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 CAR - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By bluecluesgal - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I have to tell you this is the greatest car ever!

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  Starting to show its age/ - 2001 Ford Escape
  By darcy98 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Weve got 33K miles now and things are starting to go wrong. The drivers door is sticking, the car stalled at 45 mph and its getting harder to start in cold weather. Overall its a good vehicle, but I wouldnt get the V-4. Stick with the V-6 and dont pay more than $22,000.

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  Too bad they dont build them anymore - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By homeowner-commuter - March 12 - 2:00 am

  With 110K miles, it still runs like a scalded dog. Very fast, good pick-up and tight handeling. The styling is classic and still gets complemens from total strangers. Ive owned a 58, 72, ant this one. They were all great cars, but the 97 is "the best".

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  Great Vehicle - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By smurph - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This has proved to bea great vehicle for me. Its large enough to fit 6 adults comfortably. Has a very Large trunk for big shopping trips..lol... I have been driving it for 8+years now, and it has served me well. I got a great vehicle for a great price. I would definately recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Surprises after 50.000 miles - 1999 Ford F-150
  By B Scott - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Loved truck until recent maintenance. Anyone else believe that new rotors (deep rust pits), new headgasket and new power steering pump should ALL be required after only 4 years and 50,000 very easy (no towing, off-road etc.) miles? Wonderful vehicle turned into major disappointment.

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  Been good to us - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Dadto2 - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought our SEL just before our first was born. Now 4.5 yrs later we have 2 and the Windstar is still getting it done. Great family & Home Depot hauler. The leather has held up well and the carpet is very tough. We shopped for a new van/suv 2 weeks ago and didnt find anything that motivated us to replace the Windstar. I change the coolant, trans & PS fluids every year. Other than routine maint it has needed a MAF sensor, battery & tie rod ends. Our dealer returned it in 1/2 day each time. No cost w/ext warr. We ALWAYS buy them. Any late model vehicle can break the bank without one. The power doors are a great with an armful of kids, groceries, etc.

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  Price makes it better than imports. - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Jefferson Airplane - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I have not owned car long. I like most features of the car. The best is the price. Program car with 18,000 mile with only a one scratch for $9,900 before taxes. Car, tax, & title for only $10,800. Car has 3yr or 36,000 miles warranty. I like Hondas, Toys, and Nissians but I could buy two or maybe three Tauruss for thier price.

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  Convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Mark lob - March 10 - 6:43 pm

  Enjoyable toy

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  GZ - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By GZ - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good small truck - and a really cool look. Sooo many people tell me how much they like my truck. Looks like a 4 W drive, fun to own

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  I wouldnt choose it again - 2003 Ford Escape
  By cschaeffer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Pros - Easy to handle, good gas milage, and good stereo system. Cons - Noisy when driving, rides rough, accelerator sticks, cheap interior, doors dont shut all the way unless you practically slam them.