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:

• 

  Been very good to me - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By TaurusMan - October 13 - 8:50 pm

  I owned this wagon for 6 yrs and towed with it and took it on many trips. Besides regular maintenance the car performed admirably. Im very impressed. When I sold it it had over 158K mi on it and still running strong with all systems working well. Its good in the snow too. I recommend the car for anyone looking for a fun to drive reliable car.

• 

  Cheaper than 1995 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Back to Cars - October 12 - 9:36 pm

  I was leasing a Dodge Dakota (14mpg). Made the decision to not get another pickup pretty easy. Had been watching the Ford Fusion for sometime. Reliability ratings are excellent, most reviews are above average, its somewhat an American vehicle, I think. When Ford announced the rebates of $3000 on Sept. 10, it made the decision very easy. A brand new Ford Fusion SE with sunroof and sync for around $16000 is simply amazing. I paid $18000 for a new Mazda MX-6 in 1994 with less features than today, obviously. I have the 5-speed, I4. I have always loved 5-speed cars, and this one is no exception. Very forgiving clutch, and the power is not bad. Very fun to drive. 26mpg ave. 60-hwy/40-city

• 

  1991 Ford Probe GL Review - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Chuck - October 12 - 7:45 pm

  Cute, fun and great handling. Good fuel economy. Sporty and very responsive. Overall a good car. I would buy another one.

• 

  California Dreamin - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bernie - October 11 - 8:10 pm

  Awesome, excellent, more than I expected; a true fountain of youth! Gets the heart rate up and keeps it up - a great warm up before working out or for anything else for that matter! Bought a GT - Windveil Blue Metallic loaded. It gets a lot of looks and inquiries at traffic lights from those less fortunate to not have one! The 300 horses purr and roar at your whim. Excellent performance and handling on Californias canyon & mountain roads and freeways. I actually get to meetings early now cause I want to be out there driving it. You dont have to be pushing it to have a good time driving but knowing that you can let loose anytime is a good thing.

• 

  Got to love the HP - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By 2004sccobra - October 10 - 8:59 pm

  I have enjoyed this vehicle. I usually drive it on nice days (trying to keep the miles low and in good shape) I have had a few problems with maintenace issues but other than that it has been a blast to drive. The Ford dealer where I take it has been very understanding. I blew up the tranny on the track and they still did the warranty work. Other than what they call "tip in clunk" I would not change a thing.

• 

  2008 Ranger Review - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By The Wanderer - October 10 - 5:31 pm

  I have the 3.0 liter motor and its getting 20mpg in town and 25mpg plus on long trips. Its not as strong of the line as my older 4.0 liter was, but the 3.0 is no slouch. The ride is much improved over my older Ranger ( late 90s). The Sirius radio is a must for those long commutes to work. The seats are very comfortable and in general, the truck seems built very well. The 5 speed automatic shifts very easily. This is my third Ranger ( all 99,000 miles + on each) and I hope Ford continues this line in some form as it is a winner

• 

  Liking it so far. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kel - October 10 - 2:30 pm

  Recently purchased this little SUV, a replacement for my 05 Taurus. Great little truck, love the driving position and pep from the V6. Not quite as refined as my wifes CR-V EX-L. Decent gas mileage, not much different than the Taurus.

• 

  Adrenalin all the way - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mj2say - October 10 - 12:46 pm

  A plush SUV up front and a lockable, watertight, pick-up bed out back. Nice ride, smooth 5 speed transmission and good power. Very comfortable seats, with leather, power and heat. Excellent ventilation with the sunroof and power back-glass window. The sound system is one of the best around, and worth the $.

• 

  Delightful to look at and a joy to own - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Claudette Cranor - October 10 - 6:59 am

  The only reason this car is offered for sale is the owner/driver is getting a little too old to get Into and out of gracefully. Think "only driven by little old lady to church each week". This is a wonderful vehicle in every way.

• 

  Beautiful Ford Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Cary Ling - October 9 - 12:11 pm

  I bought this truck on one of those love at first sight programs.It has been a great truck and runs and drives excellent. I got the 7 year extended warranty just in case. I still have five years left. I received a notice for a 10 year extended warranty on the fuel injectors but have had no problems at all. I have limited slip and it pulls my boats with ease. It is a powerful engine, (5.4) and feels like the muscle cars of old. I also have and use the back up safety sensors constantly. Gas mileage is not too bad 18-25 on average. I have two six bangers that cant get near what I get with that big V8. The suicide doors on the super cab are great and it looks so good rather then a four door.