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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  Only 1 regret - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jcd302 - February 11 - 11:55 pm

  This is my 3rd Ranger and my last one lasted to 182,000 miles. I sold it 4.5 years ago and he is STILL driving it. I have HAD to do nothing to her, but I did convert the 3.08 open differential to Traction-Loc & added a trailer towing package. 146,200 miles and only done 1 wheel bearing. I get 22mpg in the summer and 17/19 in the winter. I love it and will buy my 4th Ranger when this one finally dies, but my 9 year old daughter is planning on it being around when she gets her license, so maybe in 7 more years. I should have over 300k on it by then. Ford only rates it at 1200# towing capacity, but I have towed my 2000# pop-up camper with no problems and even taken a trailer w/ 2800# of trash to the dump!

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  No more Fords 4 me - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By spring4888 - February 10 - 4:55 pm

  Had to replace intake manifold and tie rod ends at 45K miles, transmission at 62K, power steering rack& intake gaskets at 67K, power steering hose and fuel pump at 70K miles. In addition to the routine tires, brakes, flushes and numerous minor things like liftgate hydraulic, CD stuck in the player, sliding door that wont click closed, brakes and 2 alignments. We just cant afford keep this van any longer. The car has taken more "vacations" than we have! We just finished paying it off.

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  my new car! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By shelly - February 10 - 10:00 am

  When we were looking for a nice, roomy affordable car ....... well We Found IT! This is a great car. Having three kids and needing a lil room for them to sit and to be affordable and good looking were all important to us. This is a good car for a small family or like ours not (so) small. I am happy with my Taurus! The people at Paris Ford were excelent in there patience and were very informative. I will always own a Ford!

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  06 Mustang - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Danny boy - February 10 - 5:03 am

  The Mustang is really nice. The interior is a little cheap. Automatic transmission takes a while to down shift; likes to get in the high gear asap. The v8 sounds good, has all the power you need. Does not feel like 300 hp to me though; more like 230 hp. I have had mine to get a miss in the engine when I accelerate and turn; could be the traction control kicking in to stop me from spinning but not sure. Have to take it up with the dealer when I get my oil change which is every 5000 miles due to synthetic oil. But overall I am happy with the car. If you like to do adds for horsepower this is a good car - lot of add ons available.

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  Good but not great - 2005 Ford GT
  By grunger - February 10 - 3:14 am

  While this car is no doubt a monster under the hood, Im left feeling that it doesnt quite have the build quality and interior amenities that is found in similar German and Italian competitors. I also think that from a strict performance standpoint the new 2006 corvette with its 7.0L of displacement will run with this car at about half the price. That being said it will turn heads and Im certain it will be a collectors automobile.

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  Okay - middle of the road car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By mrs. ryca2 - February 8 - 6:00 pm

  I had a 93 Taurus first, great family car, only needed water pump. My 99 Taurus is falling apart around me: electrical problems,sensor lights, a/c died and temperature only blows very hot, front end problems (ball joints), antenna stuck up. One saving grace, the 24 valve Duratec engine is a workhorse, still has great pick-up at over 100k. I am looking at the new Freestyle but wont touch it unless Ford puts this engine into it.

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  Good truck, modest tow vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By amerigo88 - February 8 - 5:03 pm

  Bought new July 02. Added step-up bars, factory bedliner and Class III tow package. Pulled a large trailer across Desert Southwest during July/August of 2003 with no overheating worries. Very slow to tow, couldnt exceed 55 mph fully loaded. Averaged about 8 mpg at that awful speed with 3 children riding in crewcab. Transferred towing duty to wifes 2003, 3/4 ton Suburban and all are much happier. The Supercrew is still rock-solid reliable, comfortable, and strong. I hope Ford can keep up the good work because the Dodges, Toyotas and Nissans are really coming on strong.

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  Adrenaline packaged - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Sojourner2x69 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  So much fun to drive............... thanks to FORD for the rebates that made it affordable. As far as interior/exterior fit..... its a FORD, much better than cars made 20 years ago, thnak GOD!

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  Orange04GTConv - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By EstebanSr - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I was the owner of a 94 Roush Stage III Mustang until 1999. The new 2004 Mustang we bought was all the fun and excitment that a Mustang was meant to be. Of course, I rated gas milage low. The a powerful V8 engine it wasnt made for going far on a little gas. I knew that before I drove it home. The car is fun to drive! That covers it all. I am a school bus driver and after bouncing around in a slow moving bus I feel alive again when I get behind the wheel of a truly fun car. With the satellite option in the radio and the Mach 460 sound system it has great performance from a factory stereo as well..

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  Ford Excursion Diesel. King of the Road. - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By rob - February 8 - 9:15 am

  The Ford Excursion diesel is one of the nicest large SUVs I have ever driven, great fuel mileage, roomy, handles well, great in the snow. What more can you ask for?