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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  Great Buy - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By lilmarvin - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a while ago and I have not had any problems with it ever. This car is amazing fast and lokks cool doing it. Best car I ever owned!!!

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  Problem brakes and transmission - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By keric - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive replaced the brake system four times on this van so far. The ABS system fails and the brakes wear very rapidly, requring a total replacement of parts including roters, drums, pads and anything else in the brake system. Very expensive! My co-worker who owned a 1997 version had the same trouble. Ive also had to replace the transmission on this van once already.

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  Good car, but not reliable - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By JoeKass - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been having this car for almost three years. super car, but spent almost fortune for its maintenance. Be careful when buying and take into consideration that occasional repairs might add up to the price.

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  140,000 Miles! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Salesguy - November 5 - 2:00 am

  As a salesman in the typical salesman vehicle, it did its job. I finally turned it in 140,000 miles later. 3 sets of front brakes, tires, a water pump, and a battery. The original battery gave out after only a year. The front rotors warp easily and brakes heat up too fast in the mountains. The steering wheel squeaks. It was a sled for power and had the turning radius of a truck, but held the road on winding roads. If you want a slow car that looks fast and is reliable, buy one. The price should come down quickly as companies are starting to sell off their fleet vechicles.

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  I love it - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By cnolan - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I can see myself driving this truck till it dies!

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  Im going to miss my 99 Explorer Sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mewsgal - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely loved my Ford Explorer Sport and am going to miss it terribly. It had 181,000 miles on it and was still going strong when I totaled it. I never had a single mechanical problem other than I had to replace the transmission at 170,000 miles but that was not unexpected.

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  pretty good suv - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By tammy l - November 5 - 2:00 am

  pretty good suv. many accessories to add. always could be better. comfortable seats. eddie bauer best in its league.

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  The best car I ever owned - 1991 Ford Escort
  By lornad - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have not had a problem yet with the car. I only did the typical maintenance that you do with a used car. I drove from Virginia to Connecticut for the first time by myself and I had no fear about driving that distance alone. I have never driven that far before. I made it to and from. I have more confidence in that car than any car that I had in the past (and there were many). I will keep this car for a very long time.

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  Very Nice Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By New car buyer - November 4 - 11:50 pm

  We have four young children. It is very easy for them to get in and out. They have plenty of room for their things. The DVD player is awesome. We have had vans in the past and were going to buy another until we saw this car. I thought it would be too small until looking at it. Very happy with all aspects of this car!

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  another ford success - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By douglasH - November 4 - 2:00 am

  overall great truck. Mechanically, no problems. Twice in shop for window leak. However, ford fixed immediately at no charge. Truck has handled rugged extremes i have subjected it to. Looks wonderful with bigger off-road tires. Gas milege is excellent.