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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  Very Good Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Leroy - December 31 - 12:37 pm

  I have owned this truck for a year now. It has been very dependable and I have not had to have any major repairs done. My truck is a swb regular cab, 2WD, but has a V-6 with a 5-speed manual transmission. One of the best trucks I have ever owned. Good gas mileage. Very comfortable interior, but a little cramped. Fun to drive.

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  A Better Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Myers - December 30 - 8:48 pm

  After owning 4 Explorers over the years and living with their poor cornering, I was amazed at driving an All-Wheel-Drive version. No more slowing down in a turn cause you felt the "its gonna tip over!" feeling. What a difference! It felt, and still does, like a big sports car. Very safe and secure feeling. Very well built. My ONLY complaint is the fuel economy! Typically 12-14mpg and 11 if all city. I dont lead foot (remember the Shell Answer Man commercials?). Ill never sell this one as in its extended life it will carry big things till the wheels fall off. I still love it.

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  first new car, 2nd time on a Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By NEW CAR - December 29 - 7:05 pm

  Overall not a bad little car. already replacing right speakers, they went bad. also there is really no power between 3rd and 4th gear on hwy. going like 40 to 60 takes forever. gas mileage could be better. lots of room for tall people. love the lights on mirrors, 4-speaker system not as nice as the 6. only had my 05 SEL for 3 months.

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  Good Starter Car - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Adam - December 29 - 5:22 pm

  Great for a light/work truck. Never any mechanical problems in first 60K miles. CD changer went out in first 20K. Some dash instruments cheaply assembled, e.g. knobs broke off/snapped. Fuel economy was not as efficient as expected. Poor for V6.

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  good deal - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mary cabral - December 28 - 11:34 pm

  Have had this car for nine years. Has had very very few repairs on it. I did replace the battery three times and I replaced the tires once. It has 28,000 miles and still looks pretty new and the motor is in excellent condition. I drive this car on long trips and it has never stopped on me for any reason. I did treat it well, with oil changes every 3 to 4 thousand miles. I strongly recommend it. I had ever had a Ford before because I like foreign cars but this Explorer proved me wrong!

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  So far, so good! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Dover ZX2 - December 27 - 10:53 pm

  Sporty, quick car thats fun to drive! I bought my ZX2 with 30,000 miles in 2001 for $8K. I have put 90,000 more miles on it in 4 years. This car gets great gas mileage on the highwayÂ… my best was 39 mpg. Some gripes: tends to drift on concrete pavement. Engine is loud over 70 mph. I agree with a few reviewers, this car has a mind of its own. My cruise control will stop working randomly. The horn went off by itself Â… I had to pull the fuse! I bought an extended warranty which was a great investment Â… it covered the cost of replacing the entire AC system, alternator, radio/cassette, tie rod, and horn.

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  T bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Steve - December 27 - 4:09 am

  I am 62 and have problems driving the vehicle. I am also a mechanic, and find it very difficult to do the simplest of all chores on this vehicle. I am not a fan of the automatic transmission I think Ford should have offered a five speed or six speed manual with the vehicle. The car does rattle and have some squeaks, but thats a Ford product for ya. Also the hard top leaks and is difficult to put on. Pros - the car is a head turner. Everywhere I go with it, people look. The seats are indeed comfortable, and the sound system is really nice. As for design, I love the way it emulates the old T-birds. The convertible top is great, and its easy to operate. The 3.9L V8 runs smoothly.

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  Ford T-Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By ecs - December 27 - 12:05 am

  The new Ford T-Birds have a unique design that gains a lot of attention. It handles like a sports car, with the interior and comfort of a luxury automobile. Though not very roomy, it is the perfect fun in the sun car.

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  My experience - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Robert - December 25 - 2:25 am

  Overall, I have been pleased with this truck. Pros: carries everything, comfortable. Cons: poor gas mileage, third row seats dont fold flat. The biggest negative comes when you go to get the truck fixed. Ford seems to hide parts in hard-to-find places. Replacing the $50 front heater core requires $600 of labor to remove all the other parts that block it.

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  New Generation Mustang - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Tom Sarac - December 24 - 11:43 am

  Purchased my 2010 shelby coupe only a few days ago, drove it back from Toronto to Montreal, have logged some mileage in a short period of time. As of 4 days of ownership compared to the 04 heavily modified mustang cobra I built and drove as a summer car for 6 yrs. I am pleased with the direction of this generation of mustang. Stock for a car of this weight it is well composed, responsive, comfortable and looks hot. Hats off to Ford for being able to make a live axle work. A few upgrades and this car can further defy the reality of its weight significantly. Pleasure and easy to drive, gas mileage is surprisingly good and the overall driving experience has delivered the mustang into a new era