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:

• 

  2k2 Ford Mustang 3.8v6 - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Justin G - May 12 - 2:00 am

  All in all, Ford has put out a decent enough commuter vehicle and/or fun- car. As an owner of the 2k2 Mustang, I can say that its stock performance alone leaves you a bit wanting... you LOOK fast, but youre comparatively slow. However, very little money needs to be put in to make this a sleek and stylish vehicle for your everyday use (Namely, window tinting). And for those of you who plan to put some money into your stang, the modification possibilities are incredibly vast... so you can truly make your stang personalized.

• 

  1st time Crown Vic Owner - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CJC03LXSPORT - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This car replaces an 11 yr old, 1992 Saturn SL2. It is intended to be another long term car (10yrs min). Very good highway ride with crisp handling, and surprisingly nimble around town too, thanks to the new rack and pinion steering and suspension improvements. Low rumble from exhaust during warmup indicates need for slightly more underbody sound deadening. Exceptional room in the front for tall drivers, but rear seat leg room could be better. Controls are well laid out and visibility is very good. Leather seats dont provide enough grip during hard cornering, but are reasonably comfortable on 4 hour trips.

• 

  Ford Tough - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By GO PACK! - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I am approaching 200,000 miles... as the saying goes, "takes a licking, keeps on ticking"... thats my Ford. Tough truck. Ive put a few bucks into replacing parts here and there, but its expected at 200K miles! I highly recommend this tank.

• 

  Pretty fair truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By JasonCOP - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks I get in this truck. I only wish the performance was as awesome. Its not bad, but not as good as I thought it would be knowing Fords record for performance.

• 

  OK Ride - Dependable and Easy to Drive - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Robert in Texas - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 SES DOHC was a rental bought at a dealer in 2002 with 23K. Had initial problems with brakes. Had rotors turned, then had them turned again about 20K later. Had fuel sensor replaced under warranty, idler pulley failed around 40K. Has been trouble free otherwise. Not exciting to drive, but is easy. Good smooth power from the 200hp DOHC engine. Transmission is a little clunky going from 3-4. Have 62K now and all is well. Will be a good car for my teenage daughter.

• 

  JCs car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By JCH - May 10 - 2:00 am

  The car doesnÂ’t eat that much gas and handles very well. ItÂ’s built pretty strong, IÂ’ve already gone through a fence and all it did is leave a scratch on the paint. the only thing I donÂ’t like about the car is that I have a standard Mustang and it doesnt have that much power.

• 

  98 Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Herb2453 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good ecoonomical car, however design in front for tall people not good. Because doors get into room of leg.

• 

  Great truck!!! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Wigginscpa - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Best truck I have ever owned. Truck has V-6, which is very strong for a V- 6 not great on gas, but fun to drive. My daughter (4 years old)prefers riding in "her" truck rather than mommys van. Will probably trade soon, to get a crew cab (most likely F-150).

• 

  Good Truck - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Justan - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Rides nice, mine is a 300 6, 5-Speed, decent power, not so good gas milage at the moment.. other than that sweet truck

• 

  124K...and still smiling... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By isabel - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Seven years ago, found my Eddie Bauer with 10K, loved the drive, the computer/systems check, the moonroof & cockpit style interior, Picked up the girls from practice and took it for a test drive. A thumbs up from the back seat - cushy leather, stereo controls, a/c vents, cup holders and plenty of cargo space for bags. Consumer Reports it a good rating, price was right...so we made the deal...seven years later I still smile everytime I get behind the wheel. Its been an extremely reliable and cost efficient vehicle and we still love it. Good design never goes out of style!