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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  My Favorite Car Ever!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jenny andrews - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I sold my SUV because I was going back to school. I bought my Focus and have never looked back. I LOVE it. I drive it appx. 170 miles per day, and it gets 35 mpg.

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  Phila - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bizz33 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Constantly experiencing stall out problems

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  best car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By kateri marie - August 18 - 10:00 am

  i love my svt cobra, i think it should come with more options as far as color interior and exterior but other than that i wouldnt change a thing

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  Super Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brandon Chambers - August 18 - 8:16 am

  Great American muscle car and a worthy successor to the older Mustangs.

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  Transmission - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By kimgross12 - August 18 - 6:06 am

  My car is a 2006... It has almost 180,000 miles on it. For the most part this has been a good car however, I still feel the transmission shouldnt not be going out. As I read other reviews and notice the same car and year has all these transmission issues is a sign of a test car. Is it fair now that my transmission has died and I have to get another car...NO! My expectation was to keep this car for along time.

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  Love My Truck - 1991 Ford F-250
  By Griz - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck in 92 but it was new. In 2001 put all new bearings in the rear end. Changed throttle linkage in 2001 also. Replaced alt, starter in 97. Other then the described items no problem whatsoever. Had an 8ft slide in camper, 16ft. vehicle trailer with a S10 Blazer & canoe on it towed this from washington to Arkansa 60-65 miles per hr. No problem whatsoever. However, with that load only got 10mpg. Hate to give up the truck but retiring and plan to travel so gotta get a new one. But I love this f250

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  THESE CARS ARE GETTING OLDER. - 1993 Ford Probe
  By REALITYCHECK - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my PGT for about 2 yrs now, I havent had any major repairs, just tires and a water pump, $63.00 for the pump at NAPA, and about four million dollars worth of labor (reduced to zero by doing it myself) The Probe GT could be considered a sports car, yeah they can be a pain sometimes, but they are getting older now, I expect to make repairs on a car with over 100K on them.

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  The Worst Vehicle I have Owned. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By colorado1974 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This thing was in the shop 5 times in the first month. The build quality inside was terrible. A park bench is more comfortable than any of the seats. I never got around to towing anything because it was in the shop all the time. Finally got it bought back under lemon law.

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  1998 XLT F150 Ext. Cab w/ 3rd Door - 1998 Ford F-150
  By T/R S - August 18 - 2:00 am

  In November, 2003, our F-150 will be 5 years old. At first we had a problem with the sensor that tells whether a door is open/closed and above lights on/off. The F-150 was still under warranty, so they fixed it and it has never happened again. We have 120,000 miles on it and have never had any other problems, until 115,000 miles and the alterernator went out. It has been a tough truck and we haul big loads of pigs, and its still going strong. doesnt

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  My Reliable Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Lincoln03 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this rig for 38 months. Have only done oil changes and a set of wiper blades. Has never been back to the dealer for anything.