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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  Second Taurus for Me - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cag1970 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Having already put over 114,000 miles on a 1989 Taurus GL, purchasing a 1998 Taurus SE--which had seen life as a service loaner and had 39,600 miles on it--was a no-brainer for me. The car is a workhorse, no question. It rides well, it looks good, and its got plenty enough power to get me going down the freeway. For the money, this Taurus is tough to beat.

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  1996 Probe SE - 1996 Ford Probe
  By ENPeterson - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned My Probe SE for two years now. I have yet to need anything except two new front tires and regular routine maitainence. There is not a whole lot to complain about with this car, coming from the Mazda base, how could there be.

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  92 Ranger - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By DAO - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought it at 92000 miles, have driven it to 130300 miles and only had to fix a small problem with the fan, an exhaust leak at the muffler, and at 129000 miles the manual shifter is getting stiff. I hope the newer models are as good since I am sure to buy my 4th Ranger.

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  Solid Car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By RogerL - August 27 - 2:00 am

  It is an all around good car...especially for what you can buy one for used. I have had mine for over two years and have had nothing but routine maintenance and have averaged about 22-23 mpg.

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  real head turner - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jayv - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Ford T Bird is A real head turner. Has a fairly good ride.Needs a little more horsepower.It has an excelent sound system. Needs a little more leg room.I see the T Bird as a very classy roadster.

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  I Love My Stang - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By MustangQueen - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my stang and i cant complain..... DRIVE IT LIKE U STOLE IT...

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  ford - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By ana - August 26 - 2:00 am

  In general works fine, needs power steering fuel,done some work thru the years

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  Great SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By GregS - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer has been quite reliable, never had anything break on it. Got rid of the Firestone tires, now happily running Michelins. I used to live in Colorado, and the 4WD worked fine there, though the front wheels were skittish when making tight turns with 4WD engaged. Here in balmy Southern California, the sunroof is always open and the air conditioner works well. Im starting to have wind noise around the drivers window. Also, the front left speaker drops out now and then when I go over a bump. Overall, its been a great SUV, a huge improvement ofer the 86 GMC Jimmy it replaced.

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  My First Ford - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Bryan13 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I was always a Chevrolet man until recently. I became a pretty good shade tree mechanic thanks to a 96 Silverado I had. So this time around I decided to give Ford a try. I am Very Happy I did because it has been the best riding truck I have ever owned.

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  Love my truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Boatfrk - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The truck is s smooth as glass, I like the enterior a lot better after I took out the Mickey Mouse jump seats. seats are 60/40 I probably should have gotten the buckets.Gas milage is not as advertised!