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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  Lemonaide anyone? - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By NowHateFords - October 24 - 2:00 am

  At 135,000 miles, the transmission is now shot, had the calipers stick (replaced rotors, calipers, and obviously bought new pads). Tie rod were replaced (all 4, just like my previous car--Taurus), a harmonic balancer, and a new tensioner arm. Did I mention the oil leak from the seals?

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  Good lil car, I already miss you - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Luisito - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the little Escort hessitantly, but in dier need of a car. At 44,000miles. It was great! I enjoyed it and gave me new hope in Ford products. I would recommend this little car to anyone who uses it for school or even small travel trips. Great fuel, I did have to replace a serpentine belt and before selling it the fan. No complaints, and Im glad to say so! We grew out of it so thats why I sold it.

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  Mephisto - 1990 Ford F-150
  By hoss - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased a 1990 ford F-150 Picup in may of last year. though My truck is not the greatest it is alot of fun to drive. the fuel economy is very poor however that is a result of poor maintenance and mistreatment. The body is in excellent shape for a 13 year old truck. the only problems I have had with my driveline were self inflicted. And even though the truck sucks gas and eats all of my money i am quite pleased with its overall performance and handling.

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  Reliable work truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By RodVanBeek - October 24 - 2:00 am

  At 144,000 I still have not had an engine problem - it still runs like new. I had to replace the transmission at 130,000 miles, but I do tow a heavy trailer all the time, so I think thats to be expected. In fact, my trailer is heavier than this truck is rated for, and the truck seems fine with this! Everything electrical is still working fine. I had to replace the serpantine belt at around 70,000 miles. It currently needs a new exhaust manifold, as it has cracked and is making noise, but no big deal. Overall, this truck has been more reliable than I expected it to be.

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  A good vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Dgt - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. No problems, except for front brake pull that dealer and Ford deny exists but will throw you off the road if you hit the brakes hard.

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  lemon - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Browns - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a 98 Ford Taurus that I have put over $2k in already! I just found out that the head gaskets need to be replaced which would run me another $1k! For only having 62,000 miles on my car, I shouldnt be having this many problems. I am very unhappy with the quality of this vehicle!

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  The Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By THOMAS M. KING - October 22 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape. I owned a 2001 model and put a bunch of miles on it in a year. Traded for a Mercury Sable, and then traded it for a 2005 Limited Escape. Love the vehicle and recently drove a Jeep Liberty my wife had rented for her job. The Escape in my opinion is the better vehicle. Better ride and comfort.

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  Fun on the Run - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Kathy Kinder - October 22 - 1:00 pm

  The F150 is a fun vehicle to drive. Easy to handle, and comfortable to ride in on dirt roads. I love it.

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  Great, Solid Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By gregor - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I sold an anemic Land Rover as I was tired of the poor mileage and awful reliability and the Ford has been fantastic so far. I have the 5.4 engine for towing and the power is great but even better is that Im getting 15 city and 18 highway, which, while not amazing in itself is far better than the Rover (13 highway) or the Dodges (12 highway). That 6 mpg is a 50% increase. The crew cab is fantastic and offers way more back seat room than the Rover and now I can carry dirt bikes in the back which obviously wasnt an option before. The truck can cruise easily at 80-90 and the cabin is extremely quiet.

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  not again - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jay jackson - October 22 - 2:00 am

  this truck rides stiff and makes alot of noise will not own another ford.