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 second one! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Catherine Busso - December 24 - 1:10 am

  All the comforts of a larger, heavier SUV, but lightweight ... and easy to handle. I love the ease of opening the hood and the back. Its great for women! Its my second Escape Limited and has wonderful leather seats that heat up.

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  Cab Interior bad - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Lworth - December 23 - 11:42 pm

  Cab is a smaller confined area than 2000 Ranger. You cannot see over the seats to observe traffic coming from your right kinda behind you. Rear view is mirrors only very dangerous with a closed high seat back area.

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  still going...... - 1995 Ford F-150
  By jrfan - December 23 - 4:23 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned. I have 175,000 miles on it and it has the original transmission (w/ a shift kit), original engine (5.8L), and almost all original parts. This truck will still outrun my 97 Vortec 350 Z71 Chevrolet with ease. The only parts that I have replaced on this truck are the starter and the alternator. It still gets me to work and through anything I need to get through when Im hunting. This truck should be the role model for all other trucks.

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  Good Little Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By matt - December 23 - 1:20 am

  We bought this car with only 61K. It needed nothing from the dealer and currently needsnothing besides brakes. Its been a solid and reliable car. Acceleration is only adequate and it idles quite rough. The interior is comfortable although theres not a lot of room in back. Fuel economy is definitely a plus.

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  My Ranger in review - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bruce - December 22 - 11:27 pm

  I first took possession of my 1994 Ford Ranger XLT on 3/3/04. Overall, the truck has been quite reliable. In the almost 2 years Ive had it, I have replaced the starter, idler pulley, fan belt, (broke when pulley seized), and rear leaf spring mounts. It currently has a power steering leak, and needs brakes, thats it. The total amount for all my repairs is about $300 over 2 years not bad for an 11 year old truck.

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  its a truck after all... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ol_man_ed - December 22 - 4:31 pm

  i hear a lot of complaints about the gas mileage, just remember before you complain, that it is a truck after all. If you want gas mileage one should buy a Civic or some lil car like that. Rear wiper kinda stinks though, it only actually wipes about 20% of the back glass. Cant really say much bad stuff though, its fun to drive, and a SUV with a standard tranny (i love it). All in all its a good truck, just dont expect to go without spending some money on gas, like you would with a lil four banger.

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  Nice car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mike - December 21 - 6:45 pm

  The Mustang is a nice car! Price to performance ratio is very good and Ford has done many things right. That said, there are some annoying things about this car that Ford needs to clean up (see suggested improvements).

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  I love it, G/F Hates it - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Robert - December 21 - 12:40 pm

  Girlfriend hates it cause its for old people or police. My opinion, I hate FWD cars. V8-RWD is the only way to go. Only car left around $30k is Crown Vic. Actually paid $28k for the LX Sport. Love the auto climate, huge bucket seats, and power everything. Soft yet firm ride with the sport package. This thing is a real cruiser. People get out of my way going down the highway. For the money and the options, you cant beat it. Luxury car options and size for mid-size import cost. Lots of room everywhere. If police trust them, so can I. No problems with downshifting going up mountains. Everybody I talk to likes the car. I would buy again!

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  Nice solid car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Michael vanHaagen - December 21 - 11:43 am

  My dad gave me the Ford SES FFV with 70 thousand miles on it. I drove it from California to Texas. The car handles well on windy days and really likes to drive at freeway speed for hours at a time. Mileage on trip was about 30MPG. I also have a Toyota Corolla same year -- 2000. The Ford is more solid. However I am kind of scared to drive the Ford because of its reputation for problems. The car has had many recalls and some problems like fuel pump failures as seen by the repair history kept by my dad. The Toyota has none. I guess time will tell but so far I have not had any problems.

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  05 Mustang V6 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By t3w - December 20 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an 05 Mustang V6. Power is adequate, nothing eye-brow raising but will do the job. My guess is the GT with the V-8 will be much stronger. However, the V-6 does the job! Styling is nothing short of outstanding. Ford really got it right this go-round!!! Nice unexpected feature... power windows now have "auto-up" as well as down. Bounce back feature prevents closing on an arm or hand, etc. Rear seating might be about an inch more than 04, and remains very unuseable except for small kids or small adults on a short trip. Not a concern for me, as I dont think Ill ever be back there!!! Head-turning quotient... unreal. Until more of these hit the streets anyway!