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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  Loves the abuse - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By chacharelli - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has the 4.0L V6 and 5 speed manual. Purchased when I was in high school in 1997 with 55,000 miles. It was my first vehicle, so of course it was abused early in our relationship. Now, with 120,000 miles - it just wont quit. Still gets 21+ mpg highway, and the torquey engine has not faded. Replaced the clutch at 85,000 but that was the only major repair. Reliability is almost unbelievable.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Christina75 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! It drives smooth, but the size of the car could use a V6 instead of a 4 for power. This car is very roomy compaired to the Toyota Carola I test drove. I like the shoulder belt in the middle great safety for my children. All in all, The exterior, interior and safety features was a big plus. It did have two recalls on it that no one had ever fixed: heater blower resistor and connector, and the front spring shield.

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  Had to get rid of! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By riders - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Hated to do it, but after numerous problems with the 4wheel drive not disengaging, I had to get rid of my vehicle. I loved that SUV, and had owned the first 1996, absolutely loved it, too. Very disappointed in Fords "focus" on correcting my problem after my trying to resolve the situation since 2 weeks after I purchased. Only kept vehilce for 2 1/2 months! Regret the problems, and regret having to go to a GM product! Could not stand the brake dust all over wheels, and down side of truck...espcially a white one!

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  2001 F150 Lariat Super Crew Cab - 2001 Ford F-150
  By GEL - February 17 - 10:00 am

  A few complaints: the shoulder strap on the seat belt rides too high even though I have adjusted it and am of average height; the leather is already wearing on the drivers seat and the vehicle only has about 32k miles on it, and the arm rest is too short.

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  First Time Buyer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By First time Buyer - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This was my first car I bought on my own, right after college. At the time it was the perfect car for me. IÂ’ve had the car over a year now and itÂ’s still in excellent condition and IÂ’ve put over 22k miles on it. The sound system sounds great and itÂ’s a smooth and comfortable ride. Just wish the engine was a little faster, doesnÂ’t have much of a pick up. IÂ’ve now become bored with the car, and wish it was more appealing to an early 20Â’s market.

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  Love It - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JAR - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus. I bought it used with 9000 miles and it is now at 36000 have had no major problems and only minor things that where covered ie: spark plug wires and a belt. Take care of this care and it will take care of you. I do all my oil changes and follow the maintance schedule to a T. The best car Ive owned.

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  1st Time SUV owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By UrtDog - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Im a female owning this vehicle and I just bought it not to long ago, and had already had to replace the raidator and the egr sensor, but thats the risk of buying a used vehicle, yet so far Im impressed on the vehicle that I have. needs and owners manual.

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  Fun Car - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Bessie - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I got this car when I moved from PA to NC. One of my gripes, no air conditioning. It has been very reliable getting me around town and on road trips. Its been from PA to FLA and from NC to PA many, many times. I have 69,000 miles on her now, and weve only been to the dealership for oil changes and fender bender fixes. I have been sandwiched between two cars in a nasty accident two years ago, and my car is still going strong. It would be nice to make it up an incline at a decent pace, but it just allows me to enjoy the scenery a little more. Overall, great car. Im going to miss it when I buy new. Especially the gas mileage.

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  This is not your fathers sho - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By James H. Murray - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have been a sho owner senice 1997 and it has been a love hate relateshoip since day one. The car is one of the fast best looking fun to drive cars on the road. But on the other side of the coin unless you enjoy turning your own wreches you will be your meches best friends. My car eats front brake like they are made of paper. About once a year I have a problem that I must take to my mechice to fix(crank pos. senor,clutch). But be side that it has been a great car to own.

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  2003 WINDSTAR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jhansen - February 17 - 2:00 am

  GOOD PERFORMER TO DATE, SAFTEFY FEATURES A PLUS, I.E., REAR SENSOR, AUTOTRACTION, SAFTEY SIGNALS WIFE AND KIDS LOVE THE RIDE AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM.