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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  Bye Bye Enzo - 2005 Ford GT
  By Mike - June 11 - 3:55 pm

  I havent had enough time behind the wheel to know all the cars quirks yet but I can tell you it is truly a rocket. Not quite as refined as a Ferrari or Porsche, it is a race-car with a few amenities. Track days are coming up soon so I will be able to give a better idea of the over-all vehicle. To anybody who got whip-lash trying to get a better look at the car, Im not sorry.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Tim - June 10 - 10:03 am

  Has a lot of power will last a long time. resale good.

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  01 SVT Cobra Convertible - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Tom D - June 9 - 6:08 pm

  What a great car. The car will do whatever you ask of it, from pushing it hard to weekly commuting. Bought used at 22K miles and selling it at 64K miles over 2.5 yrs. Seems to have above average resale value. Had thermostat fail which almost caused a melt down, but didnt do any damage. Overall, a fairly expensive vehicle to own/operate. Repair parts, brake pads/rotors, tires seem expensive due to low availability and more performance oriented design. Insurance wasnÂ’t bad but could be with questionable record. Questionable usage during winter, didnÂ’t have many problems driving in Michigan but certainly need to pick your battles and find alternate transportation/stay home a few days.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By JRR - June 9 - 2:18 pm

  I was very hesitant buying an American made vehicle, but the Explorer has proven to be very reliable. It rides and handles decently for a truck-based vehicle, and is very quiet on the road.

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  Its been good for us. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Famof4 - June 9 - 12:21 am

  We bought our van new when 0.9% financing mattered with a growing family. It went through 5 recalls in 2 years and had a few minor things that were covered by warranty but so far, knock on wood, we have had no major problems. We have changed oil every 3000 miles and rotated tires every 7000. At 48,000 miles we replaced the battery and tires and did the brakes at 55,000 miles. All things I consider standard wear and tear. Its not a beauty to many but to us it has been a very reliable vehicle. I would not buy another one because of resale and like another reviewer pointed out, the drivers seat is not very comfortable and theres not much leg room if you have long legs as I do.

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  Good Bang for your buck - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Ken R - June 8 - 3:26 pm

  Since I have always owned V8 powered cars, including Mustangs, I was a little skeptical that this car with a V6 would have any guts or fun to drive factor. Well, I was wrong. It has good power and decent handling. The interior needs improvement as well as the seats no thigh or lateral support.

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  Satisfied - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rtownsend - June 8 - 1:41 pm

  This is my second Explorer. They have both been reliable. However, Ford dealerships havent provided good service. Not very good gas mileage for a relatively small SUV with a six cylinder engine.

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  Good Car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Bodacious - June 8 - 1:01 pm

  This car was the first car I ever purchased. It is great for anyone who just needs to go from point A to point B. This car is great for single or family use. Its great on gas mileage and needs little maintenance. I bought it used with only 10,000 miles and have only replaced the tires, battery, and brake pads after hitting 50,000. This car shakes a lot while idle, though it isnt anything serious. It is so easy to drive as well. You can literally make turns with one hand since the car is so easy to maneuver.

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  My 2001 ATX - 2001 Ford Escort
  By LunchBox - June 8 - 2:30 am

  This car was purchased new on 12/30/00 and was my first "new" car. It is great on gas, performs like a champ. When they came out they would put a hurting on most of the Hondas and such that you could buy at the time. They handle very well, are fun to drive, but they do have known problems. I have had 4 transmissions in 65k miles, the 4EAT-F automatics are known for overheating and failing. The starter has gone bad once, the VCT died. Its been a rough road with the car but all in all for the price it was hard to beat, and I knew I didnt want anything GM.

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Ford F-150
  By RLL - June 8 - 12:56 am

  Quality not there. Had all four wheels replaced. Drivers window replaced. Steering wheel not aligned.Still have vibration in steering column. Windshield reflections drive me nuts, or is the winshield wavy? Should of gotten a GMC. Brakes squeal. Should have known better than to buy a first year truck.