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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  Did I Make the Wrong Choice? - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By CraigS - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Since our son will be the primary driver we got the 3.0 V-6 not the 4.0. The 3.0 runs really rough at idle, took it back to the dealer, they said that is normal. The service manager recommended we go with the 4.0 next time, not what I wanted to hear, since I just bought the truck. So before you buy, make sure the engine has a smooth idle, or you are going to live with it! Other the engine concerns, we like the truck, carries two MX bikes with ease

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  very reliable van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By jthiel - October 3 - 2:00 am

  we are the second owner of this van. had 89000.mi on it when we bought it and it now has 123000. with no problems at all!! everything works good, its comfortable, roomy, easy to drive and always starts. we did put a battery in it and brakes but thats it for the 4years we had it. i really dont want to part with it but the miles are getting up there, even though it is in excellent condition, i think its time. the only thing that does not work in it is the passenger window recently decided not to work.

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  More than you paid for - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Roadkill - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Been driving this car for 50,000 miles and havent spent a dime on it except for regular maintenance. Alas its too weak to drive on the highway with more than one person in the car, but if you spend most of your time in the city, you cant do better bang for your buck. Highway fuel economy averages to 35 mpg.

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  Learn to love - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By MannyJV - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Like most Fords I have a lot of mechanical problems with my Bronco, but I wouldnt want any other vehicle. I plan on building mine up and keeping it as long as possible.

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  Very pleased - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By ACE - October 2 - 2:00 am

  When comparing used expedition to used yukon or tahoe, the expedition took the cake for comfort, usefull interior, and just plain more plush.

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  Not to shabby for a compact - 1995 Ford Escort
  By ChevyMan - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I am only 16 and this is my first car. Dad bought it because it was $300 expecting to do hardly anything to it but someone street raced it and it was stolen therefore we had to buy a new clutch, ignition, door lock, spark plugs, tires and speed sensor(thanks to potholes in west virginia that busted both front tires and sensor). It had pretty much brand new brakes on it but they must be cheap because I have hit them hard a few times and they just dont grap hard enough but the pedal is nice and stiff. It can handle like a dream since the guy upgraded the struts and it can do 60mph on a 25mph rated on ramp(thats the fastest i have tried). 32-45mpg

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  This is great - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By street king 17 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a little while and i still like it my buddy just bought a new nissan truck and he hates it....I think the 3.0 in this car with 93000 miles has more power than his truck.I really like how comfortable the inside is....its much better than the cavilier i used to drive

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  For being a Ford it is actually good - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By ChevyMan - October 2 - 2:00 am

  We got this Taurus GL with about 55,000 miles and after like 2,000 the belt broke and we found out that 2 pulleys were completely frozen. But after that it did great. It has taken a bunch of abuse but the biggest problem with it so far would probably be the belt problem and the rear driver side power window motor frooze(which has happened to many Tauruses over the years). It has a pretty good amount of power for a car its size, great when passing, smooth ride, and tight making it great in corners. Very reliable no more problems and it runs better now(with 178,000) the when we got it. And to think this is the company that made the Ranger(horrible truck)

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  My First New Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By cozmos - October 1 - 11:46 pm

  I love this Sport Trac even after 5 years. It is very comfortable in the front and back seats and I still think it is the sharpest looking truck on the road. It also has plenty of power for me. The ride has some choppiness and side to side rock that I dont like. I have had no maintenance yet.

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  Fun Little Car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Gretchen Huiras - October 1 - 9:00 pm

  I love my little car! Its super to drive in the city and comfortable to ride in on longer trips. I can drive for two weeks straight without having to go to the gas station, and for a single person, it is the perfect size. It has enough power that I can run the AC with minimal affect to the engine or gas tank. It has plenty of room for three people to sit comfortably, four being a little tight, but it is possible. It has been very reliable with only the 3000 mile check-ups bringing me to the dealer. It does well in both hot and cold weather and handles well in wet weather as well. As it doesnt snow in Savannah, GA., I cant comment on that. The stereo is wonderful. Its a fun car.