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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  a work horse - 1998 Ford F-150
  By cjfri - July 1 - 2:00 am

  we bought our truck used to transport out 2 tall girls around a car was to small but all in all our truck has done so much work for us. We put new bigger tired on it and it is a beauty, We love our truck.

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  Never Had One Problem - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mayday - July 1 - 2:00 am

  When we bought our Explorer, it was already 5 years old with 80K miles. Through a title check, we discovered that it had been a rental vehicle. Im not sure if it was the rental companys regular maitenance or the quality of this vehicle, but we have never had one mechanical problem with it. It is currently 109K miles and 7 years old, so thats pretty good! The only downside to this vehicle for me is the leg space in the rear. We are a family of four, & it gets crowded.

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  good value, great on gas - 1995 Ford Escort
  By squeebles - June 30 - 2:00 am

  a fine reliable vehicle for transporting kids and/or dogs around. This car has never left me stranded and I would recommend it to anyone at this price range.

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  Better than an SUV - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By LouisF - June 30 - 2:00 am

  As a single 40-year-old male, I resisted the idea of buying a wagon initially. The prospect of almost doubling my fuel mileage, while actually gaining cargo space gave me the push to try it. Having lived with it for more than a year, I wouldnt go back to an SUV ever again. The Taurus wagon handles so much better, gets so much better mileage, holds more stuff and is a much better value than any SUV in its price range. Im a true believer, though I still wouldnt call it a babe magnet.

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  Nice Looking Car- But Piece Of Crap - 1992 Ford Probe
  By PLAYBOY - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Well, I got my car in good condition, transmission died 5 months later. Parts for these cars are MIA- you cant find them anywhere but junkyards pretty much, so it took 3 months to be fixed. Constant problems.

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  2005 Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jim - June 29 - 9:26 pm

  I bought a 2005 Mustang GT and it by far is the greatest car I ever owned. I had a 2001 Mustang 5 speed and my new one is an automatic and I thought Id be missing out but the 5-speed transmission makes up for it. It is a very fast and fun car for an affordable price. The interior is nice if you get the upgraded interior package. It has a very comfortable ride for a sports car and unlike some sport cars it doesnt sit so low you think youre driving a go cart. I think Ford gets an A+ for this one.

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  I miss my 02 SEL Taurus - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vincent - June 29 - 2:40 am

  This vehicle dosnt have the power of my 02 Sel Taurus, you would think having the same motor this car would fly like the Taurus. The 3.0 Duratec in my Taurus would give you whiplash, but not my Five Hundred. The inteior isnt as roomy either, but Ill get use to it. If your tall dont get a Five Hundred without adjustable pedals, the seats dont go back far. I do like the message center, it can be convienent. The Audiophile stereo is better than The Mach that was in the Taurus. It handles pretty good, It has better tires than the Taurus (Continentals) which dont last very long. This car is new for me, bought it used, its loaded and Im sure in due time Ill own an 08 Taurus Limited.

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  Check out ZX2, better than Focus for now - 2003 Ford Escort
  By gkxp - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I like my ZX2! Styling being subjective inside and out and everyone will have their own opinion on it. I think the ZX2 is just better than the current Focus because it is MUCH quicker and that is fact! The ZX2 Escort to me is basically a car that has lived on for a decade ignoring the recent "taller is better" philosophy and is now a reliable, quick 90s car for sale in 2003.

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  1995 Ford Probe - 1995 Ford Probe
  By GeorgeH - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The 1995 Ford Probe is a very reliable vehicle. Other than the regular maintainence, weve had to invest very little additional money to keep it running well. The only problem with the vehicle is that it seems to wear through tires quicker than most other cars.

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  a few problems but the dealer made good! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By chevy lover - June 28 - 2:00 am

  car was great until 40k. loud squeal under the hood. took three times for dealership to fix it. they made good with a free loaner (which was an ses and i hated to let go back). Turned out to be a bad water pump (1st), check engine back on (2nd), tension pulley bad (3rd). i chalk it up to poor part quality from fords suppliers!!!!