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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  Ford Exp. Limited - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kelvis - May 12 - 7:36 am

  Great SUV to have as far as the space, look, and comfort. I think this is a great vehicle. The only concern I have is that the truck runs very loud as far as the engine is concerned. Everything else to me is great!

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  Great inexpensive car. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Sara @ UGA - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a GREAT car for a student. I spend practically nothing maintaining it. All I pay for is gas (and its great on gas) and oil changes. And its SUPER RELIABLE. My biggest problem so far is leaving my lights on! And even then somestimes it starts. I would definately reccomend it to anyone who doesnt want to spend a fortune on a car.

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  Great Truck no problems - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Ed OSully - May 11 - 2:00 am

  The only problems i had with this truck were ones i caused myself.

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  owner of two - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Carl1 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This a good car for children and for the dealer. I have 120k on the car and have had all the major problems: transmissions @ 40k and 110k, head gasket leak @ 60k, warning lights, abs problems, etc. Fortunately, the car has never been found on the road dead. Also own 2000 model no problems yet @ 30k

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  1998 Ford Escort Sedan - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Christina Williams - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Reliable. Good gas mileage. Dependable. Great trunk space.

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  Good Choice - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By RRMan03 - May 9 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this brand new with 4 miles. I have never had any problems except for the poor quality factory tires and of course the brakes and rotors. I have had 2 sets of pads and the rotors turned at 64000. Now after changing to Mich tires LTX at 30000 miles and new pads and rotors turned at 64000 it drives as new if nor better. This truck has been from TN to Idaho 4 times.

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  A good car for the price - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Lawrence - May 9 - 11:06 am

  Although the design is now several years old (2005 "freshening" was insignificant), its functional and offers a fun driving experience. Great for tall folks (Im 62") and super in the Ottawa winter, thanks to traction control and heated seats.

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  Awesome Car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By piper1979 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has been through thick and thin with me. Never had a major problem. It is pushing 200,000 miles and will be with it until it dies!

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  Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By bob clavet - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Great on trips. Great off road. Great in city.

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  I like my ZX2 ok - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Nicole Jordan - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Well, if youre wondering what the purpose of the ZX2 is and how its superior to the Focus ZX3, Ill tell you... its a great looking car. People look at mine all the time and say that they cant believe that its a Ford Escort. But its performance is limited. But then again, its a very inexpensive car thats obviously made to look good.