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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  2001 Cobra Conv. - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By NJCobra - March 25 - 2:00 am

  2 words....Adrenaline Rush. This is the most fun car I have ever driven. A combination of class and power.

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  Who wouldnt buy this - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mike - March 24 - 9:56 pm

  Getting just under 36 mpg average so far. I cant believe that a car this ample gets better mileage than my Chevy Prism (a.k.a. Toyota Corolla). I actually feel sorry for most car owners when I look around parking lots. One nice trick that I have learned is riding the brakes a little when descending a hill. Keeping the car under 40mph will keep the IC off and youre charging up the battery at the same time. With the federal tax credits and PA state rebate, the car doesnt cost any more than a regular Escape. I was able to get the supplier X discount, which was about invoice for the car. Its better, its cheaper to own and it costs the same as a regular Escape. Who wouldnt buy this?

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jennifer - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Over all the car is pretty good. It was my first car, and brand new there are just a few things I would change.

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  Good car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By DutchAZ - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2000. Its held up well (but not great) and has been good transportation. The fact that its stylish and performs well doesnt hurt, either. As a convertible, its as solid as anything else on the road today (at least in the under-$30k market). The interior is great - its comfortable and it has solid ergonomics. That being said, I dinged the interior a couple of points because of cheap materials and appearance. All in all, a great car for the money.

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  1999 Ford Ranger XLT supercab - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Troy D - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck since May of 2003 and have put about 25,ooo miles on it. It now has 47,780 miles on it and the only problem before now was with the battery cable. Now however my front suspension is creaking and squeaking (about to get checked) and my right rear speaker just out of the blue is busted. Overall it has been a good truck and will hopefully continue to be after these issues are fixed.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By RJRamos - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the comfort and style T-bird brings to driving. Performs on a dime.Does need more trunk room. When handling on the road this car size and weight is more comfortable than many other cars in its class.

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  1999 Windstar LX - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By F.O.R.D. - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 83K. The front end has had problems since day one. I had bad pinging caused by leaky intake manifold gaskets ($1000). Rack & Pinion went bad ($600). Rear window leaks. Dealer installed remote keyless entry has never worked properly.

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  Me Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By J30rdesign - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my truck. I was told to just keep the oil changed and I would never have a problem. Well they were right. I have driven this truck hard, beat it up and it still wants more! Great Truck

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  One Fun Car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By phlibber - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new and 8 hours later, I had my first speeding ticket. What a fun car to drive...with a radar detector. Interior fit and finish is lacking and the convertible top allows any and all outside noise to enter, but thats where the Mach stero system shines. It drowns out all the outside noise while you put the car through its paces. The V8 provides plenty of zip. We had a 6 cylinder version of the 1996 Mustang for 4 years and it struggled to get out of its own way. In my opinion, the 6 cylinder version of this car is a big waste of your money. Be sure to include an extra $250 for a good radar detector.

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  Love It - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By M. Christlieb - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the Explorer. For the most part no major problems, knock on wood, just little things here and there. Nice performance, pretty good handling considering, and great look.