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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  Best in class - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ESommers - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Best possible compact pickup. Out classes all other small trucks.

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  Ranger Edge a Plus to Drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By geneokamoto - April 17 - 2:00 am

  the Ranger Edge is a nice truck to drive around in. From color choice, to ride...it has it all.

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  fun to drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By pantera1977 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  this car is alot of fun to drive. i am glad to have made this purchase.

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  Best in class - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ESommers - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The best entry compact vehicle at a good price. Offers everything Toyota can without unreasonably increasing the price.

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  My Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4WD - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Dave and Judy - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Ford Expedition in April of 1997 from dealership "Bill Collis" in Louisville Ky. We have used our Expedition numberous times for vacations. The large interior has been not only comfortable but also invaluable in allowing large numbers of people, luggage and equipment to be hauled comfortably.

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  More for your Money - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tatjana - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is more than what you are bargaining for - the price is right. You will not be disappointed in this car (rated best SUV for 2002). Its fun and yields about 300 mi per tank in the city. Very reliable and fun. Easy to drive due to its midsize shape. Its outer design is modern, simple and sporty. The car for those young professionals that want to make a good investment ....

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  Buy a Honda - 2000 Ford Contour
  By nicke - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Save a few more dollars and buy a Honda, or Toyota instead. This is one cheaply built and unrealiable car.

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  Fords Confusion - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By SLM98 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van from a family friend who sells cars. Little did I know it would cost me $3000 a year in repairs to keep it going. I foolishly bought it because it looked good and I thought Ford meant quality. It seems 50,000 miles is about as long as atransmission will last. My coworkers soon informed me of numerous expensive problems they had, head gaskets blown, steering racks going, springs breaking, air conditioning controls breaking, etc....etc. And Ford standing there saying we stand behind our product. Aw shucks cant help its past warrenty. Stay away even if its a freebie.

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  What a truck! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By speedr180 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, lots of power in the 4.6 liter V8, had a red truck so i got a lot of looks in it, and it was very mechanically sound with no major problems in the 80,000 miles i owned it. Got hit in the passenger side by a minivan, but nobody got hurt thanks to the high ride height and the truck took all the impact, I felt very safe in it.

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  Ford Ranger 4 dr FX 4-wheel drive - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Joe Price - April 16 - 2:00 am

  A few minor problems during first few months. Front end alignment was not properly set and factory and caused tire wear and road noise. Dealer fixed and put 2 new tires on front.