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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  2ND TIME 4 RANGER - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By DFWBIGBOI - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Ranger after I saw a incentive of $3500 from Ford. I also used my XPlan. Great Price. This is my second Ranger. I had 134,000 on my 93 when I sold it in 98. No major problems with it. I figured since the SuperCrew was out of my price range as Ranger fit the bill. Good choice. Power, style, and handling are suprises. I am still fretting over getting a Expedition now (major$$$$$$) but the Ranger serves its purpose.

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  LOVED IT! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By BSKET - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I HATED to part with this car!! There were so many wonderful memories tied to it (and with 151000 how could there not)! We took this car everywhere. In NE where the winters can be hell with cold and snow...this car never quivered once! IT always started and scooted around when others were stuck. For a car that was 10 years old, we had done less that $1000 in repairs. AMAZING for a car with that kind of mileage. I never gave taking this car anywhere I wanted a second thought.

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  bad car, avoid - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By hadit - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This pig has been back for repairs regularly since we bought it new. Front end parts, interior pieces break, engine problems. Just replaced tranny, power steering unit, rack and pinion unit, starter, at 64000 miles. Electrical shorts abound with this car. I am fighting with Ford now. They know they have a loser in this one. Avoid at all costs. On my way to get a Honda or Toyota, US automakers do not care or build in quality.

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  THE CAR OF MY DREAMS - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By morochos - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Car drives like magic. Smooth and powerfull. It is almost like looking at the 1957 model but with smoother lines. The engine purrrrrrrrrs, its just a wonderful toy.....sorry, car! Love it

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  Love my GT!! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By gttopdown - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I got my GT as a graduation present and I love it. It is by far the best car that can be purchased for the money. The steering and braking are superb, looks unique and stylish, and is very user friendly as a daily driver. I put a lot of miles on m GT because I commute a lot and so far it has been very reliable.

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  My first car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By WackyJosh - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was actually given to me as a present from a family friend who was moving out of the country. It was my first car. It now has 122000 miles on it and is still running well.

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  2nd worst car ever owned 1st ford tempo - 1995 Ford Contour
  By bobpez - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Crapy from the start. Power steering failed at 20k, both cv joints 40k, first trans went at 70k, dash caught on fire from recalled wiring at 80k, timing belt at 100k snapped, at 120k trans went out again, and sent the car to the junk yard

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  Great luxury livery vehicle. - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Dennis Duggan - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Fuel economy is great if you drive it right. We took it on a 2,300 mile road trip the first week. Though it takes $64.00 to fill the tank with premium gas we averaged over 16 miles to the Gallon. Owning a livery company with Lincoln town cars averaging 18-19 miles to the gallon for the size of the excursion. I think its great!!!

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  Fun to Drive, Great to own - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Lupis - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My rating of this car is based on what I think it was designed to do, not compared to a BMW Z3 or something. For the price and intended purpose of this car, I think its great! Dont listen to those who tell you buy a Focus instead of a ZX2. The ZX2 is more fun to drive and looks a hell of a lot better than a Focus. If youre strapped for cash, but still want sporty little car to tootle around in, the ZX2 is a great option for the price.

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  bad gone worst - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By stuck - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I CAUGHT THE CAR IN JULY/O2 AFTER 3 WEEKS I HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLING SYSTEM ON THE CAR. ON DEC/O2 I WAS GOING TO THE MALL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DESIDED TO GO AT 80/KMS AN HOUR. PHONE FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM,WAS TOLD YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.I ALMOST WAS KILLED IN THAT CAR. TRANMISSION REPAIR:1600- 2200.00.IWOULD SUGGEST ANY BODY BUYING A FORD TAURUS DONT BUY IT.1993 MODELS