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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  Very Reliable - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By broberts - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1997 and it has been very reliable. I wish the gas mileage was better as my overall average is only 20. 27-28 on long highway trips.

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  Bang for the buck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jeff H - January 29 - 6:23 pm

  Good crash test scores and and a good Consumer Report rating was the incentive to buy. Only problem has been "check fuel cap" light that came on and needed a new sensor. Ford has aggressive pricing and makes this truck a good deal. A comparable Toyota would be 50% more.

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  rangers driver seat - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By army1 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  if you have anykind of lower back problem do not buy this truck the drivers seat is built with a hump in the middle of the seat and there is no way to get comfortable on long drives,short trips is bad enough

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  Review - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By E.Greene - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I,ve owned this vehicle for 3+ years and it has been an extremely reliable car. The car currently has 176000+ miles and I have no compliants. Only maintance has been normal wear and tear with parts resonably priced. Engine does not burn any oil even at this mileage.

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  A Steal of a Deal - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By BuckwildSLC - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car last month in the waning days before Christmas and have been more than satisfied. Leather, moonroof, 16,000 miles, and an extra 6 year powertrain warranty for $13,200? If youre smart, go to your Ford dealer and find one of the certified cars just as I did. Ignore sticker price (mine said $21,395). If you want to avoid the rental car look, opt for the floor shift, leather and moonroof and youll be sitting pretty. These cars can be found all over and as long as youre not picky about color (grey and white only), youll save thousands. As for the resale value, if you intend on keeping the car for 8-10 years, does it really matter?

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  Great Year for Reliability / Fun Factor - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Fox95 - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Just an overwell great car. Built great!! Just now starting to have problems with the car cause of its age only.

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  Accelerator sticks - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Esther Boyer - January 28 - 2:00 am

  The accelerator is too hard to push, not smooth, always jerky. Dealership says they have this complaint all the time.

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  Better than MINIvans - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By vegman - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 153k miles. Lost intake manifold second day($650). Since then has been a good vehicle, normal wear and tear repairs. Comfortable, very very roomy, terrific in snow. Will miss it when it dies. GM products ASTRO/SAFARI are not as good.

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  dependable/ good value - 1994 Ford Escort
  By island rose - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I get 28-34 mpg, have had very few mechanical problems, good stability in difficult, almost accidents. very inexpensive transportation for cost per miles, including purchase price. Has lots of room for hauling things around.

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  Lightning faaasssttt!! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By kwmrz - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Loved the ride home from the dealership... The Trans Am was demoralized. Truly a superior vehicle and hauls a 4X8 sheet of plywood too!