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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  Not too bad - 1990 Ford F-250
  By rodneymackinnon - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I was ripped off when I bought the car (seller said it only had 75,000 miles, it actually had 175,000). Still, it had performed extremely well with minimal repairs despite rigorous abuse. The performance with the 7.5L is very nice, if youre willing to sacrifice gas mileage. The only major complaint is the idiotic electrical system. Every conceivable item has an individual ground that is connected to random bits of the frame. Really shoddy.

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  The only one for me - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Danny Cello - January 12 - 8:03 pm

  I find the looks of the LX Sport to be perfect. Not too much chrome, and perfect trim with the icing being the wheels. Strong look. Strong ride with amazing comfort. I dont always like where Im going, but I love driving this car there. I dont want any other car.

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  ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dreeves77 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  gas tank too small for the 4.0 liter V6stop all the time for gas ...great power

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By VANBEN - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger first a 1991 XLT it was a great truck and loved it, this one I like better it has more style better gas mileage and ride and came with a bed liner overall a nice ride.

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  Fusion hybrid support - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kinetics - January 11 - 10:26 am

  On 4/5, after about 500 miles, vehicle just stopped in traffic with all error lights lit. Towed to dealer. on 4/6 dealer notifed me that it needed a new processor but Ford "could not find one". On 4/11 the dealer installed processor but all error lights remain lit. On 4/13 dealer was "in contact with Ford Enginneering and working on the problem". This is not the way to introduce a new vehicle. I wonder when I will get a Fusion that runs!

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  GOOD CAR BUT NOT WORTH THE PRICE - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By AspiringTom - January 11 - 10:00 am

  It is a pretty good car but it has its good points and its bad points. There are some reasons that I am disappointed with this car. First of all the suspension has been terrible from day one. I can feel every bump in the road and thats no exaggeration. I didnt think it was going to be that big a deal when I bought it but over the years Ive grown to hate that about this vehicle. From a stop my Stang bogs down if I try to give it gas too fast. If someone is about to rear-end me I want to be able to get out of their way quickly. If I would have known what I know now about this car now I wouldnt have bought it.

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  2003 explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By julmar - January 11 - 10:00 am

  poor interior materials, they scratch even with a finger nail

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  Great all purpose SUV - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By gkjrs - January 11 - 2:00 am

  44000 miles and still doing everything I ask of it......

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  Bad Guilded Car - Expensive Repairs - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Trev - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has caused me much grief over the years. I have ended up spending as much money on the car as it is worth. Wheels alone cost $112 each! Every time I had to get the car fixed, which was often, it would cost much more than other cars, many times in the hundreds of dollars. Whats worse, Ford didnt respond back to my concerns on their website. I have had a horrible experience with this Ford vehicle and will never buy a Ford vehicle again. Im trying to sell it now just so I dont have to worry about repairs anymore. With the poor quality and high cost for repairs, I strong advise anyone NOT TO BUY THIS CAR. This car is just not worth the hassle.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Minimalist - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the basic model. The only extra is an AC. It is fun to drive. I love it. Easy handling and good gas milage (almost 27).