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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  love my truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mac_712 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I was told before buying that it was under powered. But I have found the 4.0L engine to have plenty of power. The seats are very comfortable.Gas mileage could be a bit better but I dont baby my vehicles either. This is my first 4x4 and I will never do without 4wd again. The only repairs I have had in the 2 years I have owned this truck is replacement of a couple of sensors in the EGR system and the 2 front u-joints on the front axles have been replaced. I have been told that the u-joints usually need replaced at around 75000 mi and mine lasted 87000 so I cant complain.

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  2000 ranger sport - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By tim11324 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been perfect from day one. Very low maintence, and will perform any hauling function needed around the house.

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  My Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Russ - March 8 - 12:06 am

  Its been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned, I bought it just before the gas prices went through the roof. Still not too bad on fuel consumption. On the highway Im averaging 21-22 mpg. Great little truck.

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  Comparison of Fusion to Camry Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Carolyn - March 7 - 5:53 pm

  I recently totaled my 2009 Camry Hybrid and I replaced it with the Fusion Hybrid. While i think the camry may have more comfortable seating the fusion blows it away on options. The navigation system is far superior and the BLISD and sync functions are great. This car has a more sporty feel than the camry.

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  Go out and drive one - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Vista Blue Shelby - March 7 - 11:00 am

  Never liked any mustangs. Was always a classic GM muscle car guy. This car has something that most others do not a serious personality. Steering feel is awesome and power is incredible. I have had the privledge of owning many many cars and this is a great car. It will sprint all day and not get tired. Only thing it could use is a louder exhaust and a much better set of tires. I hope to enjoy this car for many years. Kudos to Ford and Shelby for getting this done right. FYI Dont pay sticker price or anywhere near it I didnt and there is no need to just do reseach.

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  1995 Taurus LX Wagon - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Stape - March 7 - 2:00 am

  There have been a few reliabilty issues including two alternators, the air conditioning compressor and the radiator. The motor does not burn a drop of oil. I have seen a lot of bad press on the transmission so, I am getting nervous. The ABS system performs flawlessly. I like the fact that it also has rear disc brakes (an option on the sedan). There was a problem with a plugged catalytic convertor at 50,000 miles, but Ford of Canada covered half the cost. I replaced the struts and shocks at 80,000 miles to improve the ride. The 3.0 liter is the better choice than the 3.8. Better fuel economy and better reliability.

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  Ultimate Sportsmans Vehicle - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By acobra - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Unbeleivable vehicle for any large family or any sportsman! Able to carry multiple dog kennels and massive amounts of hunting gear or full salmon size coolers and massive amounts of geaar in addition to multiple passengers in comfort!

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  First and Last Ford - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By buckwet - March 7 - 2:00 am

  at 58,000 miles my transmission went out and due to the fact that i did not have my transmission fluid replaced at 30,000 miles, the extended warranty that i had purchased through the ford dealerership by a third party company UNITED AUTO CARE, the extended warranty denied my claim. Several qualified sources have indicated to me that not changing the transmission fluid at 58,000 miles will cause this problem. And of course Ford washes their hands of the problem.

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  MY LITTLE GT - 1993 Ford Escort
  By JWILLI - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. THIS CAR IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE. I PUT 40,000 MILES ON IT IN JUST A YEAR AND A HALF. WHAT A GREAT CAR. FUN TO DRIVE.GREAT TO LOOK AT.0 PROBLEMS SO FAR. CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD.PAINT LOOKS BRAND NEW, NO RUST. AWESOME SHAPE 105,000 MILES ON IT AND STILL FEELS VERY STONG. IVE BLOWN AWAY LOTS OF TEENS DRIVIN THERE SUPED UP CIVICS AND ACCORDS. YOU SHOULD SEE MY SMILE!!

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  Aerostar Workhorse - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Tie, Rod - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This van just wont quit! It is a true workhorse. I would buy another one if Ford would not make it look like a delivery truck. With the seats removed the space is great. Moved almost my entire house(except the big stuff) with loads in the van. Replaced thermostat, and routine maintenance. No major repairs