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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  great choice - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By fruitman65 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  this is a excellent choice, I would really recomend it to all who have a large family. Im very satisfy with the comfort of the ride while driving on the highway.

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  Fordd Explorer 2 Door 4 Wheel Drive - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By spasegrl - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I am delighted that so far I have been able to put appliances, etc that I need to haul in the back of my Explorer Sport without any difficulty. The suspension is a little bumpy though, even on decent roads. When the weather is cold the back door sticks and I cant get it open. Cold weather really affects the Explorer, and not for the good. My engine sometimes sounds like a vacuum cleaner. I would not recommend 2 doors for a family of more than 2- difficult to get out of te back.

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  1997 Crown Victoria - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By dnb - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Super value for the bucks! Reliable & comfortable

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  A hidden jewel in segment - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Gman1Wine - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I come from a large family where Ive had ample opportunities to own various vehicles, which have mostly been imports. I took a risk with the Focus, and I am suprisingly happy. I am an extremely demanding owner, and I couldnt find even one flaw the first 60 days. One exception was the inaccurate fuel gauge tha left me stranded for 1/2hr. Otherwise, much larger than it appears and very fun to toss into curves/corners. Granted, its no BMW like my other car, but much more rewarding than a toyota or even honda. Hope theres more of this from Ford.

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  87K+ and still going strong - 2001 Ford Focus
  By navalghost - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new in Mar 01 to commute between VA and CT plus a lot of around town. 87,500 miles latter Im just doing my first brake job. Other then oil and gas and the occasional windshield wipers Ive had no, repeat NO, problems. I had the fuel pump upgraded for free at 67K due to the recall, but it wasnt a problem yet. Could always use more power, but its got enough for commuting and I routinely get 30+mpg mixed driving. Oh, Im 62", 230#, so the interior room is GREAT for me solo. My three sons are all teen agers and the oldest is a big 16, so it does get a little crowded with all four onboard. Good enough car to give to the oldest for his first ride.

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  WOW - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By mach1daddy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  What a blast to drive... This baby handles and looks great. Real eye catcher. Chicks love it!

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  First Ford Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By aeccal47 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  So far I am very happy with my ford Truck. I have been a foreign truck owner and was very reluctant to switch to the full size ford vs tondra...cant beat the incentives. Two problems, fuel tank guage and leaky differential (covered by warranty) other than that excellent. I recently go 23mpg on trip to Virginia. Great in snow with off road package 4x4 and powerful 5.4L V8.

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  Hints to Ford Motor Co. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By torquay - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. My overall opinion of this SUV is very positive. I use this vehicle in my business and tow a 14 ft cargo trailer frequently with great ease. Basicly this is my mobile office.

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  Problems - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By razniqs - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several squeaks, bangs, and clicks that cannot be fixed. That is annoying. However, I really like the car - except for the gas mileage which is a killer! 16 mpg is THE MOST I have been able to get on the highway and with gas as high as it is - little car - here I come

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  Big, reliable but somewhat uncomfortable - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By bigtimebroncoowner - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Bronco since 1998. It had 45,000 miles on it and now (10/2004) has 114,000. At 60,000 miles I did many of the recommended service items. Other than that I have replaced the idler pully, change to man. hubs and brake shoes. Body wise, it has shown signs of rust in the typical places including the bottoms of the doors, the top and bottom of the tailgate and the leading edge of the hood. My bronco also has painted bumpers and they do show signs of time. Overall, this has been a great vehicle. It tows very well. The suspension is a bit tight and going done the highway the truck will jump a bit. This could be improved by changing to a different tire.