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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  Too Much Fun - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dsaray - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The Cobra Convertible is just too much fun. The power is instantaneously available and easy to control

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  My First New Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Lorin Salter - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a way for me to get back and forth from school. Shortly after, however, I moved out of town and, to my displeasure, found that this car is not a long drive type of car. In the city, it does alright, except the fact that it has a horrible vibration that Ive been told cant be fixed. But as far as driving, it is good and saves me quite a bit on gas.

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  A real escort! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Big Fool - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the only car that sold itself to me! The salesman didnt have to do anything. After the air conditioner was fixed in only 1 year, the next big problem was the air flow meter did not read right, causing the the engine go lean and sputter once the engine warmed up-fixed under the warranty just before it expired. At about 99 the tiny coolant lines that run to the air intake (these set idle speed fast when coolant is cold)busted and my coolant boiled out (see improvement sugg.) It may wear on you cruising the interstate by the hour, the suspension is a bit stiff. But for anything shorter it rides just fine and is good at handling curves.

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  timing belt - 1993 Ford Escort
  By timingbeltwarning - December 7 - 2:00 am

  All around economical and reliable veh. Starts excellent in cold weather -35 celsius. Recommended timing belt change=60,000 miles Mine failed at 69,000 Luckily no damage. Dennis

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  04 SuperCab FX4(5.5ft box) - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dogg - December 7 - 2:00 am

  As a 1st time truck owner & a loyal ford customer I am very pleased & excited about my new F150. The exterior styling was nicely redone & interior styling with flow thru console is luxury like. The drive by wire electronic throttle seems a little sluggish & almost delayed at times. The road noise inside the cockpit at highway speeds is very impressive and not ford like. The steering & braking are surprisingly responsive for a 5000+ lb truck.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Shinynickel - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Explorer Sport in September due to the need (ha!) for a 4WD vehicle. We have had Explorers in the past and have been very happy. I love this thing! The ride is not as smooth as it could be, but its a truck for cryin out loud! Its powerful, maneuverable, fun to drive. I have no complaints so far.

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  Rated my Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By George Amick - December 6 - 9:23 pm

  At first I wanted a 4WD, but after driving around 2 states for 7 months, it performed great. No problems as of yet!

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  My 2002 Lightning - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Bobby76 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Lightning. It has the best of both worlds from the utility of a truck to the performance of a muscle car. The style and sound is fantastic. The truck is quicker than about 98% of all vehicles on the road. The supercharged engine is easy to modify if you are thinking about upping the performance factor. There are bolt on modifications, such as changing the supercharger pulley, air filter kit, and computer chip that will push the output from 380HP to upwards of 450HP.

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  A good car that stills need improvement. - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MLIEB - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Taurus Ive owned, though may be the last unless some improvements are made in the base power and noise level Not as nice as the 93 LX I owned but much quieter than the 97 (sold after 2 weeks because of unbearable road and engine noise). A very sporty feel and tight suspension makes it a fun car to drive with a feeling of safety and comfort. Car has a cozy yet sporty feel. The 155hp Vulcan engine is underpowered, but does get you moving and is "adequate." (Ive tested the 200hp Duratec engine which is like a rocket.) Paid $3300 from a dealer, and I consider it a very good deal. But would not buy another one without improvments.

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  Good and fast - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Gumkat - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun SUV. I have the v8 option which makes it really fast when I need it to be. I average 15mpg which is better than the brand new Explorer with a V6. I did have to rebuild the front end and the rear differential, which is funny because this is an All wheel drive model. I use it for everything.