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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  Electronics Stinks - 2003 Ford Focus
  By LIONDRAGON - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 5 months. From the first week it has been in the shop SIX yes 6 times for the same problem. The "check Engine" light keeps coming on then goes off then comes back on!!!!! The battery light goes on and off. The traction assist light goes on/off, on/off. Hey, Ford techs do you ever check the wiring harnesses before putting them into the cars???????? Even the horns worked when "THEY" wanted to.......

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  owner - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By dan weaver - January 16 - 2:00 am

  My T-BIRD makes my sudden early retirement a happy time.It does every thing that I command it to do.The first thing you should do,is go buy a radar detector and your favorite CD,and take the long way home.There is nothing out there that can pry the smile off your face.Enjoy!!!!!!!

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  Ol Faithful - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mjordahl - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I pick the Ranger based on its price, value and its rating in Consumer Reports. It has really been a very dependable truck I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Trucks - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By KEVIN - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. My first was 89 I traded in on my 98 with 198000 miles on it and still running stong as the next owner was able to locate me. This 98 iasi the 4 door model (option on 500 made in98)Super Cab 4x4 with the 3.0 engine XLT loaded. I now have 98800 on it and am ready to trade on a new if numbers are right. These rangers get me where I need to go on and off road, really off sometimes, never stuck as it has the possie.

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  Great Trucks - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger. My first was 89 I traded in on my 98 with 198000 miles on it and still running stong as the next owner was able to locate me. This 98 iasi the 4 door model (option on 500 made in98)Super Cab 4x4 with the 3.0 engine XLT loaded. I now have 98800 on it and am ready to trade on a new if numbers are right. These rangers get me where I need to go on and off road, really off sometimes, never stuck as it has the possie.

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  Im disappointed - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Wendy - January 15 - 3:53 pm

  I thought I was buying a fun economical vehicle. It is not getting the mileage I had hoped. Several items have come apart or do not work as well as they should. I dont like the dash board styling. I wish Ford had offered some helpful live hints about how to drive it for its best economy. (They have offered now). Also, you HAVE to be sure to keep the maintenance up and Im worried about the cost of a replacement battery when mine dies. Also, the leather seats are only partially covered.

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  Black Beauty - 1996 Ford Contour
  By My Black Beauty - January 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars ever! I love it, but very cold weather starts are a bit of a challenge. Styling is phenominal, plus the five speed V6 is very potent. This is my first manual, so learning wasnt too tricky.

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  i this truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By hzw - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I this truck. it has no power, you have to push down the accelerator as far as it will go just to do 45 up a small hill. its fun todrive and reliable but dodge dakotas are SO much better in every area.

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  new car for me - 2003 Ford Escort
  By jeffrey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  good car for the money

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  new car for me - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jeffrey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  good car for the money