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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  my truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By shaggydog - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Over all it is an ecellant truck except for the rear quarter panels are bad for rusting.Perhaps better material woould have made a difference.The only problem mechanically is the starter sticks and the idle sensor needs replacing.

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  Valve for your dollar - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By twkunz - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Very good SUV -- no problems, I bought a second one last year because of my positive experience with this.

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  zx2 is cool - 2002 Ford Escort
  By kevin Horick - December 1 - 2:00 am

  awesome car with many after market products available

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  Driving 500 Horses - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Bob Maginnis - November 30 - 7:10 pm

  The convertible is Vista Blue and the paint is excellent. The interior is simple w/o a lot of electronic junk. Everything dash/radio etc is basic and functions well. The top operation is smooth and is real cloth. Performance is what youd expect from a 500hp car. After a couple of hundred miles, the avg mpg is a bit over 22 but that includes hiway. Interior road noise is at a minimum, even with (aftermarket) dual 2 chamber Flowmasters. (Car sound like a monster V8) The Cobra is a beautiful, responsive machine and worth the money. One of a kind.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By WW - November 30 - 6:13 pm

  This is my third Explorer (54000 mi), 2nd Eddie Bauer, car is great for about 40,000 miles and then look out. Just replaced the rear end clutch pack, at my 50% expense ($279). Now they want to put a new transfer case ($1500) and rear wheel bearings ($769). Its frustrating, but the cars drivetrain is just not strong enough. Im just gonna get rid of the car. Well built otherwise, but if the car whines and grinds, youre gonna be unhappy.

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  WAY UNDER RATED - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By scotsman5 - November 30 - 11:01 am

  My 2007 I bought new. The only thing that we replaced is a altenator and battery once and the normal brakes, tires, filters, tuneups. This car still drives and rides like the day we bought it. The car has 182,488k miles. Id buy a new one but ford no longer builds them. Ready to buy another with 37k miles. Love these cars.

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  a/c compressor noise - 2005 Ford Focus
  By marks1355 - November 30 - 4:03 am

  When I test drove my ZXW the a/c charge was low so there was no noise. As soon as it was charged and new coolant was put in there was a loud clicking every 30 seconds. Ford say that is normal. That sound is the a/c compressor working. I hate the loud click and would not bought the vehicle if I heard it during my test drive. I love driving my ZXW, but what do I do to shut this car up.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 2003 Ford Escort
  By ESommers - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Finest small sports coupe money can buy. Incredible performance and reliability for the price.

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  For the Price, is the Best - 2003 Ford Escort
  By LHEAT - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I got the car brand new with a 2,000 dollar rebate (I paid 10,000) No other new car that is this good is going to cost you this low, I would rather spend 10,000 on a zx2, than 12,000 on a Focus that is hatchback (i dont know why Ford does not make them Cupes). They both have the same engine and they both run the same.

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  I love it. - 1997 Ford F-150
  By MattyMatty - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck. It has not failed me and runs great every time it is started.