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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  Depreciating Asset - 2002 Ford Escort
  By ZX2NOT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I actually purchased the automatic deluxe model and wish I had the manual transmission. This car is extremely under powered. Both window seals leak air when driving at highway speeds. The engine vibrates severely at stoplights due to faulty engine mounts (Per Ford Service Techs) The body style is great, good handling, dependable, but - lacks horsepower, expect HUGE depreciation loss! I Tried trading in my 2002 ZX2 for something better but found out that it had depreciated 60% in 4 months. Most dealers only offer $7,000 tops on trade.

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  Big Bad Truck not a SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Edendp - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Had a Lincoln Navigator before but needed more tow power. The diesel is great and I am very happy with it (the wife hates it when I start it up in the garage....)I love the rumble and the power and the milege for such a large vehicle. The ride is very trucky but this is a truck and not a suv. It pulls my triple axle boat trailer and boat (40 long and 9000lbs) with ease. Launching is a pleasure. 4 wheeling is great when hunting but tricky on tight turns in the bush

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  3rd Crown Victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mrvalue - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best value hands down either new or used. Dealer often discounts to small car price range for the Crown Victoria and sister car, the Grand Marquis. Used examples are hard to locate in some markets as owners often drive them to well over 200,000 miles! This one is my 4th! The 1st.was totaled, then rebuilt and sold @ 229,000 miles. The 2nd was given to a relative and is healthy @ 155,000 miles. My 3rd will go to 300,000 per my mechanic barring any accidents. I love this car!

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  1996 Windstar 3.8 L - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By boxinbox - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power. What a amazing engine!! very comfortable to drive. Smoth and easy to park. Did I say how fun 200 HP on a small van is??

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  Love this car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cibao - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! Theres really nothig bad I can say about it. This car handles and brakes better than anything else I have driven and has a ton of room. I was able to fit 5 people no problem. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. If youre worried about the snow and rain as I was, then get the traction control feature and youre all set. The only thing bad I can say is that it needs a bit more low end torque, but wants you reach the 5000 RPM mark, youre flying!

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  f15099 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By wwjd - December 24 - 2:00 am

  other than routine service I have had no major problems. I bought the vehical eighteen months ago as a used vehical.

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  ford outdoes the chevy - 2004 Ford F-150
  By former chevy guy - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned chevy trks for 12 years, this is my first exp. with a ford and I have to say I am very pleased.......

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  f150 is great so far - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jim f -150 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up the truck a couple of weeks ago and cant say enough about it. The ride quality is right up there with the competition, but the interior is much quieter. Fabric on seats seem to be designed for the long haul and the interior room is terrific. Only complaint so far, other than the dealer, is the gas mileage (not bad, but not great)

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  2003 Mustang GT Premium - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Daniel A - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own and drive. Very hard to keep it under 100mph. Looks are unbelievable. Very aggresive. Gas mileage could be better and it probably would be if I didnt beat on it so much. Had no problems with it whatsoever. Car currently has 10,500 miles.

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  Most HP for the money. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mlabee - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is definitly for the speed junky. Its a smooth cruising 390 hp stock. 40 more hp and ten thousand dollars less than the vette. If you you really want to fly, add the SVT Exhaust and the Lightning s/c pulley. With those two mods itll make approx 450 hp at the wheels. What a car....