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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  They need to build it again - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By oscar arechiga - February 26 - 9:04 pm

  Great design in and out, V8 makes good power even at todays standards, there are very few cars that have the personality of this vehicle, have had mine for 10 years 61000 miles and not thinking of getting rid of it, car has been very reliable,only complaint is a rattling noise coming from undrneat , (dealer says there is nothing wrong with the suspension, other than that this car makes heads turn, even 10 years after last year of production, ford needs to build a modern vertion,with a similar body style, but modern suspension an a 5 speed auto.

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  Still neutral on performance. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By RMiller - February 26 - 2:10 pm

  Handles well, comfortable interior, great looks. Deep beds are a plus. Fairly loud when driving around town; also a bit sluggish, especially when pulling a trailer. The rear-end sounds odd when cruising at higher speeds.

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  2003 Tarus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - February 25 - 2:46 pm

  This vehicle is an excellent value. Dependable, fuel efficient(28MPG highway)and comfortable. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone

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  Great Truck! - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By cabuco2006 - February 25 - 10:01 am

  I love the way this truck rides and handles. It can take a beating and the 4x4 is something you need, especially in New England winters. Ive gotten as high as 25.6 mpg in the summer. Its preety good on gas for a 4.0 v-6 compared to other competitors 4.0s. I reccomend this truck for some one that want a truck that can get low to moderate jobs done.

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  Explorer XL - good SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jbgossett@cox.net - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Very good vehicle. No significant problems. It rides solid, but bumps are felt. Reliable and no rattles. Good power (V-6), no problems on hills. Good mileage on the road (20-25) and about 16 in town.

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  Love my Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lance - February 25 - 12:36 am

  I have owned my Sport Trac for three years now and have to say that it is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. Ive buried it to the axles, had a front end collision (w/o airbag deployment), pulled a 3,500 boat thousands of miles and it runs today like the day I bought it. I love the styling and functionality as well. I can take it on a date to the philharmonic or to the local nursery and load it up with plants in the backseat and mulch in the bed.

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  Best small truck on the road - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Richard - February 24 - 3:02 pm

  I decided on a small truck for ease of parking and economy. To me the Ranger provided the best value by far and the ride was as good as any of the other small trucks. The fit and finish on the new 2008 was equal to and better then the others. I think it is the best looking small truck on the road, and my friends agree. The only downside is the 3.0 motor is not up to competers v6s and the gas mileage is below par

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  Best 2nd Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By COKLRider - February 24 - 10:27 am

  Bought 8/07 w/94k miles. Only had to replace the MAF sensor when I bought it as the previous owner put tape over the check engine light. Use it for commuting (35 mi/day) mostly. Great AC, fun to drive, cheap on gas (better than my 72 Bronco). No oil leaks. This is my 2nd Escort SW, first being an 84 diesel. Both have been great.

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  Radio killed the car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By LEH88 - February 24 - 4:13 am

  I had the car for about 4 weeks, left it parked for a week, came back the engine was dead, jumped it, it died again. Come to find out the CD/radio was bad, killing the battery. Two months later still waiting on a new CD/radio to be installed. Also my car came with no dip stick. Not sure if that was the dealer or standard practice, that cost $45. Otherwise the car has everything you need for the price. Even with the AC running it can keep up with the best of them on the Autobahn here in Germany. At 140KMs it is sailing along comfortably.

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  New to me new - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By mstire1 - February 23 - 1:16 am

  Just got my car in April, has about 90,000 miles on it. Love it! I traded in a Cadillac STS for it, wish I would have found this before the caddy. It all around is a better car than the cadillac was. I am getting usually 24 mpg highway, so very pleased with that. I cant believe just how much storage this car has, its awesome! Really quite noisy when going over bumps-my mechanic doesnt know why(thats a bad thing) and seats are not very comfy for longer trips :(