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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  sweet truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By adema - July 7 - 2:00 am

  very nice truck would recomend it to anyford buyer very afective in off road situations

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  2004 FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dave - July 6 - 4:43 pm

  I love this truck. Although my wife thinks its too big, I love getting in and driving to work every day.

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  2012 Ford Focus- dont buy. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Christie Andryc - July 6 - 1:30 pm

  My car has transmission problems. Every single time I start and stop the car shudders and hesitates. The car is unsafe to drive. Also the cars cruise control broke within 3 months of owning the car, it was fixed and then broke again a month later. And hasnt worked in 2 years. This car is junk. I have taken it to three different ford dealerships and they refused to fix the problem. They would tell me there was nothing wrong with the transmission it was the way I drive. Every time I took it in for the cruise control Ford would tell me that they were unable to fix the problem because the cruise was working that day, when it never worked for me. They refused to fix the problems and I finally ran out of a warranty and gave up. I dont have the money to pay to have this car fixed when I bought a brand new car I college to not have to worry about getting work done to a car. This has been the biggest disappointment and I just want them to be recalled. Ford owes it to all the customers that are currently stuck with this car and paying big money for a car that doesnt work. I dont not feel safe allowing my family in the car because it is too dangerous to drive. It stresses me out on a daily basis having to drive this car and never knowing when its going to stop working. I have been having these problems since I bought the car in July of 2012.

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  Great car, great value - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Linda Mills - July 6 - 10:25 am

  The Escape Titanium has many luxury features found in more expensive SUVs and has met or exceeded expectations.

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  VRRRROOOOOOOOM - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By michele - July 6 - 3:43 am

  Mustang handles excellent. 6 speed manual engages easily. Pick up phenomenal. Convertible easy to put up and down. Ride is easy and comfortable for a sports car. Looks great too!

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  A Fun Little Truck. - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By el4n6dir - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been my everyday truck for 8 years. I have had no major mechanical problems over those eight years. The interior of the truck has hardly aged at all. The engine and transmission have needed no work. All of the repairs that have been made have been the result of regular wear and tear.

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  Jekyll and Hyde - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Sonic Blue - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The Cobra can be just another car or step on the hammer and take off like a rocket. It even sounds like one (Supercharger).Dont waste time comparing it to another car. The 03 Cobras top speed is governed at 155mph (170+ w/out it). Compare it to a Cessna: seats 4 & it does 160mph...on land. Cobras traction control switch is fun.Keep it on and it behaves somewhat civilized. Turn it off and wheels spin, smoke comes out of the tires. Also a locking differential (if wheel spins torque is sent to the wheel w traction). The snake unlike a roadster lets you take the kids/dog along for a ride. And taking rides you will:To go get bread or milk (next town over)

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  ford expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By gmf - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. 2nd Expedition. Plenty of room for 5 and can carry 4 sets of golf clubs and still have room.

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  mincher - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By olfat1 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Veh is great to drive, good pickup and handles real well. Good site over front over front of vehicle.

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  95 Mustang GT conv. - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By JohnBoy53 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought used in 2000. Been alot of fun to drive. Mostly reliable. Power seat control went bad twice. Solid body feel considering its a convertible!