best of all it is a tough truck

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  2003 F150 STX - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Rob Ruf - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This truck is GREAT!!!! Monochrome paint, running boards, mp3 player and a 5.4. The STX package is great, a head turner!!!! Nice ride and fuel mileage is great for a 5.4