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 Basic Cars - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By humvee4000 - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Good Cheap Transportation. Never a single problem other then basic maintenance in 80k of driving.

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  Safety - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By happytobealive - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Yesterday I was involved in a serious accident with my 1999 Expediation. If it wasnt for the fact that the truck was so well built and the handling was so tight, I wouldnt be here today. The drivers door took the full impact and the drivers compartment was not compromised in any way. Both myself and my husband (who was driving) walked away. The truck was totalled and I am going right out and buy another!! Excellent truck!

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  Dont buy new! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By J-master-J - October 26 - 1:00 am

  This was my first Ford product. I was lured in by the 0% financing and its great looks. I always drive V-8s and demand rear-wheel drive. The Mustang had everything I was looking for. I did have some fit and finish issues and I wish the interior didnt have so much plastic! I sold it after 2 years due to a job relocation. I was barely able to pay off my lien! The depreciation was unbelievable. I paid $25K new and sold it for $17K two years later! Oh yeah.....dealing with Ford Motor Credit is a nightmare! Buyer beware!

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  best van ever - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ford dude - October 26 - 1:00 am

  I,ve had dozens of cars and this is the best Ive ever had for service, comfort, reliablity and fun to dirve on the highway.

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  TRUCK - 1999 Ford F-150
  By BOB MOORE - October 26 - 1:00 am

  I LOVE MY TRUCK, BUT HATE THE ENGINE CST ALU. BLEW A PLUG AT 45 MPH. DEALER WANTED 3500.00$ TO FIX. GETTING IT DONE CHEEPER!!!!!

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  Good Truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Beardg1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ford truck. The first a Ranger with over 250,000 miles.The F- 150 in the 5.0 version its more of a lite duty truck. It will tow pretty well,but can be a tad under powered. I would have opted for the 5.8 vs. the 5.0 if I had it to do again.A very comfortable truck,lots of room,excellent heat and a/c,FAST power windors and good brakes. Steering is a bit on the touchy side on the hiway.Repairs have been few and relatively inexpensive,with nothing of any real consequence in the last 30K(my ownership period)I like the truck and in 8-10 years when Im thru with this one Ill be looking for a "new" 2004. Hard to go wrong with a Ford Truck.

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  Contour - Drivers Gem - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Nolie73 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Contour is a Great Drivers car. With a V-6 & manual transmission it is extremly well balanced. They are very forgiving (neutral) if you go too fast into a corner. The 4-wheel disk brakes are very controllable,even without ABS (opt). My other car is a Corvette.. My motto "Its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow".

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  my tarus - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By boyddw2 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  no problems ever, will drive it anywhere

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  31s - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By shacha - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I got my 02 Ranger about 6 weeks ago. This is my 3rd ranger in 5 years or so. I just turned in a 99 4x4, 3.0 v6 flare side, for this 02, 4.0, 4x4. What a world of difference that engine makes, add that with the 5 speed automatic. After the firestone tires were replaced with those crappy crappy crappy Goodyear Wrangler RTSs, there was no way in H@!! I would buy another vehicle with those tires. The new one has the 31x10.5 BFGs. Very nice. Overall Im very satisfied with the engine, transmission, ride, and quality. The ford dealership leaves MUCH to be desired.

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  Ford-a-good-buy - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By First-Ford - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Even thought the look havent change much in a couple of year the small changes that had been made are nice. Ford have put more into the Quality the expolorer which I myself love I would like to have more Quality then added looks. The wider base and a more bold look it very nice. If you have child I highly recommed that you get a four door not just in a SUV but in any car you buy its always hard to put someone in the backseat of any car.