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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  Nice SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Al - February 4 - 10:28 pm

  I bought the Explorer new in April 1995. It now has 137K miles and is running really good. Had to replace the transmission at 85K (Ford helped with the cost) and upgraded to the 5 speed. Replaced all ball joints at 90K and lowers again at 134K. Other than that, followed maintenance schedule and oil changes every 3K miles. The engine still runs smooth. Its amazing after 11 years of driving how tight this vehicle still is. No rattles or squeaks, just a nice firm ride. Waxed every year and the paint is literally showroom new. This is a well built quality vehicle. Ive had five guys including myself and all our golf gear in here with no problem. And its great in the snow!

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  06 Ford Freestar Limited - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By minaldo1 - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  Very good looking on the inside. Ride quality is impressive. Excellent handling. Bucket seats very comfortable. Very quiet ride. Nice layout and good cargo room. Very safe.

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  Bluebird of Happiness - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By bobbydee - February 3 - 12:02 am

  Bought the car because I had a 87 Bird and liked it. Also liked the metallic blue paint. Have been a road warrior in it for 8 years and love everything about it. Had to put a radiator in as well as normal maintenance, but nothing really major. I really wish I could buy a new one but the model line has gone away.

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  Ugly but reliable! - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By shrog - February 2 - 6:58 pm

  This beast now has 185,000 miles the only problem Ive had is an engine knock that gets better as the engine warms up (been knocking for a long time), and a wicked vibration under acceleration. Leaks a little oil but you know you can drive it any where. The AWD is great it gets better traction than my Grand Cherokee. If the body would last as long as the engine I would keep it forever.

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  2001 ZX3 Review - 2001 Ford Focus
  By G. Brown - February 1 - 3:17 pm

  Have had car since new, few problems. Nice roads manners and driveability for compact car. Would not have a problem buying another. Needs a little more horse power, 50 more would be good. :) I thought the ZX3 design was cutting edge in 2001, now all manufacturers have one that looks like the ZX3. Average 21-22 mpg city, 28-29 highway.

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  My Ford - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Blair - February 1 - 2:30 pm

  This was my first car that I bought. I really like it but seem to always have a problem with it. It has always gotten me from here to there.

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  Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy - February 1 - 9:42 am

  I love my Expedition but shortly after I bought it, gas went sky high. That was a minus but the space and comfort for my family made the purchase very worthwhile.

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  GREAT RIDING CAR - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sabrina perruzza - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE THE CAR BUT I HAVE IT FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND I HAVE SOME PROBLES WITH IT AND AM GOING TO TRADE IT IN. I FEEL LIKE FOR HAVING A CAR THAT LONG I HAVE PUT WHEY TOO MUCH MONEY INTO IT

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  This relates to a 2001 Taurus SEL - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Robert Clower - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car althiugh theresale value is low. The only problemI have had is thr front brakes. Ford replaced the pad and rotors at 14000 miles. The vechile has 30000 miles now.

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  My big disappointment - 2004 Ford F-150
  By BWJ1978 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Well so far, the transmission has acted up, been in the shop 3 times (curretnly there) the tail light was replaced from condensation, the window squeaks when going down, it needed an allignment at purchase, the plastic around the steering column is warper(and on other trucks too). This has been a nightmare the worst Ford I have EVER owned. The 4.6 is way underpowered even for my reg cab so i pity people with s/cs and super crews. GOOD LUCK!