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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  I really like this car - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By michaeltpo - January 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car when its been properly maintained. The car needs A SHO repair expert to get any the work done. Any work will be fairly expensive but worth it. It has an incredible engine and smooth accelleration, it is roomy, comfortable, and handles well on windy roads. The brakes are underrated for this fast car which weighs @3500 lbs so they need to be replaced relatively frequently. Gas mileage is poor in the city but decent on the highway. Overall, a very inexpensive used car to acquire that can be a bit expensive to maintain but actually worth it. Excellent passing skills and a great long distance cruiser.

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  not bad, but still needs work - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By youllneverguess - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I got this on a lease and generally, everything seems ok. The V6 power is great compared to 4-bangers I had in the past. The cargo doors are very useful, although the drivers side doors didnt line up correctly and the cargo door rubbed against the chassis. That pesky door ajar light comes on now and again, even when the doors are soundly shut. The 4WD works well and the shift dial is great for on-the-fly shifting. Ford needs to pay more attention to body assembly. I might buy another one--or maybe not.

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  Piece - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By LiLcUtEsHoRtIe - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had so many problems out of my car. I have had my air intake replaced, my window motor replaced my throttle body replaced, my rpms will go up by themselves while my foot is on the brake they have replaced the part once and now are saying that the problem is my driving not the car. My car has been in the shop more than i have had it on the road, and it is sad that Ford cant be competent enough to fix it.Consumer reports said that the 01 and 02 mustangs were the worst ones made and the ones with the worst problems. Well if anyone has had these problems email me and let me know it would be helpful.

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  A Classic - 1995 Ford Probe
  By 95ProbeBase - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Probe, is an excelent car, why did Ford discontinue the model... No sales, why you ask? The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) never developed a Probe SVT and they were not advertiseing them as much as they should have. It is a great looking, preforming (GT), and Handleing car. If they came out with the Second Generation Probe again, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

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  nice - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By kkc04 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Slightly underpowered but vehicle is not used to tow anything other than the family around. Very solid road feel and drives nicely on the highway.

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  got 2 - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Timothy77 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  bought one of the explorer for my daughter liked it so much I bought one for my son if we have no problems I would like one for myself Tim

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  98 Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By smedley007 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Car runs great... is flawless performer.

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  not so happy - 2005 Ford F-150
  By richard alexander - January 11 - 5:10 pm

  When I first got this truck it pulled hard to the left during braking. it took 3 months for them to fix the problem. It has 3 vibrations, 1 in the motor they say it is normal per Ford. They replaced the driveline, they rebuilt the rear end replaced the rotors, the calipers, brakes, and changed something in the fuel economy system. It now gets 16 mpg, through all this I still have two vibrations and a wobble at 35 mph. I now have a different mechanic looking at it. He says it looks like a driveline problem and motor vibration, and something to do with the transmission, due to the 45 to 55 mph vibration.

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  oxcursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By brad summitt - January 11 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck. it pulls my camper everywhere i go. gas mileage really stinks. (12.2 avg)

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  Pretty good SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By FlyingLow - January 10 - 2:00 am

  After year 3 (warranty expiration), we braced for any breakdown. Apart from the differential gear seal leak and one set of new tires, weve had no problems (major nor minor). The leather option is starting to show its wear (once I added lotion to my elbow, it stop wearing down). Great kid car.