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 Truck - 1993 Ford F-150
  By duedetroyer - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was a "trade-down" when I needed to get rid of a mini-van. It ended up being anything but a trade- down. I have over 211,000 miles on it and have had very few problems.

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  Explorer of the Service Dept - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jetfan16 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 2000 XLS after our 6 week old mustang caught on fire. The truck was nice looking at the time & we wanted a truck so we went for it. Update- we just returned the truck 4 months early after numerous problems: 1. transmission shot after 15,000 miles 2. check engine light on after two service jobs 3. gages didnt work until truck was on for 15-20 mins 4. averaged 10-12 miles to the gallon with the small V6 (god only knows how the V-8 is) Funny thing is ford admitted that the quality of Explorer wasnt good until 2002 Model. Enough said- Got a Chrysler Minivan

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  PocoLocos Review - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By PocoLoco - March 20 - 10:40 pm

  This Screaming Yellow Mustang GT generates more thumbs up on the road than I can count. The car puts a big grin on my face whenever Im on board. It is a joy to drive - responsive, maneuverable, and comfortable.

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  my review - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Mikenetize - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best thing I have ever driven. its fun, easy to work on and I havent had any problems with it. My only problem is that I wish they had put a 6-speed in it.

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  99 eddie - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By semperfi - March 20 - 2:00 am

  a few quirks--outside temp never correct a few problems with 6 CD changer electronic compass usually incorrect

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  Heartbreak - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Heartbroken - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I LOVED my car eventhough I seemed to have to do more to keep it running. Until the head gasket blew. The mechanic told me the 3.8 V6 was famous for this defect! Ill never own another Ford

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  Great work/fun vehicle - 1991 Ford F-150
  By cali_scotsman - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Id describe mine as a cadillac on stilts-- the seat is like an extreamly comfortable couch, driving is very smooth and easy, and easy shifting from 2H, 4H, N, and 4L. Very roomy-- 5 1/2 foot wide inside cab and plenty of head space. Definately look into these.

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  2011 Ford Edge - 2011 Ford Edge
  By Sam Underwood - March 19 - 3:03 pm

  We bought this car new in 2011 and have never had an issue with it, one of the best cars we have ever owned and I highly recommend the Edge is general.

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  Go Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Roberto (Bobby) - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a superb auto in every way. It is a spacious SUV yet gets excellent gas mileage. The seats are comfortable & high enough to see the rosd, & provide solid support for the back. Reliability has been tops. Recommend this vihicle over all others in its class!

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  Finall bought - 2004 Ford Escape
  By FuzzyNSSA - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After renting a couple Escapes on trips, I was totally hooked. The other consideration was a Jeep Liberty, but the Escape gets a LOT better gas mileage and has several features that I prefer.