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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  Going Strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Steve B - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 1993. I have had another vehicle most of the past 10 years, so the mileage isnt too high (80K). Other than the leaks others have written about, no major problems or unplanned expenses. Exterior has held up well. Interior fabrics, carpet, and trim have held up very well. It is relegated to being a hauler & airport parker (to keep my "good" car safe at home), but Im planning to keep it another 10 years.

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  MYSTANG - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By ALLIE - July 12 - 2:00 am

  COMPLAINTS, ONE BEING THE BRAKES, COME TO FIND OUT THAT THEY HAD TO BE RE CUT, I ALSO FEEL THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING 100% THEY HAVE CHECKED IT 5 TIMES ALREADY, BUT THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT IT DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY OR AS SMOOTHLY AS IT SHOULD, UPON STOPPING SOMETHINGS IT FEELS THAT EITHER THE TRANNY OR THE ENGINE WANTS TO KEEP GOING AND FEELS THAT ITS GOING TO FY RIGHT OUT THE FRONT OF THE CAR, OF COURSE WHEN IT HAS BEEN IN & THE TECH TAKES A TEST DRIVE OF COURSE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN,

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  Bad vibrations - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By kg1957 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Gt has very poor ride on the interstate. The vehicle has a constant vibration at 70 mph. The car has had 11 tires replced and the drive shaft. The car still has a vibration coming from the engine. Ford motor company tells me nothing wrong with vehicle. I will never buy another FORD.

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  Cant wait to sell...way upside down! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By buyforeign - July 12 - 2:00 am

  What was I thinking?! The resale value on this vehicle sucks! Luckily I got it for A-plan pricing due to a family member otherwise no way. I have to admit that at 37000 miles I have had service issues. Do note that transmission slip problem is there and will probably get worse. I had 3 Taurus that had this problem really bad! Go Japanese instead!!

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  very good auto - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blevit - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Have driven this auto 70,000 miles with little or no problems. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Chuck

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  work horse - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gerald kissner - July 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck took a bad rap for the tire thing. Ive owned my from 99 and just now put in the shop for the the first breakdown--a thermostat gone bad in 90+ degree Texas.

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  what a gigantic error... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By dino - July 12 - 2:00 am

  gas guzzling nerd mobile -electric door lock failed 2x - center armrest broke off - cant sell or trade in if my life depended on it

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  stand back other suvs - here come ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By - July 12 - 2:00 am

  bought the sunshine yellow with leather, sun roof, etc. what a great vehicle & easy to find in the parking lot!

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Jason583265485 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Bronco for 6 years now. In that time Ive driven it 80,000 miles. It has been extremely dependable. The only major problem I had was to get the driveshaft tweaked, but that only cost me $200 at the dealership. Ive never had any other major trouble in all that time. I put 32" BFG ATs on there with no lift and it handles great with no rubbing. With the bigger engine, Ive had no trouble blazing through mud pulling a tent trailer. I wish Ford still made Broncos. Now they have all these city slicker vehicles. It looks like my next vehicle will probably be a truck.

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  Love the Crown Vic - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mike duncan - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1998 before this 2000 and I love these cars. Both vehicle have been LXs with handling and suspension package. To me they are the best full sized cars on the market. Not to mention they are rear wheel drive.