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 Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By chestepc - January 26 - 1:06 am

  Just traded in the old 2003 Blazer under the "Cash For Clunkers" program and got a 2010 Fusion SE. The car is fantastic! Its beautiful inside and out. It is very nice to drive and is very comfortable. I get 36mpg on the highway going about 73 miles/hr. My favorite feature is the fold down rear seats allowing me to get my bicycle in the car without a car rack. There is nothing I would change about this car other than the hubcaps. I wish it had "real" wheels.

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  Keep on Truckin! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jdoss1961 - January 26 - 1:00 am

  I bought this a couple of years ago at a buy here- pay here for way too much money, but I have been pleasantly surprised, at the reliability of this vehicle! I have had to do some repairs on it, but nothing major, driveshaft, hoses, and spark plugs, not much else! Not bad for an 11 year old Truck with 170,000 miles on it!

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  05 GT Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By pvictorian - January 25 - 3:43 am

  I recently purchased (after looking for months & months with no dealers having) the GT~ Silver with red leather interior. I l o v e the car!

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  Still going strong - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Rapid Transit - January 25 - 2:00 am

  191,986 miles, 20.1 mph since new, no work done on engine, transmission,rear end, uses no oil( Shell Rotella T) since new, changed at 10,000 mile intervals. Competition can sink like a rock, Ill Take Ford Tough any day!

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  Quality, Job#2 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Luvfastbikes - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Since then, Ive had several warning lights burn out in the dash, the rear leaf springs have broken twice (and no, I havent exceeded the manufacturers limits), a couple of engine electrical glitches, malfunctioning factory alarm system, occasional smoke on start-up, and some brake problems. Would I buy another Ford truck? Maybe, but it would definitely be a new one, to ensure maximum warranty duration to iron out the glitches before it comes out of my pocket...

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  Top of mtn @ 70000 - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By coolgolfer21 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used w/17000, beautiful easy enjoyable ride until 70000 miles, then problems. Rebuilt tranny, dozen trips for "service engine lite". All that finally fix (at my cost) and now smooth sailing again. Never fails otherwise, trading for another but four doors this time.

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  94 tbird has been good to me - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By e jones - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought my V8 tbird new in 94. After 135,000 miles only things ever to go wrong were water pump and alternator. Some little pieces of interior trim broke but nothing major. Transmission used to make the typical annoying shutter from the torque converter but was a simple fix 3 years ago with synthetic trans fluid. Only major complaint is faiding of paint on roof. It should last longer than 8 years.

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  amazing - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By tasah - January 25 - 2:00 am

  it was a great car thta zoomed around the corners! iT LOOKS GREAT AND HAS A LOT OF ROOM FOR A TWO DOOR COUPE. ID DEFINETLY BUY ANOTHER CANT WAIT TILL THE 2005 COME OUT HEARD THEY ARE BRINGING BACK THE MACH 1 AND SUCH.

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  Escort LX - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Ford Power - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 95 and have only replaced the tires. Now that I have a 198,000 miles on it without problems...I cant convience myself replace the car for a new one. Problem area: Rust and holes in the hatch which brings in the exhaust gas into the cabin. Summay: Very good car

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  Love My Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Pahl Moore - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 1995 Ranger for 5 years. I had to replace the alternator at about 70,000 miles, but have had no other problems. Its been a very good little truck and I would buy it again if I had the chance. I have owned a 1973 Chevy Luv, 1987 Nissan, a 1883 and 1988 Mazda B-2200, a 1991 Toyota, and this Ranger and I would rate it superior to all of them.