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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  doing it - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By black truck - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Great little big truck, The body style is very nice makes for a sharp truck. The extra room is very nice.Very easy to drive and the bench seat is what a truck should have. The 3.0 does not have the getty up I like but to come and go its perfect. Milage on the open road was 23 mpg at 60 mph in town not sure. Highth of his truck is nice.

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  Neat little truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By daved - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Good little pick-up truck for the price. New Arizona biege color is awsome. Interior is simple and functional.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By jimb - September 9 - 7:43 pm

  I recently traded in my 2000 Volvo S70 AWD for the Fusion S with Auto. I have not regretted this purchase. The car is extremely fun, very economical and tons of room. My best friend is 62" and has lots of room in the backseat. The trunk is bigger than my wifes 2003 Taurus and my old Volvo. I totally overwhelmed with the comfort and most of all the 24 mpg in town. This is my 4 Ford vehicle and the best I have ever owned. I recommend the Fusion to anyone who is looking for an economical car that has lots of room. Also, everything one could want for options is standard.

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  My First Car! - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By The Brain - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new, right out of college. Love the ride and acceleration of v-8. Comfy interior and nice looks, inside and out. Had intake manifold replaced under recall after failure and transmission reconditioned under warranty- no other unscheduled failures. Have 4 studded snows on factory rims- unstoppable in the snow with a judicious accelerator foot! Exepecting 1st baby and finding hard to replace with "family" car of equal price and performance.

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  Best car I have owned. - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By bunkhouse59 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1994. It now has 240,000 miles on it. Other than normal maintenance, I have had to replace the radiator fan assembly.

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  Hate to Sell - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MatthewMitchell - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used with 10,000 mile and factory warranty remaining. Have never had a problem. Replaced the tires (Firestone was original), Ford even paid for these. Replaced the battery and brakes, and it runs forever with regular tune-ups. The ride is bumpy due to the big tires and sitting so high off the ground, but in snow this is the car you want to have.

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  Highly recommended - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ackjas - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car... Exceptional tow vehicle... and overall great purchase.

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  I want another one! - 1992 Ford Escort
  By meanjean - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Have put 167,000+ miles on my 1992 Ford Escort, 5 spd. Trouble free except for AC problems at 165,000 miles. 33-36 mpg highway. Love it.

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  Keeps On Going.... - 1993 Ford Escort
  By sportster97 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought Green 93 Wagon because of excellent deal at dealers auction. I move alot, so dragging my beefed up 78 Firebird w/ V8 not good idea, gas, etc. So thats where this car comes into the picture. So far Ive been pretty happy with it. Interior imaculant and exterior not to shabby. I found the interior to be better in quality than the newer cars today. I want to buy a new car, but none of the Sedans out there seem to satisfy my taste and budget. Hate to get rid of this car being so dependable. Dont much like the new Fords, so looking at Toyota Corolla in future.

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  Great truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By DRobinson - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have put 40K miles on it, I pull a 20ft ski boat with 8 passengers and full load. I am seeing 11.4 MPG pulling boat and 15.8 MPG without boat. Ciy driving economy drops to 10 MPG. This truck is very comfortable, easy to drive, very powerful and has a great turning radius. I have driven the Suburban, there is no comparison. Ford has replaced the torque converter for a noise problem and the front hus due to a thunk when turning. I would buy another one...Order rear warning system, it is difficult to see behind you...