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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  Fix or Repair Daily - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By orca24 - May 18 - 6:24 pm

  Both fog lights fell out of the front of car from normal driving never hit anything or ran into anything. At 17,000 miles the entire rear end of the car had to be replaced. The gears all stripped even though I brought it in for service just like I was supposed to,

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  Not pretty, but pretty reliable - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By Elisa - May 18 - 6:15 am

  Many electrical problems, oil leaks, make sure you get the ignition switch replaced (it was recalled for this), had trouble with the starter twice in 2 years, but it has the engine that just wont die. It was always pretty reliable. The transmission didnt need replacing until 145,000 miles. The design of the radio/air conditioner switches is horrible and breaks easily. The seats are very comfortable and it rides pretty smoothly for a small car. It isnt much to look at but the paint lasts a long time with no rust. Just about everything else will fall off but the engine will keep going!

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  I like my Truck. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Rich - May 17 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Ford Ranger brand new. I currently have 139,000 miles on it. I have always changed my oil before I hit the 3000 mile mark. I have not any major problems. I tuned it it myself at 100,000 miles. I have had the cooling system flushed 2 times and the transmission flush 2 times as well. This is just maintenance items that I personally like to take care of. My front brakes lasted well over 100,000 miles and the rear drum brakes I changed at 105,000 miles. It is a great truck. I wash my engine every 2 months at the car wash (I cover the electric parts and so forth of course). My paint still looks nice, shiny and clean. Next time I will get the 4x4 for winter driving.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rodney - May 16 - 6:26 pm

  So far so good. The ride is really rough but I guess that is to be expected from a compact car. Overall, excellent car for the money.

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By EscortLover4-Ever - May 16 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car brand new, after giving up my 88 Escort with 216,000 miles on it. This car currently has over 220,000 miles on it and Im going for at least another 30,000! The car has been very dependable. Have spent maybe $2,000 on total repairs (other than maintanance) in 8 years. Still get great mileage on the highway (checked last week and got 36 mpg). Theyll have to peel me out of this one before I give it up. Im just sad that Ford did away with the Escort - cant beat the value and the performance!

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  2003 Taurus SES Sedan - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By JacknCali - May 15 - 3:53 am

  I really like my Taurus . Good, reliable vehicle with surprisingly good gas mileage on the highway. Low maintenance cost. Disappointing rate of depreciation. Seats are uncomfortable.

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  Cobra Awesome! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mac4me - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great moments with this car, handles really nice and man does that supercharger launch it from 0-60 in no time flat. Any first time passengers leave my car with a grin from ear to ear.

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  Ford Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By bhogreve - May 13 - 5:44 pm

  Good utilitarian vehicle. Some interior upgrades would be nice. I got the Eddie Bauer version but still a little unfinished.

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  First Car in College - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ibnice - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I got my ZX2 3 years ago and have been so thankful for it. No, its not a road demon, but it definately has treated me well in the years that Ive driven it. It picks up well, and handles relatively well considering that it is an entry level car. Ive had no mechanical problems with it in the three years that Ive owned it. Be ware that it doesnt handle the rain very well, it slips and slides all around the road in water. High speeds are also a bit scary. Dispit the fact that the car has the engine capability to get up and go, the cars design limits its stability on the highway to about 85 mph.

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  pretty fly for a van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By bigpimpin - May 13 - 10:00 am

  up until now it has been very reliable and powerful, i find myself racing some smaller inline 4 cylender cars and winning. great built quality except for a heating prob. other then that 106,000 miles without a sweat, also handles like a car