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:

• 

  F-150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bstrack@hotmail.com - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck, runs and rides very nice. thanks ford for building such a fine truck. I use mine for construction work and luxury after work. it handles both well.

• 

  So Smooth - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By garyh - June 14 - 2:00 am

  My first impression was that the engine is so smooth. The car really turns heads, people just come up to you and talk about it. The quality and finish is excellent but the paint is not quite as good as my Jaguar X-Type. Mechanically its perfect.

• 

  Tranmissions Issues - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By John See - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out without warning at 62000 miles. Ford service was horrible and not helpful in explaining why a car maintained regularly would have such a large failure at a relatively low milage for such components. Basically said since first time Ford buyer, we cant give you any assistance with product defect.

• 

  No More Fords for me, thanks - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By SMG401 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer has excellent features and options and is very comfortable to ride, but there are major design problems with the 2000. Way too much lean around corners, a stutter skip when hitting bumps at what would be reasonable speeds in other vehicles, broken motor in the rear wiper, grinding noise in the front end that the dealer "does not hear" and an annoying rattle in the dash are among my experiences.

• 

  The Sage Continues - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Ctour Love - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Now I would expect Ford to make a poor car. It is somethimg that is expected of the horrific company. But I decided to try them because I would not want to hate them based on what others think. My Cat does not work,My ignition has just eaten my key, My Gas Mileage is horrible, My car rattles and it is impossible to carry on a conversation on the phone or otherwise while traveling, The car hesitates when I accelerate and has almost caused me to die twice while merging, The dash is warped, the oil pan has a leak,a nd Ford does not care. The makings of a poor company....Ford!

• 

  Ranger XL ext cab 4x4 - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By cp - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger. Good, nimble little trucks but wont haul a whole lot.

• 

  Awesome 05 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By David Herr - June 13 - 10:20 pm

  What a fun car to drive! It has the look that turns heads and has more get up and go than youd expect from a 6 cylinder engine.

• 

  2nd time hybrid owner - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Riley - June 13 - 4:13 pm

  Im proud to say this is my 2nd Escape hybrid. I know its still new. I have only had it for a couple of weeks now, but Im impressed. I had a 2005 Escape Hybrid and to be honest this is why I now have a second one. I traded the 05 in on this one and I have been thrilled on the improvements Ford has done on this vehicle. Tha mileage is better, the ride is better, even the looks are better. Im impressed. I think Ford has a winner with this one.

• 

  best car i,ve ever owend - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jim - June 13 - 5:46 am

  i bought my crown vic 2yrs ago ai ilove it it,s th best car i ever bought it had only 47579 on it when i got it it rides an handle very good its iceblue mat; i get 20 mpg around townit get up an go when i want it to go ihave it service every 3000 or les thanks ford for builtin a great car

• 

  SHO Me - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By tkymasters - June 13 - 2:00 am

  The SHO is a great performance sedan, but with many Engineering flaws. This sleeper vehicle can come out of the box like a bat out of hell. Yet, you could throw a baby seat in the back and go for a Sunday drive. Handling is awesome with the McPherson Struts.