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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  98 Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By r_man - August 8 - 2:00 am

  An overall very good vehicle

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  Fabulous Thunderbird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By BG316 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Would buy brand new one if they still made em like this. Only problem is valve cover gaskets give out easily. 140,500 on my supercharged T- Bird and its been from one end of the country to the other. Still a daily driver.

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  whats not to love about it - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By tom aka. littler man - August 8 - 2:00 am

  i bought the car sometime in may of 97 and its been a great car. except gor the fet times its been in the shop for body dammage its been great,. have had exhaust prolbems.

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  Great purchase - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Monte - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with the purchase of our windstar. Gas mileage, while traveling with my family(2 adults,3 kids), has never been below 20 mpg unless I accelerated "heavily", or I was bucking some good ole midwestern winds! I have enjoyed my life traveling with this vehicle. We have had no mechanical problems during our time with this vehicle. We have had plenty of space for our family and cargo(presents, camping equip, etc) while on our trip. It is extemely powerful when needing the extra get up and go when needed.

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  six-pack - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By six-pack - August 8 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive all year round just throw some weight in the trunk in the winter. pretty good out of the hole could better,top speed 118 the chip holds you back. i like them so much i bought two one for me and one for my wife

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  great for family - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By mark johnson - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We looked for months for the vehicle that would support all of our needs....test drove every sport UT out there. We found what we wanted in the excursion. The excersion is big, well build, comfortable and powerful. The deisel out on the road is smooth and effortless. 4x4 in winter is a tremendous safty feature, inside is plush. Weve taken it on a 2000 mile trip to Disney Land, two backpacking trips to the Windriver Mountains in Wyoming plus others. For the few things which have gone wrong, our dealership support has been outstanding. For large active families, who love the outdoors, we highly recommend the excursion.

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  going back for a second time - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lori Keith - August 7 - 4:53 pm

  This is our second Ford Escape. First one was great with few minor problems. Not completely confident in this new 2005 intelligent 4WD system until used in a Vermont winter.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Redford - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This newly designed Escape is outstanding. I previously owned a 2001 Ford Escape and when I saw the new 2005 model I just had to drive it, needless to say I traded. This vehicle is so much fun to drive, dependable, and handles great in the snow. If you are considering the Escape - DRIVE IT! You will love the spunk of this little SUV.

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  First American car in 25 years - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By artego - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Swore I would never buy an american car again, never say never.....Love this Ford!

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  I own this model - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joel m. hayward - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I own this type automobile, and the overall interior leg room for the driver on long trips leaves alot to be desired. As a result im going to have some new rails put on the drivers side so that i can have better leg room for long trips. Thank you fopr your survey.