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 Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By pjp158 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  No Problems at all great truck

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  2007 Ford Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By idylhour@gmail.com - March 18 - 11:26 am

  Although Ive only driven 800 miles, the Edge is a superior automobile to my 2002 Escape. I truly believe that Ford hit a home run.

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  Reliable Transporation - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By TonyH - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This has been a reliable family vehicle. The only problems with it were covered under warranty. We are extremely happy with the Battlefield Ford of Manassas, VA for all our service work.

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  Amys review - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By amy40 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my T-Bird for a couple of months but so far I absolutely love it. I cant wait to drive it every day especially as a convertible. My husband bought it for my 40th birthday and he compared it with the Mercedes and the BMWs, but he liked the T-Bird the best and so do I.

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  My Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Halle - March 16 - 1:06 pm

  The Escape Hybrid looks great, is comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage compared to my last suv. I wish the fit and finish were a little better. Quality of materials on the inside is on the cheap side but still looks ok. Ford skimped on things like lighted vanity mirrors, auto door locks and more convenient audio controls. Apparently the Escape has a few common defects which are disappointing that Ford continues to ship them without resolving the problems (seat belt sensors and air bag module). My new car sat at the dealer for 6 days during my first month waiting for a part. Now it is happening again. Also a problem with brake rotors.

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  Awesome little run-around! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By adambrunetx2e - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My mom bought the car in 1997 and the only money she has had to put into it was basic maintenance. It was mainly used around town but is great on the highway as well. It is now my college car and a lot of miles have been put on it, and has always been driven very hard yet runs amazingly. The body has always been poor but mechanically it cant be beat.

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  Problems that should not be happening - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Tonyhca - March 16 - 2:00 am

  At 45k miles, Ive already had to replace tires (primarily due extreme feathering on front left tire...or front suspension/steering/alignment problems from the factory?) and brake pads. Pulls hard right after brake replacement. About 50% of the time electric door locks dont respond to the keyless entry pad, clicker or door control. Misc. interior plastic coverings falling off. Finally, 10.7 mpg is frustrating, especially with California gas prices.

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  Reliable Truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Arty304 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a good basic reliable compact truck. I own the 4 cylinder 2.3L model with a five speed. For the higher elevations of Colorado its a little underpowered, but around town and the plains its fine. A good quality truck.

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  The American Tuner Car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Michael10012 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 2001 Mustang Convertible for about a year now and I must say it is a vast improvement over the boring Front-wheel drive sedan I owned before. The power with the V6 is adequate, though not stellar--but a few aftermarket performance parts can solve that problem. The car is also surprisingly sturdy, handling a collison with a toyota pick up with minimal damage. By far its best attribute is its agility.

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  red toy on rampage - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By red toy - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck does everything I need it to do. I have hauled other trucks (lol) and boats, camping gear, never has a problem. The bed is a little smaller than my last truck, but fits almost everything. I like the pep, and drive it pretty hard. The color is great, and I like being so high above the other cars. I have had trouble with the tires and oil pressure sensor though.