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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  My ZX2 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By godinieu - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel economy, awesome driving in curvy roads, i live in Mexico, which means poor roads, but still it is in perfect condition despite 35,000 miles.

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  Awesome, But Defective - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Don C - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Its FAST! It beats most cars, never mind SUVs. The factory 6 CD stereos almost perfect! I love the aggressive styling, spacious interior and high seat height. However, next time Im buying a Toyota or Honda. The CRV and Rav4 are under-powered. The Rav4 is too small. The Highlander and Pilot are too big and cost too much. Unfortunately, my Escape spent over three weeks at the dealer for repairs the first year. The front axles were dangerously defective, damaging the front tires. There was a rattle in the hatch that took three visits to cure. The hood release cable snapped and... you get the idea.

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  THis is an excellent car!!! - 1993 Ford Probe
  By grit - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had! Its a great car. Its a sports car that doent get you tickets.

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  THE truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jlg2525 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is extremely reliable. Im not a college student and I learned how to drive a standard on this truck, and it STILL works great - 90,000+ miles.

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  IN THE SHOP - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By intheshop - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I LIVE IN THE REPAIR SHOP WITH THIS CAR! SO MANY RECALLS - PROBLEMS WITH BOTH FRONT AND REAR WIPERS, INTAKE VALVE, LEAKING ROOF, ALTERNATOR, TIRES AND JUST POOR PERFORMANCE. THE DEALER IS NEVER A HELP AND IT USUALLY TAKES 3- 4 VISITS TO GET A PROBLEM RESOLVED. CANT WAIT TILL I CAN TRADE IT IN FOR A TOYOTA!

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  A great car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ford owner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  i have driven mine 45,000 miles and replaced only the brakes. people who complain about recalls evidentally are idiots who didnt know what to expect when purchasing a car the first year it was made. the car is more dependable than i could have imagined.

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  the money pit - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By jwbean1 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  spend 850 to get the trans fixed, still doesnt work right. water pump started leaking at 98000, cost was 1150 when all was said and done. ate tyres like candy. driver seat though power was not conforable. will not bye one again. oh yes hope you make sure you got lots of money for the engine repairs.

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  Ricks Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By RL - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome off-road capabilities. Built solid. Ill hand this truck down to my grandson in about 25 years.

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  May be the best mid size car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mettech - May 4 - 12:03 am

  SEL, 302A, 2.5 I4, Nav, Remote Start, Smokestone, Med Light Stone. Seat are very comfortable. Rear seat room is a little tight with the frnt seat back. We get a 33-36 MPG Hyw. Very quite car. No wind or engine noise. Very little road/tire noise. Requested a brochure and we got an additional $750. rebate from Ford. We purchased the car at invoice since it was lower than X-plan price. The 2010 Fusion SEL may be the best mid size on the market!! Outstanding value!!!!

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  The best yet! - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James Williams - May 3 - 8:10 pm

  Excellent drive. Turns a lot of heads.I would highly recommend. My wife loves it. I have a another mid size truck and this one beats it hands down, in driving, fuel economy, interior design and size.