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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  Great car! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Espo - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this with 120,000 mi. as a second car for long work commuting. So far it runs great and from what the previous owner told me, it always has. Has nice styling and looks more aggressive than your average Honda Civic.

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  2nd losing ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jason9058 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second zx2 i had a 98 and now an 02 manuals which were both worthless because they are known for their bad transmissions. I have had my 02 for just over a year now and it has been in the shop 14 times for the transmission.

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  Love the "Bigun " - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By btdo - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We got alot of flack for getting this car - but its been worth it ! Easy to drive, and park. Pulls trailers and our camper with incredible ease. The gas mileage is not bad for its size, especially if you maintain the vehicle. Very comfortable for all of us (and my sons are over 6 ft tall !)Hauls everything from food to lots of people to wood to bags of concrete all with the same ease of loading and plenty of power.

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  More time in the SHOP than on the ROAD! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By tony22r - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought NEW for $20K out-the-door. Since New: Service Engine Soon light ON. 5K Trim, Weatherstripping falling off 7K All doors rattling, squeeking 40K Blown Head Gaskets 50K Blown Transmission 55K (and 10 Recalls later) Sold for $3K Good riddance! I feel sorry for the Sap who bought it, and Im just glad that its not MY problem any more!

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  Worth The Wait - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Redbird - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is an eye-catching, fun car. Every time I put the key in the ignition,I cant believe the excitement. Wherever I drive, I get positive comments from young & old.

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  Excellence - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Jon121884 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Very good. I love this car. Mustangs are surpreme. They just need to be faster.

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  Swallows gas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Una - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My major complaint is the gasoline consumption. Gasoline goes very fast with this car. Not a good car to commute to work. You will dry out your wallet. Also, tires are extremely EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!! Cheapest tires I have been able to purchase are $100! >>> EACH!!!! Expensive! Interior >>> not roomy at all. If you are tall, I dont recommend this car for you.

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  Excellent reliable Trucks - 1995 Ford F-250
  By jason Seamons - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck w/113k miles and now it has 165K. I have only put in a new water pump, powersteering pump (which was my fault for burning it up) and a battery, and lots and lots of fuel. this baby is thirsty.

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  OK - But No Brass Ring - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Johnny5 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Exterior: looks cool, but not practical. Cant haul ATV or sheet of plywood. Next time Im going for standard bed. Interior all gray ... very bland ... no frills. Functional but not sporty. Performance: 5-speed automatic acceleration OK in 1,2,3. Forget about it in 4th, and a dog in 5th. This is worst part: AT always shifting. Ford cant figure out what gear it wants to be in. They should offer a solid 4 speed auto and be done with it. Engine: No beans on the highway even when taking it out of overdrive. (5th) And the penalty is engine buzz due to higher RPM and gas mileage tanks. Getting 17 mpg highway / city & up to 19 mpg down hill with a wind.

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  awesome reliable truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By woods - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I am sad that I had to get rid of it. The only problem, too little. I loved it!