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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  Jeep Hauler - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By CJRay - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck new,and almost 8 years and 168K later it still runs great.It has lost some of its pep,but is driven hard.Mostly highway miles,but a lot are hauling Jeep parts.I haul frames,engines,trannys,axles,-most at the same time. Squat it down with a load, and the little 4-cyl gives its all and comes back for more.I hauled 2 loads of bricks that broke the back springs. Replaced them, and I was back in business.Built Ford Tough-Heck yeah. I know guys with full sizes that dont get as much use. My friends will be sad when it goes-it is a lot of fun to see Jeep frames hauled by a SB Ranger. Go Ranger-168K and counting!

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  Enjoying the Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mdcoop33 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Fun vehicle to dry. Very cool package, both inside & out. It is enough of a truck to do all the things I need out of a truck (just finished a basement and hauled everything needed). Provides the flexibility of decent gas mileage (dry it daily) and provides plenty of room for 4. Enjoy the vehicle very much - only problems - both rear door mechanisms have had to be reworked. I purchased an after market soft top - should have gone with the factory hard top.

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Escape
  By hate/escape - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape almost 2 months ago. It has been in the shop 5 times! Almost a total of four weeks. The SUV wont start (3 times). They cannot figure out why. Mechanics even called Ford to find out if they new why (which they didnt). Service engine light came on to reveal emissions problems (twice). I am fed up with it.

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  Transmission Frustration - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By frustration - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car this summer at 70,000 miles...much higher than the other reviews Ive read. At 78,000 the transmission went out today. Its currently in the shop and I will find out the exact details tomorrow. Im just glad I got a good deal on this car. I love the rest of it. Its fully loaded, and can really mooove when theres a working transmission. I travel through 3 states for school, so hopefully it will hold up.

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  Great Economy Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By SAN - November 11 - 4:33 pm

  Just picked up my 06 SES w/auto. The car is just a blast to drive - way more so than the price may indicate. The build quality looks better than average, and the stock radio is just fine. The rebates make this too good of a deal to pass up.

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  Problems at only 2100 miles! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Matsukes - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the gas mileage, ride,and handling but at 1100 miles I noticed that when I filled the gas tank the gas guage only went to 3 quarters full! Now at 2100 miles I have a check engine light and the code states that the fuel level sensor in the gas tank is no longer working! Its a disappointment to already be having problems at such a low mileage and I wonder if this is the start of things to come!

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  i like my car alright - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Amanda Tillotson - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I got my car when i was 16 its been an awesome first car to learn how to drive and plus its a stick shift so i got to learn how to dfo two things at once

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  VERY GOOD! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Jmarshall - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Very slick, Very nice ride, Average on gas, very peppy car when needed, A GOOD buy

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  Piece of Junk - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By wantmonybck - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Since I Bought this so called vehicle it has been in the dealership no less than 18 times for various reasons. Things like alignment, arm rests falling off, molding falling off, numerous electrical issues. The lattest is the engine hesitates then surges. I live an work in Detroit in the auto industry and have always been a flag waving American car buyer but since Ford cares less about me I care less about them and Im on my way to the Honda dealership to buy an Odysee that I am sure I will get my moneys worth.

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  Great Car for the money - 1998 Ford Escort
  By langevette - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for college transportation. and it is great! I now have over 72000 and still runs great. I bought it with trans. problems and fought the dealer till he rebuilt if for free. ($1500 worth) Gas milage in the mid 30s, but I drive hard.