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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  more "premium" than expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By pooldude - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive just leased an "02 Explorer (XLT, V8, leather, moonroof, 3rd row, Sport pkg.), and left the dealer less than thrilled. I was disappointed at not being able to lease a more premium suv in my business, and I settled for good old Ford. Some 200 miles later, I find myself grinning alot, driving as much as possible, and wondering "WHAT WAS I THINKING???". My new sled amounts to nothing less than a combination of performance car, tow vehicle, mini van, trail runner, and stylin cruiser. Everyone admires and respects her. I think Im falling in love.

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  I love my Ford Excort!! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Dottie J. - January 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a dependable little car - easy to handle and gets good gas mileage. I have owned three of these cares in a row now, and I have found all of them to be very dependable. Routine maintenance charges are the only costs I have ever encountered in any of them.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!!! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By onehellofacutie - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I Got this Car as a Replacement to another thinking that Sence I got Sure a Great deal oin it I would keep it untill I found something that would be Better. But now I Would never Give it up. I love it way too Much !!!!

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  Well, its an SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By schmitty17 - January 16 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Explorer In June of 2006 with 71,000 miles on it. And now it has 120,000 miles on and it is Sept 2007. I have used and abused this car way beyond what any car should go through. And I have to say it has stood up pretty well, I have taken it on many many road trips. And it has only left my stranded on the side of the road twice, once dude to a dead battery and was in the middle of the Arizona desert and that almost killed but im still alive! And the second time was due to the transmission going out. Ive had spent about 4 thousand on repars and up keep, but thats not bad compared to some of the explorer horrior stories. and the other major repair done was the 4WD had 2 all replaced

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  The T-Bird is great! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By The man - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since 1995. I have found it to be an excellent car. I now have over 160,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Ive never had any trouble with it. I would love to have another one when this one is gone.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David B - January 16 - 12:40 am

  This is my first truck in 20 years. I moved from an SUV. The ride is excellent and feels more like a car than truck. But I have had a ton of cargo in the back and it doesnt even act like its there. Real impressed with quality and finish of truck. I see why Ford is #1.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily / Found On Road Dead - 2000 Ford Focus
  By First And Last Ford - January 15 - 5:13 am

  I purchased the 2000 Focus SE Wagon used Jan, 2002 with 4525 miles and had it 2 months. The car was in the shop more than I can enjoy it. Besides the recalls I had the headlamps replaced, Rear license plate bulb and gasket,Fuel gague didnt work: replaced the fuel pump and sending unit to get the gague to work, Power steering pump leaked, serptine belt made noise, transmission leaked, windshield washer fluid leaked out the top when driving around: (check Yours),the dealer replaced the reserviour and the cap. The dealer told me that it was overfilled. DUH! This will be my first and last Ford. Found On Road Dead, Fix Or Repair Daily, Driver Returns On Foot (Ford Reversed)

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  CLASSIC AMERICAN MUSCLE - 2003 Ford F-150
  By urbancowboy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  For a long time now Ive always wanted a performance vehicle with the capabilities of yesterdays muscle cars like the Chevy Chevelle, Pontiac Trans Am, and all of those mean Mopars. Well, the SVT Lightning is it! Its totally freakish when you get on the gas at say 50mph and before you know it youre leaving traffic behind as if they have stopped and started backing up!

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  okey dokey...except man. trans, AC - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By boobi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a economical, low maintence rear wheel drive trk. majot maint at 165K, new frt end, all (radiator ect) new cooling system, 4 ac systems have died(Seems poor desgin, get extd warr for ac)lacks pwr for long hwy drives, mechanic and i did not realize that pulling out the(for clutch replacmnt) stick shift made it seem like transmission was dead, despite putting it back in. We were about to get a new trans before a better mechanic reinserted it the right way. gd brks,gd elect sys,ok paint, fluid leaks are prblm. Spare tire just rots on holder. little noisy,

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  Good truck for the $$$ - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By cookees - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 2000. Put on an aftermarket cruise control.(works great). Have the 3.0 liter V-6 with automatic transmission. Outfitted with chrome wheels and a tonneau cover, I actually get some very favorable comments on its appearance. I tow a small ski boat and it seems up to the job. All and all Im pleased with this truck.