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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  36K miles and still gets the looks! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By FLAVES - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Just hit the 36K mile mark. I have the Island Blue F-150 and it still turns heads after 2 years. I had a couple of minor problems. The power windows had to be fixed and the rubber above the front windshield did not seem to be glued on properly causing it to flap around the roof and windshield. The Ford dealer was good and fixed the car quickly. Comfort is a plus up front. Fuel economy-BAD. Overall I like my choice. I bought it for the look and the look only, but, as pickup truck owners will tell ya, it was used for far more than that. Great at hauling heavy loads, sheetrock or just AS IMPORTANT, going to the College Alumni Golf outings.

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  Consider the CV - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bill - June 25 - 12:50 pm

  I was trying to find a clean used Marauder, but no luck, so I found the CV LX Sport. It is a great vehicle. Solid, quiet, large cabin, great controls with the Sport package. Nice ride quality and decent mileage for a V8. Huge trunk. Absolutely no problems to date. The 4.6 SOHC is OK, but Ford should consider putting an optional 5.4 SOHC performance motor in it, but I think that they are phasing out the "Panther Platform" pretty soon. A great value in a full sized car.

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  Excellent Car and Price! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Michael - June 25 - 7:00 am

  I was kinda nervous because Ford never had the best reputation, however this car is very awesome! I got the I-4 SE with the appearance package which has the best rims you can get (aluminum with painted inside pockets) and the black vinyl with red stitching and red fabric inlay. The quality seems very good, the ride is awesome and smooth, virtually no road noise. I am very impressed! There is a lot that is standard with this car, which is nice for a change.

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  My wifes mid life crisis car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By My supra is faster - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Well my wife wanted a sports car too (I have a supra turbo its faster hehe). We looked at a lot of different ones but agreed on the mustang. I was extremely surprised at the improvement on the the performance of the automatic. Ive driven a few of the pre 93 automatic models and they were complete TURDS. Stomp on the gas and those 17" wheels will light up without hesitation. Havent had it long enough to judge reliability but it has survived a couple donuts!!!

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  It doesnt get much better than this! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By artframer2 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my third full size Bronco. It is a powerful, easy to drive, good looking SUV. Ive not had any problems with this one at all. Ive owned this one for five years. It is a 1995 that I bought used in 1997 with 17000 on it. It now has 61000 miles and still looks brand new. Not a sign of rust or fade. Ill never sell this one, since they do not make this vehicle any more.

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  1999 Ford F150 XLT Xtended Cab SB - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Barryhandler - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck so far has been a dream. My very first pickup even though Texas has a lot of pickups. I had always been a GM buyer (Chevy Suburban, Olds, Cadillac--all new cars when purchased). I can see why the F150 is the best selling vehicle -- car or truck in the USA. The XLT has everything standard-- 1. Alarm system 2. Tinted windows 3. Stereo system 4. 40/60 seat with drop down center console I really want a new F150 Crewcab rig but right now Ill wait until times are better (after the Democrats get control of Congress) before I spend the money.

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  Great car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By MarkS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my escort. Been looking for one for my daughter who drives soon. Simple yet comfortable small car. No major probles but brakes and a thermostat. This is a excellent 2nd family car!

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  awsome truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By bosox - June 25 - 2:00 am

  i am 16 years old and this is my first vehicle, i researched all the compact trucks and this one was the best. i got a great deal on it and it runs mint, looks mint and drives mint. seats are comfortable for long trips, idles like new and lays a nasty patch

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  dependability - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By r.a. - June 25 - 2:00 am

  very good investment! I recomend this year and model to any one.

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  Feel the power - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Calman - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the features offered. The only thing that I do not like is the seatbelt configuration. If you remove the rear seat, you lose the use of the seatbelts for the center two seats.