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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  1994 Ford Tempo - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Jadecage - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Nine years is the longest Ive ever owned a car and my Tempo never let me down in all that time however the cost of repairs recently has made me decide that I didnt want to go through another Michigan winter with it. It was time for a new car so Im donating it to charity where I hope someone else can make good use of the life thats left in it. Ill be saying my goodbyes to it tomorrow so Im feeling particularly sentimental right now. Emotions aside, Ive always had reliable cars with Ford and my Tempo lasted the longest and gave me many great times across long distances. Im going to miss it very much.

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  Happy With My Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Kelly Stevens - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and it haS been a very dependable car and low maintaince car. I would buy another one.

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  Get more "Value" in your truck. - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Scott1123 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Truck so far. the SOHC 4.0 has great power and towing capacity. Got the "Value" package more for appearance than to save money, as I got mine loaded with options. The only thing I see missing is the carpet and black fender flares which gives the truck cleaner lines and a better look IMHO so you get an XLT with chrome with the Edge interior. So far the truck has been reliable smooth and really fun to drive. 4WD with limited slip 4.10 axle and this thing goes just about anywhere. I also got the 5spd auto wich is an amazing match to the SOHC 4.0 the feel of a solid 5spd manual without the work or hassle.

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  First Mustang, last Ford? - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By JC in PQ - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive put money and time into things I just dont feel I should have. At 60k, head gaskets blew and destroyed the engine (3.8 litre). The window switch went out so that I cant use the single push feature and had to bypass that circuit for manual operation. Design flaws lead to broken turn signal wires. An AC line leak cost over $650. All this before even hitting 95k miles! Im feeling very disappointed in Ford and in my Mustang.

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  Great car (unfortunately) - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By squiggy81 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This thing wont die. Its ugly as hell, but it runs great still with basically no maintainence. In the past 6 years Ive only put a clutch in it aside from tires and such. The rear wiper went out a couple years after I got it, but I dont miss it much. The paint is also starting to oxidize. Im finally giving up on killing it and just getting a new car. Need a little more get up and go, although it is pretty zippy for 63hp.

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  1999EscortSe - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Ed Ivey - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The car rides and handles like a much larger on the highway. Its no monster on take off but once on the road it has plenty of power.

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  The bus - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By zoeedd - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 17K and have loved it. I have the v10 and my mileage is ~11 MPG, which is the same as my 1999 Dodge Ram extended cap pickup. I have three kids in car seats which I can put next to each other in the second row. I am supprised at the pickup on the freeway, my truck will jump like a rabit at 80 MPH. I have had some problems with mine New front 4*4 @ 25K, All new door locks at 60K, New front upper & lower ball joints @ 70K, plus new heated seat @ 70K. Luckily I bought a extended warranty from ford so I only have to pay $100 Ded for each item. I am looking forward to buying a 2004 model next year.

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  does good for drifting - 1990 Ford Escort
  By just got one - September 30 - 2:00 am

  only bought it for $350 and blue book is $1000.

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  Love My Wagon - 1993 Ford Escort
  By LoveMyWagon - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my navy blue wagon since I drove it off of the dealers lot. This car has never left me stranded. Replaced heater core (leaking coolant in 99 $400), and the ignition (03 $200). The ignition gave out when I was at PepBoys so, I wasnt really stranded... Other than these items and routine maintenance, everything else is original. The A/C still blows ice cold air during hot TX summers, never serviced. Ive since bought a new car but couldnt bare to trade it in. In fact, I drive this car more than my new minivan. ODO - 114K.

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  Ford #1 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By verdale marquardt - September 29 - 7:20 pm

  love this car.will never sell it make it factor original show car no after market add ons ever. i get up to 35 miles to the gallon on hwy. its just a cool car, ford had waited to long to design a car like this and then they cancel it after 3 years somethings wrong with their management. this car will always remain in my family, thank you for making the Ford 500 limited edition.