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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  07 Shelby GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Ben - April 9 - 4:46 pm

  The car is absolutely amazing; it runs great and with the two Ford racing packages along with the Shelby package it makes for one awesome 325HP car. I have only had it a day and I have to say that it is one of the best cars that I have ever owned.

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  Great truck, will buy another one - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By good truck - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I had no problems with this truck after three years and 52,000 miles. Loved the four doors. My husband accidentally rolled it 1 1/4 times in the snow, (truck was totalled) and he had only a few cuts on his hands and sore muscles. He wants one with a bigger engine, but I saw nothing I would change on this truck, except maybe better gas mileage. It pulled a trailer fine. We are looking for another one just like it!

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  Mostly Happy - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By redswd - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Havent had it long but Ive enjoyed my experience so far. Fun to drive, comfortable, all the toys and will step out smartly when the pedal is down. Could use better programming on the 5 spd Auto, it feels as though it is hunting for the right gear sometimes. Dont know about reliability, no problems so far. Time will tell.

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  Cheap! Dont buy! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Jeremy Fish - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Worst investment weve ever made. The engine sounds horrible, weve taken it back 5 times now to have them fix the dome light because it decides to come on and go off when it wants to, and they still havent figured out what it is. The radip has quit multiple times. The bass gave out after a year, and the steering wheel has faded after 1 month. The roof rack shouldve come with a warning that it was only there for DECORATION since we put something on it and it broke! The cruise control quite after a week!

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  Best money I ever spent - 1995 Ford Escort
  By sgriffin - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is our 3rd Escort and we recently purchased another to make 4! We have changed the oil and serviced it. That is it. It gets 36-40 mpg and is the most dependable car I have ever owned. Its easy to park and corners on a dime. I love my car!

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  the best expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By John B - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The 97 Expedition was a great vehicle and with proper service still is like new in 2003. This year was a better vehicle than the 98-00 similar models. I recommend the 97 XLT--as a great used car to acquire.

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  the best expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By john b - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The 97 Expedition was a great vehicle and with proper service still is like new in 2003. This year was a better vehicle than the 98-00 similar models. I recommend the 97 XLT--as a great used car to acquire.

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  T-Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By tolatro - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This a great vehicle which captures a hint of the past with all of todays technology. The ride and handling is superb and the build quality is excellent. This vehicle clearly outpaces it competition by a significant margin. The select shift option is quite worthwhile if only as a second choice behind a standard transmission. The instrument panel should have been complemented with a full analog guage package. Overall it is a 10.

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  transmission - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By trottdog - April 8 - 6:03 am

  This is my second ford. I will not buy another. I just got 50,000 miles on it and the transmission went out. This is not a mustang that im spinning the wheels, this truck does not go off road. they want $ 2900.00 to fix it. this truck will be on the market as is. i will buy a Jeep.

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  Its a Ford - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By CoveredWagon - April 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought our explorer with 35k and it now has 109k. It creaks, squeaks, rattles, and bangs like a covered wagon. Interior fit and finish is horrible. Door handles break off, the sunroof leaks, pwr windows stopped working. However, as long as you run super unleaded and do regular maint it hums like a sewing machine. The normal mech repairs were cheap to accomplish and it is plenty roomy. It has gotten the job done with very little excitement but also at very little cost.