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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  Decent - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Steve - March 8 - 6:59 pm

  All around a very decent compact truck. Off road traction is very good, perfect for work around a small farm. Much less road noise then i expected. Gas mileage doesnt seem to add up to EPA, but still very good for a truck. The biggest problem for me is the lack of leg room makes it uncomfortable for long ride.

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  YOU CAN TOW WITH A FOCUS!!!! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By pythonkiller - March 8 - 4:00 pm

  Almost didnt buy my Focus because they couldnt find a tow hitch to fit it, but did at the last minute. I pull a retro-looking hard side trailer filled with my possessions as I move across the country for my work (wildland firefighter). Total weight 1500 lbs and the car pulls great. Only had to downshift a couple times up the passes in CA. Sync is cool! Just hope it doesnt crash like my microsoft laptop, but so far so good. One negative is a weird gap where the trunk meets the rear quarter panel, no leaks but it may be an early assembly glitch. (I got one of the first cars of the line) My baby has been from MN to FL to CA and back to FL in this year alone, all pulling the trailer!!!

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  Ya Baby - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By MGSoldy - March 8 - 2:58 pm

  Weve owned the car since November and continue to be impressed with it more as time goes on. Fun to drive, plenty of power, front seats are excellent, built tight, looks great, lots of extras, terrific value for the money. At 50 years old, Ive owned well over a dozen vehicles in my life and this Fusion is my favorite by far. Its a welcome suprise after all these years.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By escape guy - March 8 - 2:12 pm

  We have really enjoyed our escape the last month. We got a great deal and for the money we couldnt have asked for a more useful SUV. Its great for us because where we live there isnt much room to park. We enjoy camping and the wilderness so the 4x4 will work out great for that.

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  John - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By John R. - March 8 - 9:56 am

  This car is the worst car I have ever owned. There is over 10,000 dollars of repairs sence I purchased this car. The transfer case went bad twice. The Shift differencial twice. Front and upper ball joints. The break system had to be completely replaced. Roters worp. The rear end had to be rebuilt after 30000 miles. The transmission slips. The rear window and locking system had to be replaced. The rear trunk plastic cracked.The leather seats cracked after 4000 miles. It rides rough. I only get 11 miles to a gallon, 12 on a trip. The speekers crack. Ford Motor company, you ought to be ashamed of your self for putting a product out like this. If it wasnt for the extended warranty I would be in big trouble.

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  Best SUV Todate - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By mark heacock - March 8 - 12:44 am

  Ive owned a 1986 Chevy S-10 Blazer and a 1979 K-5 Blazer and this SUV by far is superior. I bought the Bronco in 1997 with 48,000 miles. It now has over 225,000 trouble free miles, the only major work was a water pump replacement at about 180,000 miles. The turning radius is unbelieveable, interior room is cavernous, have used this vehicle to haul kids, camping gear, loads to the dump (like a truck), will tow anything Ive hitched to it (Class III hitch). This vehicle has done every and anything Ive required of it. The only draw back is the fuel mileage.

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  the true american dream. - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By WV94gtKJL - March 7 - 11:57 pm

  i have owned my 1994 mustang gt for close to 4 years.it has 200,000 miles on it now and counting on original motor{although oil changes are religious}. it has jegs headers,offroad h pipe,flowmaters,under drive pulleys,bigger injectors,luke pro gold racing clutch,3.73 gears,rebuilt world class t-5 transmission,bbk cold air intake,msd distributor and coil,a jet module and no smog pump! the car runs excellent.i have only had to replace the tranmission{my fault} and the a/c pump.i run the hell out of my car and street race it and it takes it in stride.its very reliable and also use to drive me to work 1 hour each way.starts in -4 degree weather. doesnt over heat.wont blow up!

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  GREAT - 1998 Ford Escort
  By tink - March 7 - 8:58 pm

  I bought this car used 3 years ago i had to do very little mechanical work the major thing that went wrong was the timing jumped i am getting ready to buy a 2nd ford escort if that tells ya how much i loved this car my son(teenager) drives the one i bought 3 years ago and loves it i would reccommend this car it very realiable and trustworthy

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  Dont Waste Your Money!!! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By mike - March 7 - 7:00 pm

  Buying my 2000 Ford Taurus SEL was one of the worst financial decisions I have ever made. Sure, the price was resonable for a 2-year-old Taurus in 2004, $9,500. However, I have spent at least $5,000 on repairs since: rear springs, main engine seal, wheel bearings, ball joints, emissions control assembly, break overhauls, heater malfunctions, etc., and it just failed the MA state inspection for emissions -- again! The 2000 Taurus must have been manufactured with the cheapest parts available. Yet, I must admit the the 22-valve, v-6 engine is powerful and well-build, and the front crash tests rated 5 stars. Unfortunately, at 130,000 miles, I should have sold the car years ago and cut my losses.

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  Will Never Buy Again! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By sonybomb - March 7 - 6:54 pm

  Problems since day 1. Replaced all 4 wheel bearings, door ajar light is on all the time and there is no door open! Peeling clear coat around windows. Now tranny is slipping like crazy, cant wait to get rid of it as soon as I pay it off!