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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  Fun to Drive On Road or Off Road - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Kona - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun truck to drive, gas mileage could be better but it is a 4 wheel drive. I have had a few warranty issues but Ford has fixed all, windows vibrate going down has been the biggest problem. But other than that it has and is a fun ride.

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  Excellent and economic car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Tommyy - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Its our 2nd Taurus and we think its the best American car and could be competetive with the Japanese cars. Engine is very smooth, powerful and quiet. Brake reliable. Steering improved a lot. Exterior design is cute.

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  Former Lexus owner - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Lee - December 15 - 8:00 pm

  This is my first Ford. Im a 36 year old woman who has always owned imports and sports cars; I sold a Lexus LS 430 and a Porsche 911 when I bought this car. Purchased it with 9k miles for $15k from my local dealer. I wouldnt pay sticker price (at $30k new) but for $15k I feel I have a safe, reliable, large sedan with real wheel drive and a V8. Is it as refined as my Lexus? No, but it didnt cost $60k. The styling is dated, but I dont mind people having to take a second look to see if Im a police car. The best thing about this car is that every time I get in it I am reminded that I have a lot more money in the bank than if I drove a "luxury" car. Excellent value!

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  Watch out Ferrari! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Jeffro - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the car has been great since day one. Put more than 35k in one year and it just wont die!

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  enjoyable - 1998 Ford F-150
  By kt3 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has been very dependable. no problems as of yet with over 84000 miles.

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  217,000 and counting! - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By The stRanger - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has been a great truck. Will soon surpass 217,000 miles with no major problems. Fun to drive. Good acceleration when downshifting to pass. Smooth handling for a truck. Capable off road and on.

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  Car is good - electrical system terrible - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By richardwliebert - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I love the car with one major glaring exception, the electical system is filled with Gremlins. Every time I take a long trip in the rain the electical system becomes possesed by demons.

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  05 GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew - December 13 - 5:36 am

  This car is fun to look at and fun to drive; if you buy this car you wont regret it.

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  2001 ford xlt expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By dlenhart - December 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in Oklahoma when we both had good paying jobs. We moved to Montana where good paying jobs are a joke. We are stretching money to continue to make payment on this vehicle as we really like it, but we dont know how long we will be able to afford it. Sure hate to trade or sell it. It has driven through ice, snow, fields, and mud since moving to this beautiful state, if you know what I mean. It is not 4WD, but handle itself like with feed bags in the back.

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  On Second Thought... - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Michelle in Columbus - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Well, first there was the recall on the dashboard part. Then the trunk was leaking, very bad. The board in the bottom of the trunk is forever warped. Then theres the weather stripping trim of the door that keeps coming off and I enjoy the whistle of the wind as I drive down the road. I also have more trim around the windows that keeps popping up. And now I have to take it in because of a loud humming or buzz I hear when its cold. Ive always driven Ford and never had problems like this. And these are more of an annoyance than anything, but I still wouldnt buy another Contour.