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:

• 

  1994 FORD EXPLORER - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By TOM COPLIN - March 14 - 2:00 am

  REPLACED THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPLETELY. HAD A MAJOR TUNE UP AT 98,000 MILES. THE FUEL MILEAGE WENT TO 23MPG ON THE HIWAY AND 17MPG CITY.

• 

  my 93 mustang 4 banger - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By foxman11 - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car and it ran great for about twenty thousand miles. Then all hell broke loose. The transmission went out. Window motors are fryed. Water pump went out. Exhaust snapped in half.Timing belt. Wires. Everything that can go wrong has. The only good thing on this car is the weak engine. It has had very few problems.

• 

  93 Stang - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By swaidog - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I added some after market high performance stuff, it made all the difference!

• 

  Nice small truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Happy Truck Owner - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable truck with low maintenance costs. Ive had the truck for almost 9 years and my largest expense was finally buying new tires!

• 

  Sure Choice - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By xbronco - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1994 Bronco XLT in August 2002 as my first truck. Over the past seven months, i have been dully impressed with my Bronoco. It is undoubtedly the most sturdy, most reliable, and most fun to drive truck that i have ever been in. Although it only gets about 16-17 mpg, i would highly recommend a Bronoco for anyone in the market for a modestly priced reliable, safe, and extremely versatile truck. It drives very smoothly on the road and definitely has proven off-road capabilities. On one off-roading trip i pulled 4 Chevy trucks that got stuck out with virtually no effort. Go with the Bronco, its a sure choice that will never fail.

• 

  Love it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Floci - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used 2 and a half years ago with 29000 km on it. Replaced right front wheel bearing and rear struts (they leaked). The strut problem was my fault, Ive overloaded the trunk.Everything was fixed under warranty. The rest is only good stuff: handles like a dream, the V6 with the manual tranny is a great match, it has been very reliable and it is a great fun to drive. Sometimes I call it a poor men BMW.

• 

  my sho - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By mr jones - March 14 - 2:00 am

  i think this vehicle is awesume

• 

  Great Truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By findlj - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck 4 years old with 27K on it. It has been very reliable and im extremely satisfied with it.

• 

  99 Crown Vic Interceptor - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By cvaughn34 - March 13 - 8:26 pm

  I have always owned Crown Vics, and that will never change. This Crown has 292000 miles on it, and still runs like its brand new. Never had to anything to it, and still doesnt need anything. I wouldnt have an LX, but the Interceptors have it all.

• 

  big money pit - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By kryss - March 13 - 2:46 pm

  I bought the van because we do alot of camping. I just paid it off in October of this year. Since Last year I have easily put 6K into the van. Alternator, tie rods, bearings, front end problems, transmission, Calipers, gear shift box, sensors, fuel pump, weird stuff like, "regulating bleeder valve". I love the van and the ride, just cant afford it anymore. It is seriously putting me in debt.