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 Truck! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By kwebsurfer2000 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great small truck. It was used when I got it and it is still running strong. It has just enough power to pull a small trailer if needed. It also gets good fuel mileage! I would recommend it for anyone looking for a small truck that gets good gas mileage and runs great!

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  1994 Taurus Wagon Review - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By bthbee - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is comfortable to ride in. It can accommodate up to 8 people with the foldout back seat. Things that tend to break are more unusual. Starter motor and ignition switch, window buttons,windshield wiper motor. We did have to have the engine replaced under warranty because of a drip from the oil compartment. I like the car and find that it is reliable. Id buy the car again. I have to say I dont like the redesign as much.

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  not too bad - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By sincenew - October 7 - 2:00 am

  under warranty had transmission leak, heater fan problems..and a speedometer cable problem..after warranty replaced the radiator and cooling fan, has been very dependable for 8 yrs.

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  My Mustangs perfect - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Lucys Desire - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my mustang, it was cheap...for the quality of the car. Its fun to drive. But its a teenage car. Its not too fast, and not slow enough to bore you. I think mustangs are very adorable looking and I would buy another one, but this time I would buy a Cobra.

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  Gets me there and back - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By JoseImenez - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used with 44,000 miles. It started and ran like new. Now with 63,433 mile sit still starts on the first turn of the key and gets me where I am going with enough power to make me feel like I am getting somewhere. I have owned a car from all major American manufacturers and Ford is still King of the Road. in fact I hate to fly places anymore since I would have to drive something other than my mustang. I have taken this car on 4 major road trips in the year I have owned it. It has never failed to get me there and back again.

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  2001 GT Coupe-5-speed - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By bunky - October 6 - 2:00 am

  A serious driving car. 5-speed, silver stallion!Fast, corners like a dream. Love this car.Sturdy, fast and safe.Handsome, like a Mustang should be. Wonderful music. I rate this car an A. Making driving fun!

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  Descent Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By SSsuperchargedEi - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has the 2.3 4cyl w/100hp and it is unbearably SLLLLLOOOOOOOW. But, it has been a great truck to drive and has proven good off road capabilities.

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  Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By weathernlu - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt be happier with my Expedition. All around great SUV and has been a pleasure to own so far. Especially love the roominess of the Expedition. Its got a ton of room, yet doesnt feel like a tank to drive. My wife went from a Escort to this and will never go back. Truly a great vehicle.

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  Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By askj - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It has been a reliable vehicle. It had a head gasket problem but Ford fixed that. Brakes every 40 - 50,000 miles. Nothing out of the ordinary. (except odd electrical problem, Ford wiring always seems to be an issue)

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  My 6th Taurus is the best yet - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By L/Bourgeois - October 4 - 2:00 am

  After my first five taurus I expected to do another transmissionb job and brakes on a regular basis, BUT this car has been great. Transmision shifts smothly and the brakes seem to not wear out so quickly. Fuel economy is better but the back seat entry puts your head at risk of hitting the rounded corners.