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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  Garbage - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Peter - January 27 - 10:13 am

  My first Ford Ranger I got 247,000 miles out of it with out a problem. The only expense was a transmission oil leak. When it was time for a new one I bought another Ranger. The worst mistake of my life! The truck had a valve problem from day one. The dealer said they did not see it? The transmission went at 73,000 miles (band 2). The engine died at 82,000 miles. Yes, I know how to take car of a vehicle. I taught automotives for 10 years and have been a shop/technology teacher for 19 years. Stay away from this truck!

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  Good Ride. Great Value - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By clcs5860 - January 27 - 8:04 am

  I bought my 06 all wheel drive escape in 2007, had 16K miles on it at the time of purchase. I have not been kind to this car as I drive it for business and am on the go all the time. I have kept service up to date. The car now has 101K miles on it. The ride is good, acceleration peppy for a hybrid. Only unexpected problem I have had, is to replace a power steering module which cost $824. The leather on the drivers seat has worn through in the arm which indicates the leather in the car is fairly cheap No other complaints.

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  Solid - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jimmy463j - January 26 - 3:02 pm

  This vehicle has been one of the most dependable Ive ever owned. We have put over 100,000 miles on it and have only had to do normal maintenance and replace the door switches twice. Its performance for a minivan is above average, in my opinion. Ive driven Chrysler, GM, and Japanese minivans and none come close.

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  Great commute car...I love it :-) - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Chidam - January 26 - 10:20 am

  Fun car to drive. Handles very well. Pickup is good for a small car. Good mileage, around 30 in hwy. The interior could be improved - looks like cheap plastic parts. The cruise control has some logistical problems. When you switch it ON, there is no indicator to tell you its on! Should improve the quality of the audio system. The default one is really bad, cheap electronics.

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  Great little truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Dave C - January 24 - 5:33 pm

  I have 170,000 miles on my Ranger and only had to replace the clutch and water pump. It is a 4 cylinder and I used it to deliver pizza of several years. Great on gas and reliable. I love it!

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  4WD Aerostar - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Robert - January 24 - 3:38 pm

  This 4 liter 4WD Aerostar has been a very dependable and very versatile vehicle for our large family.

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  Great in the snow! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ATC - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This Expedition has performed magnificently in the recent snows here in the mid-atlantic region. We have driven in 3 seperate snow storms, and there has not been a single missed- step....We feel very safe inside. The interior finish is actually better than the Sequoia, which I wanted to be my choice, but when I test drove the two, the Ford won out.

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  # 5169 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Forchek - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is definately a hot ticket. Extremely fast, quick, and very stylish. If your looking to purchase a used GT this 01 is worth locating. Most of these will be in good shape too because of their collector status. However, these cars were meant to be driven.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer owner - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought in November and it runs great. Ford service is excellent (in my experience). The 4.6L V8 is very powerful, but you can almost see the gas gauge moving. Smooth ride compared to other trucks and SUVs Ive driven before...even with the tougher suspension of the off-road pkg. If you can find it, I highly recommend the traction control system. It really comes in handy in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. The interior needs some work...leather seats only on 1st two rows, and appears only to be on the seats, not on door trim. The dashboard computer is great...tells you gas mileage, miles till empty, oil life remaining, and other engine status.

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  My Baby - 2000 Ford Escort
  By JJEANR3 - January 24 - 1:16 am

  I have had my car for almost 3 years in June and i have had only one thing happen to it and that had something to do with the gear shifter and the warranty covered that. All around it is a great car for anyone. I have put almost 50,000 miles on it and it is still going, like it is new.