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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  I always wanted an Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Fergie - March 7 - 2:00 am

  great for hauling family around, fire wood in the back, and beating up the woods in S. Indiana.

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  1995 Taurus LX Wagon - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Stape - March 7 - 2:00 am

  There have been a few reliabilty issues including two alternators, the air conditioning compressor and the radiator. The motor does not burn a drop of oil. I have seen a lot of bad press on the transmission so, I am getting nervous. The ABS system performs flawlessly. I like the fact that it also has rear disc brakes (an option on the sedan). There was a problem with a plugged catalytic convertor at 50,000 miles, but Ford of Canada covered half the cost. I replaced the struts and shocks at 80,000 miles to improve the ride. The 3.0 liter is the better choice than the 3.8. Better fuel economy and better reliability.

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  Used SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Blaise Mikau - March 6 - 1:40 pm

  i was looking for a sports compact. However the focus SVT was nowhere near the top when i was deciding. the Eclipse, Tiburon, and Mazda Protege 5 were my top choices. However due to a mix up at car max the car i wanted was no longer there. So i looked around. I had heard good things about the SVT to i took a chance. as soon as he open the door i was in love. The leather trim seats were eye catching. Once he started it, the purr of the engine was beautiful. i test drove and was sold. the SVT suspension is surpieror to and other STOCK compact car. This along with the Kit and Exhaust tip, saved me alot of money on visual upgrades. I put a AEM shortram and my cruise speed went from 80 to 90.

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  Second Childhood - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MarkO - March 6 - 2:10 am

  Once owned 68 Firebird convertible and recently turned 40 and couldnt resist. This is a nice and fun reproduction of the original. I bought the Pony Package V6 convertible in Windveil Blue and am very happy with it. A good value vehicle for the money.

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  Only thing to drive - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By TeresaD - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 118,000 - all highway miles! Since then, I am still driving the thing and have 195,000 miles with more to go. Yes it has had its share of problems - primarily electrical, but nothing major. Leaks, yes, but what do you expect with that many miles. Id drive it from coast to coast & never bat an eye. Like it so much, keeping it & buying another Explorer!

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  Gotta Luv It - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Fordlady - March 5 - 4:46 pm

  Well I have had my escape since May 2001 and I Love it. I have had a few problems though with the Alarm and Key systems. They had to replace the "brain" of the car soon after we took it home bc of a malfunction with the digital key system. The wind noise could be better but I dont notice it too much bc of the great stereo system. All in all a fun and safe car to drive that has its minor flaws.

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  Expensive to keep - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Roamer - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine truck (when it runs & the "ck engine" lights arent on.) Lots of problems (after warranty expired!) w/alleged water leakage & spark plug/coil paks going bad. All very pricey to repair. O.D. "off" switch broke. Manual lumbar adj. broke. Dealer service poor. Tends to "wander" on freeway despite alignment & tire change. Rear wiper works erratically. Beautiful truck too bad it doesnt measure up to my old Suburban. Mileage w/4.6 better than expected- about 16-17 hwy.

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  still a good car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Tawnya - March 5 - 2:00 am

  we bought this car used and found out that it had been wrecked.I have had no real problems with it it drives great it is very fun.I would not recomend this car if you have older kids not enough leg room in the back,I drive this car every day and I love it.besides I feel like a teenager when I am driving it.

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  The Crew Hauler - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By DaLokC - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I am a married man with 5 children. The Windstar was our first choice for safety above anything else. We decided to pay a little extra for some extra equipment, but the cost have been well worth it. We dont hear the kids complaining of being uncomfortable, and most of the time they are asleep before we even get out of town!!!!

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  Second Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Max H - March 3 - 9:30 am

  I own a 2006 Focus, and previously owned a 2001. I drive two 2005 Corollas as fleet cars at work, and must say that I consider the Focuses better in absolutely every respect: fit and finish, handling, interior design -- in every way. I do not know where automotive writers get their biases from.