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:

• 

  2003 Mustang GT - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By R. Eggert - April 1 - 2:00 am

  If there is any moisture on the road, be very careful. If it snows, leave the car home, it is useless. It wont move in the snow. The power is nice, handling decent on dry ground, car looks good and sounds good. A fair weather car.

• 

  Dud Engine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By yard man - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Truck was great until the motor imploded. Research on the web informed me of 4.2/v6 engine problems with Ford. TSB only addressed lower gasket. Recall only fixed a portion of engines mfged during period. Water coolant leak into motor from upper and lower gaskets displaces oil in motor which results in total engine failure. Clues should have been coolant odor but never a leak on ground. When it happened, loud bang and clank under hood and continual pouring of white exhaust from tailpipe. Also strong odor of coolant from exhaust. End result, $4000.00 Jaspar replacement engine which is the same engine but with improvements of Fords poor design.

• 

  Reliable and powerful - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cssharkey - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 96 Explorer used in 98. Only problem with it was a sticky gas pedal ($80 fix) and "Check Engine" light refused to go off until fixed by dealer. Other than that, for the past six years its been just regular maintenance. My V8s got plenty of power - but not having 4x4 has hurt me a few times. Its a bit too light in the back in the snow/ice. But for decent conditions, this cars done been whats been asked of it.

• 

  cant complain - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ben Smith - March 31 - 2:00 am

  i purchased this car from a family member with 105k on it. At that time, the car had never broken down, and ran like a dream (especially w/105k). Every 3k, the oil had been changed and all maintance recommendations were followed. I would average 28+ MPG, even while i was driving like an idiot. After 130k, the transmission begin slipping quite often and fuel economy began to fall off quickly. I cant complain about the cheap parts and quality when an escort makes it to 135k.

• 

  Mustang GT Convert - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By TigerTim - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The car was purchased for my wife as a pleasure car and has been very trouble free. It is a decent choice for fun and economy.

• 

  not so satiafied - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By RMOsborne - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus is lacking in head room, visability to the right of center suffers because the rear view mirror is too low. The rear suspension is very weak. The rearend squats with only mild acceleration. The rear sags when the trunk has anything in it or when adults sit in the back seat. The brakes arent very good, we had to have the rotors turned 3 days after we bought the car because of a pulsating brake pedal. The car is nice looking and it is fun to drive partly because it has a sunroof and I like to drive with it open. The stereo is awesome (Mach audio w/cd changer).

• 

  Happy Hi-miler - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By holdenranger - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck has over 200,000 hard miles on it, and it still runs great. It never had much power, but it can do what it is called upon to.

• 

  2005 ZX3 SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By pwhopkins - March 30 - 4:40 pm

  Only 1500 miles on the ZX3. So far it is great. Fuel economy is not what I was hoping for, but after reading other threads on this, I guess averaging 29 is better than some. Car has plenty of power. Very fun to drive and handles great. A little heavy on the road noise, but better then Honda.

• 

  florida truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By jboneezer - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Excursion. We lemon lawed our 02 because of a thumping noise in the front end, unexpected stalling, and a several squeaks in the interior. Now we have a 2004, which has some of the same troubles. We still like the vehicle and have decided to ignore these troubles....for now.

• 

  Ford Truck Buyers beware - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By rfinglet - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 Expedition for my wife who wanted a larger vehicle for safety reasons. After owning the vehicle for 3 months the transmission went out. $2600 later were back on the road. 15 months later the transmission went out again. A freind has a 1999 F250 whos transmission went out 2 weeks before mine did. Another Freind just purchased a brand new 2004 F350. At 6000 miles his tranny went out on him also. Beware Ford parts are very expensive. Ford may claim they have the most popular truck, however, in my opinion, I will never by a FORD again.