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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  02 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By MYSLK02 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my sixth Mustang and so far it has been great. The ride is much better than my 1990 5.0 but the interior seems much smaller. The Mach 460 sounds great, wish I had it in my other vehicles.

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  Financing FORD through their repairs sho - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Buster Hyman - October 22 - 2:00 am

  TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION!!!! My Explorer is averaging one TRANSMISSION every 35000 miles. While talking to other Explorers owners and repair shops, Im one of the luckier ones. FORD knows they have a BIG TRANSMISSION PROBLEM in their Explorers. It seems that they are too embarrassed to admit it and as long as their TRANSMISSION last their warranty they are happy!! What is really funny, this time, FORD wants to sell me and install another companys transmission. I wished they had done that two TRANSMISSIONS ago. Buyers beware. For now Ill just keep on pushing. Buster

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and lots of room. Gas mileage averages about 16 with the V8 and I am happy with that concidering the power. Handling is improved over the 2000 Explorer I had due to the suspension I am sure. Just an overall improvment in design and conviencience. Took a little while to get use to the controls but are 2nd nature now. Thanks Ford for the best SUV yet! and I drove them all!

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  I love it - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mike R - October 21 - 10:50 am

  Ford Flex rides as smooth as a luxury vehicle. Interior is thoughtfully appointed and the electronics are fantastic. I love Sync, Sirius, and travel link. Blows my friends away when i demonstrate it.

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  v-6 power ???? - 2000 Ford F-150
  By mashit - October 21 - 2:00 am

  bought the v-6 5speed 3:55 gears xlt extended cab.no problems except little miner things.rust on bottm of tailgate,after setting parking brake,then releasing it,truck will shimming until i stop completly & back- up.gets about 20-21 m.p.g.great for an everyday driver.trany gearing is all wrong.too high.bring the granny gear trans back.i do pull a car trailor and fullsizederby cars with it.it will pull it but it works it.bilt ford tough.wouldnt buy v-6 again.no torqe at all.would definitly buy another ford truck.this is my 4th.

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  Great car - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Danible - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely a wonderful, fast, nice looking, awesome, great car. I love it very much.

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  Ford Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Woodshoes - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Rides well and handles well.

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  ranger rob - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Robert Harvey - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a commuter. A small 4 cylinder truck meets my needs for travel as well as giving me the flexability to do chores around the house (mulch, dump, loam, etc.) In addition, the Ranger is a nice looking truck (rims,wheels,chrome bumpers, etc.). Dont quite understand why the engine requires 2 spark plugs per cylinder...if it is for extra power in the four cylinder?...it is not happening! Better combustion? Salesman did not know!

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  I Love This Car, So Far - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By eem150 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an 1988 Taurus, so this 95s my second one. Ive also never owned any other cars. I really like the car, it has good power, its comfortable, and its large. The spedometer is up the creek without a paddle. The lighter also got stuck in the push-in position, kept heating up. I panicked and picked it out, dropped it on the carpet, lost it under the seat while the carpet burned, then threw it out the window. Other than that, no major problems ... yet.

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  A Dependable Ride - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jiffland - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the taurus, but compared to other vehicles of its class it is a very smooth ride, no major problems, but watch the door ajar switch, Ford is aware of the problem. Feels like you are in a more pricey car, nice pickup, no real hesitation, holds the road great.