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:

• 

  01 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By carlton100c - February 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the first to buy this vehicle. It has not disapointed. We have been 4 whelling in Colorado Rockies and mudding in Kansas.. Full size back seat is a major plus. It is all we hoped for when we ordered the vehicle in March 2000. Will replace it with another Sport Trac, someday.

• 

  Mixed Emptions - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By GregFordExpSport - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted an SUV and loved the look of the 2-Door Ford Explorer Sport. I purchased a 1998 program vehicle in Jan, 2000. Ive had the heating/AC "arm assembly" replaced. Ive had 3 sets of brake pads (all around) replaced this year alone. The radio LED is beginning to fade in and out. I had to replace the EGER valve...woke up one morning and the darn thing wouldnt turn over! Fog lights simply will not work for very long before having to replace. Extremely rough ride, gas mileage is horrible. Would I buy another Explorer? I dont think so.

• 

  Fun to drive! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Chad Williams - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it this year new. It had 74,000 miles on it. I now have about 96,000 miles on it. About 5,000 miles ago I had to have the transmission rebuilt because of the value bodies in the trans were failing. I am glad I took out the extended warr. they covered the rebuild except for the $100 deductable. If I hadnt had the warr. it would have cost me $3200. Other than the transmission the SUV has been great. I have loved driving it since I got in it in January. It has been reliable. Even when it was having tans problems, it was still going and going.

• 

  ZX3, Best Bang for the Buck, Part 2 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By snaptab - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The car continues to impress. After 20,000 miles absolutely no problems, none. Build quality remains tight, no squeaks or rattles. Gas mileage (with the 5 speed) is very good, 32 MPG overall. Fun to drive, practical and problem free....what more can you ask?

• 

  SANDRAS REVIEW - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By SANDRA - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR.

• 

  The Little Pony That Should - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By K&N_A_Must - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car performs fairly well considering the price range. However there are a few gripes. The aerodynamics of this car make it slow to accelerate at highway speeds compared to oh say a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP? Kind of rediculous considering the Mustang has more engine. Overall it is a fun car that is capable of sprinting to speed in a timely manner.

• 

  Beyond Good - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Rodriguez - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is nice and comfortable for the whole family. Great for long trips. I got up to 600 miles to the tank on long distance. Need more pep small engine for heave cargo. It has 3.8 Liter, 200 hp, 26 gallon tank. I am some what happy, but theres room for improvement. Local mpg I only get 400 miles to the tank.

• 

  Ford quality - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Harvey - February 7 - 11:13 pm

  I love this car. Everyone wants good gas milage, but the Fusion Hybrid brings so much more to the table. If you want a hybrid look no further. I tested the competitors models and this was the best choice. It is a quality ride. If you put a BMW badge on it it would sell for $10,000 more and youd never notice it was a Ford. Well done!

• 

  93 taurus head gasket problem 3.8 litre - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By mr.k - February 7 - 10:40 pm

  everyone i know told me that the head gasket will go on my taurus at about 70k miles. well the were off by 49 miles. at 69951 mine went. otherwise a decent car.

• 

  Most Comfortable Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Ford F-150
  By MickeyM - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Love the Lariat package with all the bells and whistles. Great looking truck and VERY comfortable. Smooth, quiet, roomy, good-looking, tough, and powerful will sum it all up. Im 63" and about 220lbs and these big seats fit like a glove with plenty of leg room. Even with the drivers seat all the way back, theres still plenty of room for most people in the back. Traded in a loaded Tacoma 4-dr on it, and WOW!!!! what a difference. I just thought I liked my Tacoma. Now, I know why the F-150 is the most popular truck made and the Tacoma is 2nd. GM and Dodge are not even on the same playing field.