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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  Best SUV Todate - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By mark heacock - March 8 - 12:44 am

  Ive owned a 1986 Chevy S-10 Blazer and a 1979 K-5 Blazer and this SUV by far is superior. I bought the Bronco in 1997 with 48,000 miles. It now has over 225,000 trouble free miles, the only major work was a water pump replacement at about 180,000 miles. The turning radius is unbelieveable, interior room is cavernous, have used this vehicle to haul kids, camping gear, loads to the dump (like a truck), will tow anything Ive hitched to it (Class III hitch). This vehicle has done every and anything Ive required of it. The only draw back is the fuel mileage.

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  the true american dream. - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By WV94gtKJL - March 7 - 11:57 pm

  i have owned my 1994 mustang gt for close to 4 years.it has 200,000 miles on it now and counting on original motor{although oil changes are religious}. it has jegs headers,offroad h pipe,flowmaters,under drive pulleys,bigger injectors,luke pro gold racing clutch,3.73 gears,rebuilt world class t-5 transmission,bbk cold air intake,msd distributor and coil,a jet module and no smog pump! the car runs excellent.i have only had to replace the tranmission{my fault} and the a/c pump.i run the hell out of my car and street race it and it takes it in stride.its very reliable and also use to drive me to work 1 hour each way.starts in -4 degree weather. doesnt over heat.wont blow up!

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  engine idle vibration - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Lynn - March 7 - 1:19 pm

  I bought a salvage 1998 Ford Escort SE Sedan with 63,000 miles and LOVED it. I had it for almost seven years and parted with it because of a rusted frame. It had 138,000 miles and was running strong. I loved it so much that I recently bought a 1999 Ford Escort with 65,000 miles. Im sorry to say the engine idle vibration and a constant exhaust-like noise has forced me to ask for a replacement vehicle. My 1998 Escort never had this problem though it did have broken coil springs. I found the TSB 031515 but the local Ford dealership said the problem may or may not be resolved with mount replacements and such so my GM dealership didnt take the chance on the costs of repairs.

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  good truck - 1997 Ford F-250
  By pwinky2 - March 6 - 7:52 pm

  This has been the best pickup truck that I have ever owned. It has done the work of ten trucks.

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  Need 4wd on fire runs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vol FF - March 6 - 2:22 pm

  Bought it bewcause I needed 4wd to get to some of the fires I respond to. I love the way the truck handles at speed. The accelleration allows me to get out of situations before they become a problem. The only complaint is the transmission. It doesnt seem to shift smoothly all the time, especially in the winter. Other than that I will certainly buy another.

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  Very impressed and would of thunk it. - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Badaboom - March 6 - 4:33 am

  Well, I have only owned the car a very short time and still is in break in phase. But I have to say, very impressed with the performance and comfort and interior styling. I am not huge on the looks, but I will get used to it. I love the handling of it and the 5 speed is very responsive. Awesome tires grip the road and the factory system is very nice as well. Overall a very good car that is fun to drive and quite quick. I love blowing past 2 door coupes in a sedan, lol!

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  A SPECIAL CAR - 2007 Ford Focus
  By MAT FROM MESA, AZ - March 5 - 9:14 pm

  Ford did a good thing with the ST. It handles like a dream and is fun to drive. My wife and I love it! Too bad Ford stopped the ST. It has been good on fuel with a high of 37 Hwy and averaging 28-30 in town. This car eats the mountain roads in Arizona and is a real road car! We are in our 60s and would like to see Ford do something with the new Focus, turbo, etc. Just because you are a senior doesnt mean the younger generation are the only ones to have fun driving! Bring it on, Ford!! Well be looking (and hoping).

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  This was my last Ford - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Bob Sidor - March 5 - 6:40 pm

  We picked up our new 7.3L Diesel Excursion for around $35k. We droveit home and the dealer had to come pick it up because it blew coolant out of a heater hose that didnt have a clamp.Door locks and door ajar lights started acting up just out of warranty. engine blew an oil plug at 88k which nearly cost the engine. Now the transmission is on the way out at 134,000. I had bought 5 Fords in 8 years and I refused to buy another one after this. I also had a SuperDuty F250 with the rotor problems, the door ajar problem and the door lock problems. I can understand somethings can go wrong but their customer service was never helpful.

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  Have you replaced the Ford brakes lately - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By ekim - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Paint is crap and from what I am told on both the black and dark blue. The brake pads are inadequate. The customer service Ford provides is substandard at best.

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  Overall great truck - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Jason - March 4 - 9:53 pm

  This truck is one little machine, it does whatever i would like it to, great in the snowy winters in Wisconsin, the interior could be changed since its been the same for many years but thats not a big problem with me. Its just to bad i had to give it back since my lease was up and the buyout was to much. But i replaced it with and 2005 FX4 Ranger