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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  Have you driven a Ford lately? - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Tough? - February 11 - 10:34 am

  I was skeptical to buy a Ford at first, but the salesman convinced me that Fords are built as well if not better than ever.and for the first "3 years or 36000 miles" we loved our truck. Got lots of compliments and it was fun to drive, other than the squeeky brakes. Then mile 36001 came along. Alternator, wheel hub. I do not abuse my truck. It is kept clean and has only been off road 2 or 3 times. I didnt think alternators went bad anymore. Not only do they go bad but they cost a bunch! I thought ok...$100?...nope $500!..Wheel hub...ok....$100....nope $300. Cant wait to see whats next...I am afraid to drive my Ford lately! Hate to see a U.S. company struggle...but "Quality is job 1"

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  One Fun Ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jill - February 11 - 9:26 am

  The Sport Trac is one of the most fun vehicles that I have ever driven. The exterior style is awesome, and the interior is very comfortable. It can hold up to 5 people, and still have room for hauling things.The ride is very good for a Sport Utility Truck. The gas mileage is not great, but everything else about this "truck" makes up for it. This is the first vehicle that I have ever fell in love with. I will definitely buy another one when the time comes.

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  Love at First Drive - 2007 Ford Edge
  By judymac - February 11 - 8:34 am

  Fell in love with this car the first time I drove it. Unfortunately did not wait for the 2008 model (would have loved to have Sync). Mileage is good for the size controls are relatively easy plenty of space for myself and family. Drives well on mountain roads. Mileage averages around 20 mpg with most of my driving done on mountain roads and city streets.

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  Love Hate - 2004 Ford F-150
  By tripht - February 10 - 11:50 pm

  I am a fan of Ford and I do enjoy my F150. However there has been some short cuts in the engineering of this truck. Ive had issues with the window motors, warped exhaust manifolds, replacing brake rotors after 42K and the rear end binding around corners. However Ive towed my boat from Seattle to Page, AZ and back with no problems.

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  Great car! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Rice_slayer - February 10 - 10:42 pm

  Bought my Canary yellow 1994 Mustang GT 5 speed from my brother in 2007 and have loved owning it. Not the fastest stock, but throwing in say 3.73s made a huge difference. The car has never given me an issue besides a dead starter in the past 2 years. I love driving the car, it is a blast and very comfy ride. That being said, Some interior parts seem very useless(ash tray). Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would never give it up unless it was for a better Stang

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By William - February 10 - 6:00 pm

  I never owned a Ford before but I decided to give a try. I bought in 2006 with 124.000 km on it and have had no problems whatsoever. Ive put around 55.000 km on it and still havent change anything, just oil and the belt tensioner. I like the car, comfort and I wish it would be better gas saver, but it is a SUV. I am thinking about getting a newer one.

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  A very good car - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Doug - February 10 - 5:03 pm

  Bought this car new. Currently have 175,000 miles and have had no problems. Replaced the tires and battery. I have not even needed brakes. 29mpg on the highway. I hope I can drive this car 400K.

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  F150 - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Frosty - February 10 - 4:02 pm

  This truck was the cleanest I have seen, average mileage, and in great condition. I am fully happy with this truck.

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  Good Car? - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Gary - February 10 - 1:55 pm

  We have been driving this car for almost 8 years. It has 220,000 miles on it, of which 185,000 we put on. The front rotors have been replaced twice, and a wiper clutch was replaced. Besides that just the standard belt, tires, light bulbs, etc. have been replaced. I commute 100 miles a day and have had no problems with its dependability.

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  My Ranger is no more - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By heeler - February 10 - 12:56 pm

  This was my second Ranger. My first was a 1992 single cab XLT with a then 100 h.p. weak 2.3 engine with a 5 speed manual. Very good truck for what it was. Bought my 02 at the end of the model year and paid 14,000 before tax for a loaded supercab. Very reliable truck that in its life only needed front brakes at 73k,two serpentine belts,two batteries,and finally at 92k the power steering pump started leaking and was replaced. Oh yea and at 65k one of the rear turn signal bulbs burned out. Usually would get 18-19 mpgs going to and from work and 21 mpg with the cruise set on 77 mph. The 3.0 liter engine coupled with the 5 speed auto is great. Last week I totaled her. So sad.