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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  I am a soccer Mom! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By mpr0823 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a van that stands out from the rest of the ho hum dodge drivers! I am extremly happy with it, My kids love it! And with the highest front crash test rating, who can complain!

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jerry Beltran - May 24 - 11:26 am

  Like others I shopped and shopped for a Vehicle primarily looked at the Acadia and similar cross overs. Finally decided on the Flex for the price and options. One major complaint is the poor quality or the paint job and body work it almost looks like the doors and side panels dont aline properly. If you look closely you can see allot of overspray and the quality of the interior carpet is horrible at best you can tell that Ford did not spend alot of time making sure that they did a quality job with the trim. Overall I love the car but would like to see Ford put a little more effort in the quality of the interior and craftsmanship.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By TEXAS - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Had a Chevy silverado and recently drove a Dodge 2002 ram for two days. The Ford supercrew with 5.4 in the best overall - mileage with power, room, ride, and comfort. Very pleased - 11,000 miles and no problems. Maybe get a Lariat next time.

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  Solid transportation - 1999 Ford Escort
  By MartinPawley - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive maintained the car, and it has performed well. The rear suspension needed to be replaced after a spring broke, but that has been the only mechanical disappointment.

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  dont by with high mileage!! - 1994 Ford Probe
  By spend big bucks - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I had bought this car from my sister. This car was my first car that I owned after getting my license and for the first year of driving it, I didnt have any problems. Whenever I wanted it to pick up and go it would go. But after I had owned it about a year and a half, things started going wrong. First of all, the car is made of cheap plastic. The side pannels are only being held on by cheap plastic screws. The upholstry is thin and rips easily. I had to replace all four tires($75 a piece), the water pump twice($150), the battery(which was only a year old), the catylitc converter($100), the radiator($125), and a few other things.

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  2000 Ranger XLT SC 2dr 2wd - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By stadanko - May 24 - 2:00 am

  My truck handles good for a truck, more like a car. I like the styling of the body without pinstriping or door trim. Gas milage is decent for a truck. The truck is generally fun to drive. I have had no major problems mechanically or otherwise to date.

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  I love my Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jackmichael - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Its 4wd performance (on the beach and on back roads) is excellent, even with not very aggressive tire tread. Even highway performance is pretty good. Only complaint is that ride tends to yaw too much, but this isnt surprising for a relatively short wheelbase car. All in all, the title says it.

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  Not bad...not bad at all. - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Chris - May 22 - 6:13 pm

  This vehicle is not something you are going to want if you are looking for the drive of your life, but if youre looking to have an economical vehicle that looks pretty good, then this is the one for you. I did have a couple proplems with some of the features when I first got my car, but Ford was more than happy to fix those up for me. All in all this is probably on of the best cars Ive owned. I enjoy the smill I have every time I fill up my gas tank.

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  Wonderful experience. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Cletus slackjawyokel - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new have had only one problem repaired under warranty. Great vehicle, great towing, good fuel economy (come on it is a behemoth it takes fuel to move it.)

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  Ford ranger FX4 LevelI - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By coolhead03 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a Ranger with the level II package. I need a truck for work to haul equipment from job to job and also like to off-road some witch is the reason i bought the level II. For work and commuting I have found this truck to be on par with all the other vehicles in its catagory if not better. But the level II really comes to life when off-roading. The aggressive 31" BF Goodrich tires coupled whith plenty of ground clearance and full protective plates for piece of mind allow the ford to tackle trecherous approch and deparchure angles. The 4.0 litre powers you though deep mud and snow steadily.