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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  Will Never Sell My Ranger - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Silverky51 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Before my father bought my Ranger 2 DR XLT Extended Cab, I had never owned a truck. Ill never have another truck but this Ranger. It has never let me down and lives up to Fords reputation for building a tough a truck, even if it is a small truck. Ive taken numorous trips in it and its been a delight to drive and the comfort of the 60/40 seats keeps me happy. Its a true joy to drive on the open roads, handles very well, as it does on country back roads. It drives like a truck should drive, yet you dont feel like youre being beaten to death. I work for a local V.E.T. center (Vehicle Emission Testing) and its VERY rare to see a Ranger fail the required testing standards.

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  a looking for power need to know - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Takeit2thetrack - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I first purchased my 95 Mustang in 2001, I am all for racing. But when you go off the line you better watch out, even thou the acceleration is good, the flaw is the back end tends to nudge out to the left when you are redlining. I would suggest to put a higher redline tacometer in this vehicle with a little bit more horses and a tigher axle. Other than that im gunna win

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  Little Wagon for Grown ups! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Dusty - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok. So its a little long in the tooth. Its a great hauler of all kinds of things and a great arround town car with great milage (and with the price of gas thats a real plus!). Hard to get this much wagon for so little.

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  Should have bought it sooner - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bo - April 3 - 11:10 pm

  I looked at the Sport Trac a couple years ago and really liked them but hesitant to buy one because of past problems I had with an F-150. When I finally decided it was time to buy I started looking at trucks and SUVs from all manufacturers and probably judged Ford the hardest. I pretty much selected a vehicle from all the major manufacturers and then started the process of elimination by comparing features. Once I had it narrowed down to three vehicles I then went to dealerships for test drives and "in person" comparison. After extensive head-to-head tests there was no denying that the Sport Trac was the clear winner in features, style, usability, and build quality.

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  Great car so far! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Claire - April 3 - 5:13 pm

  This has been a nice car to drive. Only problem I have is the large rear view mirrors. I am small and they tend to block vision when turning corners, but the gas and brake pedal adjustment is great for me. My husband loves it as it is so easy to get into and out of as he has knee replacements. Lots of room and plenty of storage bins all over the car. Trunk very roomy. Only wish it had a trunk release that lifted the trunk lid up by itself. It is a little heavy for me to lift up. Interior is really attractive - ours is leather.

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  FINALLY Euro Focus is here! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By lifeisahighway - April 3 - 5:28 am

  I just took delivery of my 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatch on Sept. 17th. So far, the car has been reliable, but time will tell. I have read many reviews complaining about the dual clutch auto, and I havent experienced anything negative with it. I do notice that the transmission is reluctant to accelerate from a stop, but I think thats because the engine needs to rev higher. That is when the car opens up more. My previous car was a 2000 Toyota corolla, so ANYTHING is an upgrade from that! Most features that people take for granted, I LOVE having now. The very first day, I did notice some rough shifts, but I think that was just the car breaking in. The car has been smooth shifting since then.

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  a comfy, sturdy, dependable SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By ken courtney - April 3 - 2:30 am

  I recently looked over several SUVS by different auto manufacturers. Was looking for a roomy, safe, comfortable, reliable, and smooth-riding model. Came to find out that, dollar for dollar, there is nothing better offered for sale, foreign or domestic. Not talking about exotic, show-offy gas burning models designed to impress people with money to throw away. Drove it to Florida and back from the northeast and had the most comfortable and satisfying ride, and Ive made the trip several times. Plenty of cargo room and great mileage on the highway. A solid choice - you cant go wrong.

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  Good Looks - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Kid - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The car is a fun little car to drive. It handles well looks goods. Only problem is that the engine could be a bit more punchy. So if you can get the SVT.

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  I do not understand - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Diane - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This auto has never been a problem. We change the oil every 3,000 miles.The only repairs has been brakes, tires, battery, air-condition.

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  Tempo is a tough little car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By skoniecz40 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Many people often overlook these fine little cars that Ford built during the last two decades. They really are decent cars, my Tempo is a work-horse, and extremely reliable. Its a fun little car to drive. Granted they werent built perfect, but they are still nice.