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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  Whew! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By szymik - August 5 - 5:30 pm

  Love my Stang! Always drove Ford F150s and decided to downsize, what a sweet ride!

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  love it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By had 6 months - August 5 - 10:00 am

  had 6 months without any problems at all. decent engine, excellent handling, great hatchback design, great stereo, good mileage. everything seems to work well and intelligently together. cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Ford Ranger Edge 4x4 - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By DeaPee - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 93 Ranger, then a 2001 Dodge Dakota previously, all of which were 4wd. This new-style ranger is definately tough-looking, fun to drive, and reliable (which was my biggest reason to buy). I have the 3.0 liter motor, which has adequate power for me. Also, these rangers look so much tougher than them s-10s. I dont know why anyone buys one of them.

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  Never own a Ford b4, nothing else now. - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bobby D - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Solid !

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  No reliability problems here! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ZX3dude - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ZX3 for 2 years now and have had no problems at all. I just replaced the Good Year tires at 25,000 miles with a set of Michelin GXTs and it drives better than it did new. The only noises I had were with the Good Year tires. Even tho this car doesnt have as much hp as the new Civic SI, it blows the Civic away with quality, style and a lot more comfortable!!

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  Super transportation - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By jpbass77 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable drive. Haul kids take out seats easily, haul the bicycles (one recumbent, one wedgie) help move in- laws. Does everything I expected, with minimum mechanical. Now @ 105K miles. Rear a/c gone out -- electrical switch needs replacement. Great car to teach kids how to drive.

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  DAMN GOOD EXCURSION - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Excrsn1 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  If god drove a vehicle, he would definitly drive an Excursion. In my opinion this is the greatest vehicle ever designed or thought of! Thanks Ford!

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  93 explorer - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By mir - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I really liked my explorer it was fun to drive summer and winter. With the 4whl drive on in the winter i could navigate most city streets even in the worst weather.

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  98 Taurus - more than just a Hertz renta - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Ray Bennett - August 5 - 2:00 am

  My 1998 Taurus has seen an unusual combination of highway and city mileage since I bought it (new). The V6 has plenty of pick up and it cruises nicely. The ride is above average, although there is less road noise in the newer models (I travel and rent a lot). ONLY problem has been that once I changed the factory brakes, we went through pads like crazy. Just went back to factory, and now its fine. The paint wears well, and the vehicle, when clean, always surprises me with that "new" look. 75,000 miles and counting. Handles well, with just a touch of body roll - but keeping good tires on it keeps it fun to drive.

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  Love my Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Love my Taurus - August 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours at 66,000 miles in 97, and it is now at 102K. Couldnt be any happier. Aside from regular maintenance and wear and tear, this car has been great and reliable. Absolutely no compaints.