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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  Loving my Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By hellerjw - November 10 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in a gas guzzling F-150 for the new Edge and couldnt be happier. Im getting about 50% better gas mileage in town (13 vs. 19mpg) which should improve as the engine gets worn in a little more. I also own a Chrysler Pacifica (which we love) but this vehicle is more fun to drive and has better acceleration. I have just over 1000 miles on it now and cant find anything I dont like about it. I find myself having to gingerly press the gas pedal or I will be going 70 in the city before I know it. Got it with the Nav system and can now say it was worth the extra cost, especially since it becomes a central control center for the other audio/video systems

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  New to 4 wheel drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By LeoH - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Moving from a Taurus SHO to this little SUV was a learning experience. It runs well and is quick. It pulls the trailer well also. Having to pull the headrests out to drop the back seat is a pain (Where do I store the head rests). It is a little bouncy on rough roads but otherwise rides well. "There aint nuthin rong with the radio."

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  I dig my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Enreek - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Explorers and I would buy another one with a second thought. It is a good reliable vehicle that I can feel comfortable in. I dig it, man.

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  Happy with the Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tonguebp - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall we are happy with the 99 Explorer Sport. The vehicle is reliable, comfortable, convenient, and cost effective. We have put 25K miles on this vehicle (starting at 30K) and have only had to replace the oil pressure sending unit @ $30.

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  I enjoy my car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Hamster - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I spend a lot of time comparing it to it competitors, and found that it is the best car for the money. I find it very fun to drive, and a very comfortable car.

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  Dont buy one - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Loeters - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I am almost at the end of my 3 year lease and I cannot wait to give it back. I am so sick of the noisy transmission, wind noice, squeaks, rattles and recalls. It is a good looking vehicle but the quality leaves a lot to be desired. You would think after all these years Ford could build a proper transmission pay more attention to quality.

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  This Truck Rocks! - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Fab - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the truck last week, so this may be premature. My Truck is Metallic Ice Blue (Island Blue is what Ford calls it.) It turns heads everywhere. If youre looking for one of these, you have to get the 4.0L with a Manual 5 speed tranny. I hate automatics. The truck drives and feels like a full size truck. I test drove a Tacoma and the Ranger blows it out of the water.

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  Ford Fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By J - November 10 - 5:35 am

  I love my ford Ive had it for almost two years I have a slight knock in motor but it has never doubted me easy to fix someone smashed my window and it took about a half an hour to reinstall oil changes piece of cake overall great car hasnt let me down yet only weird part is my back seat let down button is in the trunk

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  Bang for the buck... - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By trumpeter - November 10 - 2:00 am

  No question, the fox-body 5.0 mustangs are the greatest performance deal today. While the platform is not the greatest for corner carvers, the thrill of the small block torque will put a smile on your face everytime. Plus they are VERY reliable. I and many people I know drive them like they stole them and they still run strong many miles later, (mine has over 140k!..and that is not uncommon).Also, the amount of aftermarket support for this car is astounding.

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  Good car but too many minor troubles... - 1998 Ford Contour
  By cqbiho - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is nice to drive. Good handling, acceleration and even abraking system. However, the reliability of this car is far from perfect. Normally, cars from Ford is in the same situation.