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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  Learn to love - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By MannyJV - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Like most Fords I have a lot of mechanical problems with my Bronco, but I wouldnt want any other vehicle. I plan on building mine up and keeping it as long as possible.

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  Zippy and Fun - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Grendeth - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have a manual ZX2 and its a wonderful fun car with great kick for a small car. Great tight looking car.

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  More than you paid for - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Roadkill - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Been driving this car for 50,000 miles and havent spent a dime on it except for regular maintenance. Alas its too weak to drive on the highway with more than one person in the car, but if you spend most of your time in the city, you cant do better bang for your buck. Highway fuel economy averages to 35 mpg.

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  1995 Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By hhaviland - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to share my experience with my Ranger that I bought new in 1995. Well, 98,000 miles later the only problems I have had with this truck are two dead batteries. I bought it on a budget, but this has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned, by far exceeding any expectations I had. I recently bought a 2003 Passat GLX and the Ranger is still the vehicle I drive to work every day. It has been a real workhorse and a very usefull hauling tool (all over California, Kentucky, Arizona and New Mexico). Great memories and a great little truck.

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  Did I Make the Wrong Choice? - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By CraigS - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Since our son will be the primary driver we got the 3.0 V-6 not the 4.0. The 3.0 runs really rough at idle, took it back to the dealer, they said that is normal. The service manager recommended we go with the 4.0 next time, not what I wanted to hear, since I just bought the truck. So before you buy, make sure the engine has a smooth idle, or you are going to live with it! Other the engine concerns, we like the truck, carries two MX bikes with ease

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  very reliable van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By jthiel - October 3 - 2:00 am

  we are the second owner of this van. had 89000.mi on it when we bought it and it now has 123000. with no problems at all!! everything works good, its comfortable, roomy, easy to drive and always starts. we did put a battery in it and brakes but thats it for the 4years we had it. i really dont want to part with it but the miles are getting up there, even though it is in excellent condition, i think its time. the only thing that does not work in it is the passenger window recently decided not to work.

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  Fun Car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By GIB - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car only because it was cheap and I needed a transport. Having owned a few muscle cars, I didnt expect much. I was wrong. The 5.0 had more power than I expected and Ive had a lot of fun driving. Its a great mix of power and luxury.

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  Amazing for Customizing - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Bigmasser - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Fully loaded Black on Black. Real eye catcher. I put a lot of highway miles on it and have no problems. Car has lots of power.

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  Original owner 2001 Ford Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By b52man - October 2 - 11:15 pm

  I bought this truck new in June of 2001. Since that time I have logged 158000 miles in it and it is still going strong and still used as a daily driver. I have changed the brake pads, tires, and a fuel sensor and of course have kept my oil changed every 3500 miles.

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  Buyer Beware - 2012 Ford Focus
  By junk7 - October 2 - 5:56 pm

  This is a very nice car in concept but not in execution. 2500 miles and nothing but problems. The transmission is very troubling; very noisy, shakes, vibrates and hesitates at low speeds. The Mytouch system with navigation works very sporadically. problems - volume will suddenly go up to full blast, system will lock up (nothing works), Navigation system will report card not found and several other issues. Had to replace front seat covers as they creased and stretched ridiculously, the center of the steering wheel popped off 2x. Very frustrating as Ford insist that transmission is normal - very sad if this is normal. MyTouch system is soo poor, all they say an update is coming? Sad