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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  Escape XLT Sport - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Wayne - October 30 - 9:43 pm

  Very good handling and comfortable on long trips. Milage is great for the type vehicle. I would definitly get another. Foir myself, an all wheel drive. I would want a bit larger engine, though. Then, off to the mountains bowhunting I go!!

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  Its 1969 once again! - 2009 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Steve - October 30 - 8:56 pm

  My 1st new car was a 69 Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet. My Shelby brings back those memories like it was yesterday. The only difference is this car is faster and corners better. Its even more fun to drive. Its so much easier to get more horsepower out of this supercharged motor than it was in the old days. I had to put a high lift cam, add headers and a 750 Holly carb to run high 12s in the quarter. All Ive done to this car is add a Steeda 2.7 pulley, a cold air induction kit and a custom SCT tune. All of a sudden mid 11s. RWH at 548 and torque at 505. Im told flywheel H.P should be somewhere around 630 and torque 590. These bolt on adds took about 4 hours to do. What a difference!

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  A Nice Little Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tomscimo - October 30 - 5:13 am

  Although not a spectacular vehicle, this car has been a good investment. It is reliable, fairly peppy, and fun to drive. The gas mileage is a bit disappointing for a 4 cylinder, and the SE trim is a little on the cheap side in the interior, but it has been one of the best purchases of a new vehicle I have ever made. It has required no work other than routine maintenance.

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  2003 Ranger XLT Value Package - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By kassonk - October 30 - 2:00 am

  4.0L, 5-spd. Auto. Trans, A/C, 4WD. Coming off 2 excellent Toyota trucks, the Ford is WAY more truck for the money. Build quality is equal to that of Toyota and performance, ride, and ruggedness surpasses Toyota. Long-term quality is the only question, but Consumer Reports rates the Ranger equal to the Tacoma. Love this truck. Price, performance, quality, ride - everything. Did switch truck over to synthetic fluids @750 miles (Amsoil).

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  its a truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By rlm - October 30 - 2:00 am

  When I went to purchase this truck I did not like the interior to begin with.But they made me an offer I couldnt refuse!I am in the market for a new 2004.

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  King Ranch 4X4 - 2001 Ford F-150
  By TJNS - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, very reliable, just change the oil and keep on going. Tows well, interior beautiful, hmmm...saddle leather. Roomy comfortable for 4 full- size adults.

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  AWESOME - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Speedy1 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My dad bought this car and he just loves it. He left for a week on a business trip and I had the pleasure of driving it for that week:-) This car loves to go fast, or at least I love to go fast in it. It is amazingly quiet at 80 down the freeway, even with the top down. Great to blow the "fast and furious Honda" off the line. This car can hit 130 without much dificulty, from what I hear-) this car has a kickin sound system with great bass. Get lots of looks. This car is a BEAUTIFUL Luxury car with the ability to get-up-and-GO.

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  Cheap and furious - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Vanda - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice car. I really drive a lot and it never failed me. The only reason for me to buy a new one is that I want a more safe car.

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  Best vehicle so far - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Steve from Alberta - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle we have ever owned. Bought in 98 with 25,000km in perfect condition. Now have almost 150,000km and have only done tires and brakes (once at 110,000km). Pulls our trailer (albeit a smaller one) and our 16ft boat with ease. Only knock we can come up with is a faulty speedometer (at 40,000km approx). Ford said this was normal and within the tolerances of manufacturing ($800 to fix). If the Windstar had a higher towing rating we would definitely buy another.

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  Excellent - 4 years running - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Aric - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have read a lot of reviews about Contours either people love them or hate them. Mine has been great - I love it. No problems to complain about. Sure the dashboard warped, whose didnt. The shop took care of it - problem solved. It is a great performer, very sporty, good gas mileage, all for a super price. I have over 60k in 4 years and nothing out of the ordinary has gone wrong. It is too bad they stopped making them. The Focus is inadequate as a replacement.