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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  Work Horse - 1991 Ford F-250
  By MB - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 1991 F250HD for 12 years now. I use it primarily for hauling building supplies & firewood, and winter (snow) driving. I take this work horse back on the logging trails deep within the forest in the mountainous regions of the Sierra Nevadas. The engine is so powerful you dont realize you have an extremely heavy load. The brakes are undersized for this capacity, especially if you are decending from the higher elevations and using the brakes regularly.

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  Good Car - Great Handling - 2000 Ford Contour
  By JE - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for about 6 months. I never had any problems with it and liked it. I got in an accident and was hit on the front passenger side door. Fortunately, everyone was perfectly fine (including the front passenger) - maybe that is a testament to the safetiness (the car was considered totalled - yet still drivable).

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  I like my Taurus! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By goldenbeauty - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I was apprehensive about buying an American made car but the Taurus has performed beautifully and there has not been any problems with it, even considering the fact that I bought it used-a 1999 in 2003. A very comfortable car and a smooth ride. I would highly recommend, with any used car, to buy a warranty. I did just in case and so far havent had to use it. Id rather be safe than sorry. This is a good car with a lot of features with out the insanely high price tag. Feel good about buying this car.

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  fast car - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By boneybunion - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at 18 and loved it. The only thing is that its a little plain and square. The one thing that i do know is that you can burn rubber quite easy with it and it can go 130. I would also reccomend getting a better stero. This is a great teen age guy car and will get the ladys.

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  Reliable T-Bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By JoePa#1 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I had the ignition module go out, $300 dollars-dealer, and the Mass air flow sensor go out, $110-I changed myself. The car hasnt had an alignment in 4 years, and it is still true, and I beet the crap out of the car. Extremely comfortable ride. Traction control doesnt seem too effective. Great head and leg room for us tall people. Over 75,000 and still strong!

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  An excellent small truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By 97rangerfan - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been an exceptionally trouble- free vehicle. I just wish I had opted for an extended cab. The Ranger is fun to drive and maneuvers like a car. The heater can really keep up on the coldest days. The A/C is more than enough to keep one comfortable on hot humid days.

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  I dont hear much about mechanical issues - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Carol - January 17 - 8:20 pm

  I dont drive my vehicle hard by any means yet I have had numerous brake problems, ex. rotors and calipers replaced on a vehicle that was only two years old at the time. I have had a windshield leak in the drivers side corner which the dealer could not seem to fix. My brother actually took it to work one day and fixed it for me. I have had the rear wiper motor quit after one year and I barely used it. I hear squeaks and rubbing all the time when I am slowing down to stop yet the dealer cannot find where any noise is coming from. Buy another Ford, I think not! And this was the first brand new vehicle I ever purchased. Older models certainly were made better than the stuff out there now.

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  Electronics Stinks - 2003 Ford Focus
  By LIONDRAGON - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 5 months. From the first week it has been in the shop SIX yes 6 times for the same problem. The "check Engine" light keeps coming on then goes off then comes back on!!!!! The battery light goes on and off. The traction assist light goes on/off, on/off. Hey, Ford techs do you ever check the wiring harnesses before putting them into the cars???????? Even the horns worked when "THEY" wanted to.......

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  Ol Faithful - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mjordahl - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I pick the Ranger based on its price, value and its rating in Consumer Reports. It has really been a very dependable truck I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Some cheese with that whine? - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By sshowell99 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Rear end whines between 50-60 MPH, excessive wind noise, passenger side window. All other aspects are great, e- mail me if you have the same problem and lets get Ford to fix.