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 Truck - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By socha818 - May 11 - 10:03 am

  Well gets awesome gas mileage for a truck. A cover over the bed added about 3 mpg more. Disadvantage: not very good traction in snow or rain. Not a lot of weight in back of truck, even with 140lbs extra. Just had some rear brake problems. Advantages: Again the gas mileage is great. Fun truck, 5-speed manual, good response. Easy to do self fix-ups, oil and filters. Dont need a jack to change oil and oil filter. Overall good, sometimes troublesome but nothing a little loving cant take care of.

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  Fun in the Stang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By theprincereturns - May 11 - 7:59 am

  I purchased this car last spring after I was in an accident in my 2000 Mustang coupe. The convertible is a lot more fun of a car to drive around, and I have been very happy with the reliability of both of the cars. I love the look and drive of the car as well, and recommend the manual transmission, and the V6 if you are doing your own maintenance (more room in the engine compartment makes it easier to access). Road noise and comfort of the convertible make it much less enjoyable on long road trips. After an hour or two on the highway with the top down, your ears will be ringing for hours afterwards. Also you will need excellent tires or more weight in the back to keep traction in rain or snow.

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  WELL PLEASED - 2005 Ford Escape
  By D LITTLE - May 11 - 1:54 am

  I really enjoy my vehicle. My only complaint - some areas of craftsmanship appear rushed around doors and carpet areas. Also my shocks have small leak at only 22,000 miles.

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  Transmission Failure - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dora Sweigart - May 10 - 1:20 pm

  With 68,000 miles, the transmission went out. The cost to repair was $4,200. Now the air conditioning is going out. I will not buy another Ford product.

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  Pretty good vehicle - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Young and Dumb - May 9 - 3:37 pm

  Had this car almost 6 years - purchased new. Havent had a single problem. Runs like a breeze and everything is original. Body is still very tight and looks great. Mach stereo is awesome and sounds best with the top down. Car is a lot of fun to drive, steering is a little heavy, especially when trying to parallel park. Engine is fast on the top end, slow down low. Can still beat 2006 Acuras and many Porsches. Very happy with workmanship - the car looks and drives just as good as the day I bought it without a single squeak. Hope to keep for another 50 years.

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  No worries - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By maryann - May 9 - 11:13 am

  One owner, bought it for $15,000 in 96 and paid for it in two years, so it owes me nothing. Only problem, door handle at 75,000. Never used dealer for service, learned lesson with my earlier Honda. Have a great mechanic who taught me how to care for it. Change oil religiously at 3,000 and change transmission fluid in winter. Never in a garage. Great in snow & weather, even gotten up dirt roads. Cross country no problem. Boring, in that never worry driving and no payments while others busy paying for their new expensive cars. Husbands 03 saved his life in a head on at 50mph when belts & bags deployed. It was totaled, he was fine. Other car driver had leg & chest injuries. Replaced his with 04.

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  A good truck at a good price!! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By trs - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck for 3 weeks now,and I am loving it more and more everyday!! The truck handles wonderfully, and is easy to drive. The handling of this truck is much like that of a cars. But has full capacity of a truck. The accelleration is quick, and the 5- speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. And the a\c is ice cold!! Last, but not least, I love the mp3 stereo system. You can burn hours of music on one disc.

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  Escape 01 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Corky - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Car has actually been very good with a couple of notable exceptions. The outside drivers mirror - we are on the 4th one installed and it still vibrates at highway speeds. V6 may have too much-it is difficult to take off from a stop without turning the tires over. MAJOR COMPLAINT is with the tires FORD put on it-ours were Generals and only had 23k on them before replacement - did rotation/balance every 4K. Long trips have been OK-it ran great and was fairly comfortable. Too much wind/road noise. The only reason we bought this over the CRV was the availability of the sunroof and the extra horsepower.

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  Love my 2003 Eddie Bauer Expo - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Kelly1608 - May 9 - 8:40 am

  Ive owned my truck for about 5 months and put about 6000 miles on it, and I really like the way it drives and performs. I tow a 20 foot boat with no problems. This is a first year early model and I have no complaints about build quality.

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  Still Lovin It - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Jessica - May 8 - 4:26 pm

  I havent found any problems with any Ford truck. My Ranger has 153,000 miles and still runs great and really no other problems. Before this I owned a 1990 Ford Crew Cab dually man that was a great truck all around, towing was great. I have also owned other makes and models in Ford and cant complain!