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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  Found On Road Dead - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By GACop - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a ford man, but this truck really stinks. Bought it slightly used at the dealership. Have had the transmission worked on a total of 3 times since i got it. Had the alternator replaced. The harness for the headlights burned out. The lights in the dash quit working. EGR valve replace way too early, Twice.

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  Loving it - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By GACop - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car becuase I was in need of a car that I could drive across state back and forth for school. I got it used for a steal from a retired couple 3,000. It doesnt drive like a car that has as many miles as it does. I am overall very happy with it and feel that I have gotten my money back out of it. Have had the following problems in the last year: Alterantor went out Rack and Pinion is wearing out NO transmission problems at all.

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  Better than Chevy - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By BA123 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Traded an Astro van for my 95 Windstar. Windstar is better by far. More room, better comfort, handling and workmanship than Astro. No problems to date other than routine maint. Excellent for long trips. Pulls our camper with no problems.

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  2003 Ford Thunderbird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mike/Chris Fechner - May 26 - 2:00 am

  It rides like a dream. Very sporty. 2 door removable hardtop. Great gas mileage. Good sound system. I love the dual control air/heat & heated driver & passenger seats. Looks great with the top down. I love the "retro" Desert Sky Blue color. It gets lots of looks! Dont hesitate. Its supposed to be discontinued in 2004 and that means it will only go up in value.

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  Great little car! - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By chiropracticy - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Aspire used with about 30k miles on it. To this date I have 85k on it and it has never left me stranded. It gets great gas economy (40 mpg) and can park in spaces generally reserved for motorcycles. I wish they were still produced because I would quickly and without hesitation buy another.

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  My Experience as an Explorer Owner - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By keysfish - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had the transmission and the 4WD components changed out by the Dealership twice. Although it is running properly now, I cant trust it anymore.

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  I love this car - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By one happy ford owner - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is by far one of the most comfortable car i have ever ridden in. The power seats make my rather tall body fit into the car like a glove. I bought the car used with 45K on it, and have no idea why the original owners didnt keep it. The cargo space and the turning radious are supprisingly large,seeing as it is the 2door sport model. i love this car, and reccomend it to any one.

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  JRs Flex Review - 2009 Ford Flex
  By John R. Robinson - May 25 - 4:40 pm

  We purchased a Ford Flex as our "people mover" for a family of six. Our previous work horses were a Suburban (160K miles) and a Honda Odyssey (130K miles). I loved the Suburban, the Odyssey was adequate, but am wowed so far by the Flex. We opted for 50/50 2nd row seating. This combined with the 50/50 3rd row seating has lead to little to no arguments about who sits in back! (all seats are equally comfortable) The interior features are great. We opted for the sky lights and this really opens up the passenger seating. My wife quickly fell in love with the bluetooth/SYNC capabilities and enjoys hands free cell phone talking while driving. 4500 miles so far and no regrets. A winner!

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  Awesome - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Nathan - May 25 - 9:36 am

  I love this car! I have only had it for one week and I am always looking for excuses to drive it. I got the SE with a 5 speed. The transmission is geared perfect and makes the car an absolute blast to drive. It handles great. It is comfortable and roomy even for me (I am 61"). The gas mileage has been great too! I average 37 or more on the highway and around 32 in town. Doesnt get much better than that! The car also has plenty of power. I can squeal the tires in 1st 2nd and 3rd gears. It is fast when you want it to be and gets great gas mileage when you take it easy.

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  2001 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab -4.0 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Cory - May 25 - 8:30 am

  I am very pleased with my the Ranger. Ford did a great job with the design of the truck in regards to the interior and exterior. I would give the truck a B+ to A- if grades were allowed. If you are looking for a dependable small truck, I would definately recommend the 2001 Ford Ranger.