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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  Good Alternative to SUV or Minivan - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Nikko - January 10 - 6:10 am

  We purchased the Freestyle in April of 2005. We have found it to be a comfortable and easy to drive vehicle with plenty of cargo room. The CVT is a wonder. Good amount of responsive power with smooth handling.

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  2002 ranger edge 4.0 5Manual 2wd - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By hoopty24 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Had a 94 2wd with 4.0 and manual tranny. Bought a 2002 equipped the same way except with the sohc engine. The new edge has great looks and power once you the rpms are above 1500. The fuel economy is a little disappointing compared to the 94, but I only have 2600 miles on it. I like the interior with the rubber flooring and the 4x4 ride height is nice. This ranger has several improvments over the previous generation.

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  Seven Years and counting - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Pat5176 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in Oct 95, first year of redesign. A few problems most notably the windshield and door seals. Car squealed at 65 mph. Big transmission problems!. The first two failed with only 40K. The car would surge and the tach would redline, you werent moving. Two months and numerous trips to the dealer before they could finally duplicate the problem. The new (?) transmission lasted two weeks before doing the same. Transmission or the dealers inept mechanics? Last one lasted 80K when three modules failed, $2400 rebuild. Other then that weve gotten almost eight years and over 130K miles out of it. Disc brakes never lasted very long, always need the rotors turned.

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  Solid Car - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mikes t-bird - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a terrific car. My V-8 has plenty of pep and handles like a tru sports car. Other than oil changes and new brake pads, I have not had to do anything to this car. The body still looks like it just came out of the showroom. I would keep it forever, exept my family is growing and strapping babies into the back seat is a chore. Other complaints are that the car is awfull in any type of foul weather and cup holders are useless.

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  F250 4X4 SC HD LB DIESEL - 1997 Ford F-250
  By phasers - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Ive had a lot of trucks in my business, many Fords. My experience has always been a big truck with a little engine and lots of gears. Poor power to weight and constant shifting. The Navistar DIT diesel is definetly the way to go with a truck. When the turbo spools up, theres no catching it. Itll pull a house off the foundation and gets good mileage (for a truck) as well. There are plenty of chatrooms for Q & A on this setup if you have a problem, and the guys will give you lots of responses to keep it going.

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  read this - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By coolboarder1333 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  this car was a very good car and it was very dependeble. and you are able to get it for under $60,000 wow!!!

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  1998 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab stepside - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By secobra - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I am overall pleased with my truck. The 2.5L four cylinder is a dog and lacks sufficient power that you want in a truck, but thats the trade off for a 25MPG truck. The interior is friendly and quiet, although some of the materials are cheap. My only real complaint is that the rear end is far too light and the suspension "jumps" on rough roads and tends to feel that I am loosing control of the truck. The rims also require a special wheel balancer due to desing flaws.

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  Very nice car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Stefano Delnevo - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1996 mustang Gt last summer and so far its great no problems at all. Its a very fun car to drive. Only problem for thoughs who live were theres snow, you cant drive them in the winter so be prepared to by a cheap winter car.

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  05 GT Mustang is Solid! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By lassen54 - January 8 - 1:10 pm

  So far, Ive been extremely impressed with our GT convertible. It has a solid feel on the road without any noticeable cowl shake. The car handles VERY well for a convertible. I recommend using the traction control as it works well and will keep the ponies in check. The last thing you want is the rear end coming around on you! The motor is smooth and powerful and the automatic transmission shifts cleanly through the gears. The black leather interior is beautiful and the dash layout is very stylish. Dont expect to be too comfortable in the back seat for long distances due to lack of space. The top goes up and down easily, and the top material appears to be very durable.

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  Good buy for the Buck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By sil - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Good overall domestic vehicle... I have no major complaints other then I go through brakes like crazy!!! Fuel economy is nothing to call home about but everyone knows that when buying a SUV type vehicle...I tried out all the competitors and other then the Pathfinder backseat, I found it to be the most roomy and comfortable vehicle in its class...