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:

• 

  Long Term Analysis - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Sonic Blue - October 11 - 1:25 pm

  I thought some long term appraisal was in order. Engine, clutch, transmission, drivetrain all holding up well considering my driving. Clutch is still stiff but my g/f doesnt complain a bit. Its somewhat unrefined but you can get decent gas mileage if you choose. It rides decent especially at 70, the seats are tight, they got better but they hold you in the corners. You can idle around town all day just a regular car so it seems. Its a Mustang people with a great engine, pretty good drivetrain. You want to go fast cheap? This is it. You want old big engine performance? You got it with especially with a few mods. Get 26 mpg on highway or see the gas gauge go down. Your choice. I like choices.

• 

  What Else Could You Want? - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By JFIELDS - October 8 - 10:37 pm

  I have had my Taurus now for almost 5 years. I bought it new with 3 miles on it. since the day I drove it off the lot I have not had one problem with it, other than the normal brakes and oil changes and tires (also I suggest changing the tires to a better quality...it improves the ride considerably). I do however have a strange rattle noise coming from what I presume to be my windshield (right where the dash meets the windshield) and no one can seem to find out how to fix it or where it is coming from! I love this car and my brother just bought a Ford 500 and I would by another Taurus (which I am due to the 251,000 miles on mine). I would definitely suggest this car to anyone.

• 

  Ford Mustang -- fun to drive - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Nancy - October 7 - 11:58 am

  This car has definitely been fun to drive it handles great and has a lot of power. However, I just spent two weeks in a rental because of rust on the panel above my windshield. The seal was faulty and 3 months out of warranty. I dont suggest an aftermarket car starter. My car has issues with starting due to it. Other than that, I love it!

• 

  Electrical problems - 2001 Ford F-150
  By patrick richardson - October 4 - 1:06 pm

  Although I drive this truck a lot, 1,000 miles per week, it has always been serviced by the selling dealer according to schedule. Major problems. Transmission replaced before 1,000 miles. Differential wore out by 150,000 miles. Constant electrical problems and total incompetence by dealer and Ford, caused replacement of all engine sensors, vehicle computer, parts of the wiring harness and finally replacement of every wiring harness in the truck to correct problem of truck engine constantly shutting down during driving. Internal odometer lights still turn off and on at will. Electrical problems ran from 130,000 to 180,000 while they played with it.

• 

  VERY SATISFIED - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By MIKE - October 4 - 12:59 pm

  Bought it new for my wife. She owns a business that requires hauling heavy AV equipment and much travel. It has been a great vehicle. Needed its first tune- up at 96,000 miles. It is very comfortable and the leather seats have held up well. We have taken many vacations with it and the entire family (of four) loves the ride. Just had to replace the alternator and battery (at 117,000 miles). The paint job (Metallic Spruce Green) looks great for a vehicle that has never been garaged. Only problem has been with the odometer. Since about 5,000 miles, it comes on and goes off and when trying to keep track of the business mileage, this becomes a nuisance.

• 

  Ranger Supercab - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Joe - October 3 - 11:01 pm

  Great truck for back and forth to work, The 4 banger gets great gas mileage and has plenty of power with stick. A little light in the snow, needs sandbags over the wheels or you will slide.

• 

  A true winner - 2001 Ford Escape
  By scape2 - October 3 - 6:26 pm

  I own a 2001 black XLT V6 4wd and its been great! Use it for skiiing, fishing, biking. Not one problem. performance is excellent.

• 

  Great Used car - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang - October 3 - 6:21 pm

  If you are looking for a reliable used car, this is it. Very few problems if you maintain your car. Will only cost you money if you upgrade performance constantly, which usually happens.

• 

  Great little truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SnowBeast - October 3 - 2:40 pm

  Bought new with less than 100 miles after my 94 ranger was totalled by a kid running a light. This truck is a beast in the snow. Winter 06 brought 2 major blizzards here with over 2ft of snow each time within 2 weeks. Had to blast through drifts over 4 ft to get to work. No problem at all. That is even with the crap stock goodyear RT/S tires. Tires started "thumping at 10k. Had to replace pads and rotors at 30k. Repair shop said a caliper was frozen on the right front and chewed throught the rotor. Replaced rotors, pads and calipers over $700. Now the breaks constantly squeak. Besides that have not had any mechanical issues what so ever "knock on wood"

• 

  Value for money - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Modred - October 2 - 10:23 pm

  When my BMW Z3 M Coupe was destroyed in a fire, I decided to go with the Mustang because the insurance money almost covered the entire cost. My last Mustang was a 91 and obviously, the 2007 is vastly better. The ride is comfortable and fun and the engine delivers. Don´t go expecting true sports-car performance though. The Stang drives like an American car, despite Fords best efforts. Engine response remains slightly sluggish and handling is a bit wobbly. That said, you won´t find better performance or looks for a comparable price anywhere, so some compromise is in order.