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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  gutless wonder - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By steve sawyer - June 22 - 9:29 pm

  The motor I have (3.0) is way underpowered, when any load is present. Also the fuel milage when going up any hills or with any weight is terrible. I should have bought a full size pickup. The one thing that is great is the reliability is great. The truck is bullet proof. The air blows ice cold and Ive never had an overheating problem, and I live in No. Arizona and spend a lot of time in 110-117 degree. this truck is a great little truck for running to the hardware store and doing arrens

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  Our Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Hank Adamek - June 22 - 4:23 am

  We only have 2500 miles on it but it has been trouble free thus far.

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  3rd Expedition -- 02 doesnt live up... - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By tx-gal - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned 97 2wd XLT and 99 4wd EB. My 02 doesnt live up to the Ford standard I am used to. The ride in my "Premier Package" EB is horribly rough... although I have been told, each time I take it to the shop, it is due to the "load leveling air suspension" -- and is to be expected. Not at all like my 99 4wd, which was a great, smooth ride. Also, sunroof sliding cover never stays tightly closed... I assume it is due to the rough ride. Another gripe -- why in a $40,000+ truck do you not have a power passenger seat??? I would caution anyone about the suspension, unless you like feeling every bump in the road as if it were a large rock in your way!

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  Great Mazda (er, Ford) - 1991 Ford Probe
  By hairrazer - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1991 for $11,200.00. It has has $2,000 in work. 1 The A/C converted to R-134 and the 5- Speed rebuilt @ 157,000mi. This car has always started and here in FL the A/C is ICE cold. Talk about your moneys worth. Get this, it never burns a drop of oil! My advice to ANYONE who will listen is CHANGE YOUR OIL every 3K no matter what. I can not stress this enough. You keep the heart going, the rest will follow!

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  Proven Built Ford Tough - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Bryang - June 21 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Ranger only had 63,000 miles on it when I had it. It is a manual 5 Speed 4x4 STX. This Ranger has to be the toughest V6 ever on the road. I work on a farm and it easily towed a 30 ft bean header which it was not meant to pull by any means and the tranny and engine is still stout as can be and I just had the clutch replace last month. The paint and interior also looks like new. I believe it was Built Ford Tough.

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  BEST TRUCK ON THE EARTH - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By FORD MAN - June 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK HAS SERVED ME WELL OVER THE LAST 73,897 MILES IT DOES VERY WELL OFF ROAD (IM THE GUY THAT ACTULLY USES THE 4X4) IT WILL GO ANY WHRER DO ANYTHING ITS A VERY GOOD TRUCK DOES VERY GOOD IN ALASKA WINTERS

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By danielle - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Trust me...Do NOT buy this car. I purchased this car used with 89k. At 100k I had to replace the engine. Two months later, I began having major transmission problems. Buying this vehicle was the WORST financial mistake I have EVER made!!!!! I sent it away to an auction two days ago, so buyers BEWARE!!!!!

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  Kels 35th Anniversary Edition GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Kellie - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I Love my car.. Having previously owned a pony mustang, my GT kicks butt. I have owned/driven many sports cars and none compare to the excitement of a Mustang..

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  Why not to buy a 97 Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By UnhappyFord - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Short and sweet: 5 starters, 2 transmissions,HORRIBLE DIM headlights, electrical problems galore, high depreciation,air bags deployed during a 7mph fender bender. Total cost to a 2001 Audi = $30 touch up paint, to my taurus $3700!! (shattered windshield, and deployment caused other dash problems [horn electrical- wouldnt turn off], plus the bags needed replacement),low torque when needed, inadequate tuned RPM sensor, ousy factory warranty, only 36k tells me I bought crap when the factory wont even stand behind it, so much for listening to a friend.If you planning on driving that ford, consider something else instead.

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  Will Never Buy Ford Again! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Helen - June 20 - 1:23 pm

  Sad, but the Focus really soured me on all Fords. What hasnt gone wrong on this car? Despite the recalls just since Ive had it, the $2400 transmission put in at 70K, the extra $1000 it will take for MORE O2 sensors, fuel gauge sensor, etc. and the additional $1,000 Ive put in since Ive had it (if you add it all up, its about what the trade in is worth), Ive had it with this car. Once one thing goes, everything goes.