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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  my tempo sucks - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Pudge - April 14 - 2:00 am

  THe first thing ford should have done is put a 4-speed automatic in the car. The car sucks on the highway and it sucks for passing people. Interior is ugly and uncomfortable. extierior is a cheap ripp off of the mustang (front end) Not the best car in my book.

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  HEAD GASKETS!!!!!!!! - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By hooknose - April 14 - 2:00 am

  These cars blow headgaskets!!I wish I knew they blew ON ALL before I bought it.I didnt even have plates on it and the head gasket blew.Check engine light comes on at random, sometimes will go months in between occurences. I will be driving along, all of a sudden it starts hesitating and the check engine light comes on then goes right back off.I drive for a few more minutes and it works fine. Then stop at a traffic light and it runs fine then all of a sudden just stalls no hesitation no drop in rpm just bang its off. It takes water at random.In short, DO NOT BUY THE 3.8L V6!!!!! Seems as if the V8 is okay though, from what Ive heard and read.

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  BIG BLUE DULL BUT RELIABLE - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By TMR - April 14 - 2:00 am

  My desire was for high visibility and easy access. Couldnt afford an SUV so bought a basic Ford Ranger. Im 63" and the cab and bench seat give the comfort of a full-size vehicle. Should have gotten speed control for longer drives (legroom is barely adequate for me) but Big Blue is a city truck and llong term comfort and fuel economy isnt a concern. The truck has had one major tune up and regular oil changes. Nothing else. The 97 2WD 4cyl Ranger is reportedly a reliable vehicle and has been so for me. No electrical issues. Its not been driven a lot but regularly and has never failed. Its a solid and dependable basic set of wheels.

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  Great SUV for Towing Our Camper! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Dave in Boulder - April 14 - 2:00 am

  When we set out looking for SUVs, we decided that it had to easily tow our travel trailer. Our trailer weighs in around 5,000lbs. We wanted something that was smooth on the highway, had room for the kids, and would tow easily at 14,000 feet. After searching all the imports, and American vehicles we settled on the Expedition for its comfort and prowness. We are enjoying it so far, and cant say anything really bad about it.

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  Greatest vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Escape
  By seh1276 - April 14 - 12:20 am

  I bought one of the Escapes in 2001; this is the second one. It has zoom, it has room and it has me sold on it for good. It is by far the most fun vehicle to drive.

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  Balance - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - April 14 - 12:00 am

  My all-wheel-drive constant velocity transmission white body on black leather Ford Five Hundred provides excellent comfort, secure handling, reasonable fuel economy and adequate performance. Build quality is fine.

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  Ford hit a home run - 2008 Ford Focus
  By retto - April 13 - 1:33 pm

  I think Ford got this car right. I find it quiet, responsive, and peppy (for what it is). The manual transmission is easy to shift and it holds speed well on downgrades. I get 37 mpg on the highway and around 28 mpg in town. I recommend this car! Get the SES and the fancy radio system.

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  Mustan - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By GT-Rocks - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Mustang GT Conv. over a year ago. So far it is the best car I have onwed, over Camaro, TransAm and Honda. It handles best on the market and blows the doors of most other cars. The back seat is quite small but is far less noiser than any other convertable I have owned.

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  Love that truck - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Ping lou - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle dose what it is supposed to

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  An average car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Fordliker - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Taurus and it is average. It has 18,000 miles and nothing has gone wrong. It isnt a high preformance luxury car, but it gets the job done.