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:

• 

  A Great Truck! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By spencer - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Since owning my baby, Ive never had a problem. I love my truck and have taken it just about everywhere. For a small truck, it can pull quite a bit. The only drawback I have noticed is the fuel economy, but there is a price to pay with everything! After driving a Toyota with no power at all, I knew that this was the truck for me!

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned - 1991 Ford Probe
  By SPGT - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several cars over the years and no other car has been in the same league as my Probe. 100% reliability... never a problem. I wouldnt change a thing on it (except for the addition of a cupholder). Very fast and handles like a true sports car. I would recommend it to anyone. Its a shame they dont make them anymore.

• 

  what is my car worth on the market now? - 1992 Ford Probe
  By naomi - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car from coast to coast in hard rain, snow and all kinds of weather and altitude. It performs well and serves as a sleeper under the hatchback with the back seats down in a pinch. The all-around windows make my air conditioning a necessity in hot weather driving and the heater just as important in high altitudes and cold weather. A wonder to drive - as I get older I look toward fewer trips across the US.

• 

  not to shabby - 1996 Ford Probe
  By scoot - June 12 - 2:00 am

  the car for me was a little under powered with its 2.5ltr 164 hp mazda engine. The car however now has 150,000 miles on it and is still running from its original 5 speed tranny and motor. The sunroof rusts like carzy but isnt leaking yet. The car is fun to drive, handles great in the snow, it can take a sharp 90 degree corner at 50 mph. The car is worth it. Unfortunately at 150,000 miles though it is beginning to show signs of age. The parts are very expensive for this car and if you are a do it yourselfer like me u had better have alot of time to work on this car, nothing is easy on this car.

• 

  Million Dollar Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By drive alot - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Have put in over 3000 in repairs in over a year.

• 

  What A Nice Surprise! The Escort! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Lauren in Vegas - June 12 - 2:00 am

  After ending up with the last car I thought Id ever want (a 96 Ford Escort), I have been more than surprised at the reliability of this car! When I first bought it (with 73K miles), I took two long road trips half way across the country and back without incident! The gas mileage was great and the ride wasnt bad!

• 

  Instant Classic - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By texpony - June 11 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive and a head-turner! Had to wait 13 months from the time myh order was placed, but well worth the wait. Only car I ever bought that was worth more when I drove it off the dealers lot. Only downside is lack of fuel economy, but I bought it for pleasure and not daily driving.

• 

  Almost 1 Year Old - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bh_okedoke - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Getting on to the first year mark. Have the 4X4, 4.6 V8. The truck runs great, looks great, sounds great ( no interior squeaks - still as tight as the day we bought it ). The ride is stable, sure footed, very nice at highway speeds, seats are comfortable on long trips ( did the New England to Florida Le Mans this past year ).

• 

  This car is amazing!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By I like this car - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I have found that this car is the best SUV ford has ever made!!! I love it, built for life in canada!!

• 

  No problems, high sex appeal - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By tpip - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Styling has great appeal. Great handling and performance. Performance better than many foriegn makes costing much more.