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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  Eddie Bauer heaven - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By jmcruz - January 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is smooth, strong, and fun. Best of all, its a Ford!

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  ole faithful - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By kil - January 30 - 2:00 am

  ordered it brand new from the factory and have not been disappointed since. Had to put a new slave cylinder in and change the cluth, bit thats it!! Peolple have mentioned that the brakes burn out too quick, well, thats when the lifetime replacement guarantee at Firestone comes in handy. 94,000 and starts everytime I turn the key. The most dependable vehicle a person could ask for. when I finish driving this one into the ground, I could only be so lucky to find something as ole faithful. All in all, a great truck.

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  Best SUV out there - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Nick Burns - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I am attached to my Explorer. It has tons of room, a solid feel, great looks, reliability, and versatility. I have 92,000 miles on the car and it runs strong. Great in snow, and has never burned a drop of oil. No electronic glitches or pointless repairs. Easy to work under the hood, and cheap to fix. Lots of torque in the engine, and has a nice jump off the line. Nice sound system, and barrage of features all for a nice price. Needed few repairs, a starter at 85,000, and alternator at 89,000...but that was my fault (dont use power washer under hood). Awesome car, good work Ford!

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  Sexplorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By mibman - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. Drives like a truck

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  GIVE RANGER THE EDGE - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. T - January 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 extended cab is the first brand new vehicle Ive ever bought. The Edge styling along with the 4x4 stance gives it a lean, aggressive look, combined with the jet-black paint, although hard to keep clean, just cant be beat! The 4.0 V-6 has super pick-up and acceleration, and the 5-speed auto shifts smoothly. Off- roading is also a blast!

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  Never buy a new model the first year! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dennis Schumaker - January 29 - 9:33 am

  The body is a piece of junk. Door trim tore off because of missalignment. Both rear doors have ripples in the steel. Looks like an accordian. Box has paint bubbles. Key sticks in ignition most of the time. Locking rearend had to have clutch pack replaced. (chatter when turning) Transmission never shifts the same. First shift is either jerky or real jerky. Dealer said there was no problem. Heated seat quit working. Some things have been fixed under warrenty, but wavey doors and paint bubbles are still to be repaired. I know it will not ever be as good as it should be, after body work.

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  Never Again - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By rm17rm - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle itself is not bad. Its Ford that I would do business with again. They replaced the Firestone tires with Goodyear tires. They were defective, the dealer disputed it and refused to replace them. I threw them out, and paid to replace them. When I contacted Ford directly, I was informed I had purchased the best selling truck. In other words, tough luck. In addition, 4.0L engine, California emission = pitiful gas mileage, under 18 around town.

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  195K and its still ticking - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By UncleVic - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family vehicle. Spacious interior, comfortable long rides. Rebuilt heads @ 150K, liftgate air struts replaced, but otherwise very strong. Power good but not exciting.

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  Good overall - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By samnoe - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Now, after 12 months driving my 2002 Windstar, Im still satisfied with most of it. good ride, quiet unless you give gas, comfortable, but could improve (see below).

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  MUSTANG FOREVER - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By 67gt500 - January 28 - 2:00 am

  One of the greatest cars ever made. The 5.0L v8 gives it enough under the hood for any everyday use and then some. Gas is okay, if you dont drive an hour to work and back. I havnt had my mustang very long, and honestly its only my second car, but it has yet to fail me. Great buy for anyone who wants a less expensive car with real muscles.