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:

• 

  My garage is the mechanic shop - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By PEARL - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The first night I bought this car it started giving me trouble. It stoped, had to be pushed home by my husbands van. Bought a motor, and a radiator.Locks on driver side stopped working the next week, next week brakes and pads, oil change and tune-up. Yesterday was told I need another motor in least than two months. Plus rods and somethings else in the tire area. beautiful car drive good when it wants too. Has plenty of room for my familey we have long legs.Ive had the car only two months to the day have paid over the cost of the car already. GARAGED AT THE MECHANIC SHOP.

• 

  Cant Be Trusted In The Heat of the Day - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By smartsnacker - May 7 - 9:23 am

  Over the past two years, my 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac seems to get vapor lock in the summer. But it doesnt happen all the time. When it happens, Ill take it into the dealer, but the service team cant duplicate the problem. What happens (sometimes) is that Ill drive it to the store (maybe 6 miles), turn it off and shop for maybe 10 minutes. When I return to the vehicle and start it, it will sometimes not start, or, if it starts, it wont let me go over 20 mph. I had the fuel pump replaced in March (its now June) and that seemed to help. But the other day, out of the blue, it happened again! We also had a new fuel filter installed last March as well. Why does this happen?

• 

  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By happyjack - May 7 - 9:03 am

  A real sports car at a real price, nothing more needed for street driving. Very powerful car, and handles excellent. Ttraction control is a great option as well, although I have the automatic transmission version of this ca. ItÂ’s a real fun drive and has been a very reliable car.

• 

  2001 Best multi purpose vehicle - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Brad - May 7 - 8:40 am

  My friend said that I should submit my review on the Sport Trac. So, here it goes. Overall this is a very good truck. I dont know how most people drive, but here I get an average of 21.8 mpg highway and 18.6 city. In my eyes thats pretty good for any truck. That is in 2wd, which is what I drive it in most of the time. The 4wd comes in handy for Michigan winters! I am also impressed with the ride quality, performance and workmanship. Next time Im shopping for a new truck, Ill look at the Sport Trac again.

• 

  Its just what I wanted - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By david - May 7 - 6:50 am

  My experience with Ford Sport Trac has been one of the best experiences I have had in my life. I drive it often, even on trips. I have had no problems other than normal maintenance. It is what I needed. Living in the country area I needed 4X4, wanted no carpet and be able to carry my grandkids. It does it all, and since I am retired I just have small jobs for the yard and such and the bed it just perfect, you dont have to worry about the bed scratches and the tie down would allow you to carry a lot more than you think. My wife loves it and has no problem getting to and back from work in the snow, and we can go out in the field with no problems.

• 

  Stalls when wet - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mike P - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My f150 dosent like damp days. When in reverse it will stall out. Happens often. Wind noise is not good and gas milage terrible.(15mpg) It has a great look.

• 

  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By prpapi81 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Good Power, Always turns heads, Crisp loud stereo, seating position kinda awkward, suspension shows it age, great visiablity. Solid Vehicle, you can nit pick, but it shines where others fail, and vice versa.

• 

  Very practical car for cost - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Chris Hadley - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over 2 years ago now. The only problem is the engine developed a shimmy around the 45,000 mile mark. I took it to the dealership and they gave me some crap about tubing or something. It cost me $95 but it fixed the only problem. I got into an accident where I was struck sideways in the back and I walked away and the car was able to be fixed. I was hit by a VERY large truck so I was impressed by the build quality. The car is a smooth ride and peppy for a 4 cyl. engine. I have put well over 7,500 interstate miles on this car in the last year. GREAT CAR!

• 

  $160 for a new KEY - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Qix - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car in 9/2003 as a lease return. Its been a good car thus far, save the flat tire, or the bad seat belts, the arm rest coming apart, and last but not least the $160 new key.

• 

  Bad Experience - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By nelly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We had a head gasket blow soon after we purchased this vehicle used. Four years later weve just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the head gasket has blown again. In addition to this there are minor problems all over the vehicle - inaccurate open door warnings, interior lights that wont turn off, seat adjustment knobs that work only sporadically, pieces of interior that have easily broken. Constant maintenance needed on brakes and drums.