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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  Rill good with awsome sound systenm and - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By brjdifjgkdjflkgjdflg - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Rill good the best of road vehicle in any of the ford class

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  Great Small Car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lavararo - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 1991 Honda Civic Dx with auto transmission. I am comparing that with my 1991 Ford Escort Gt Model.One thing that I like is the great gas milleage I get on it. In the city I average about 20 Miles a gallon and I live in NYC, lots of traffic. I like the suspension which makes the ride rigid but rather sporty. The car is equiped with a 1.8 L engine dual cam. It has 128 HP which makes it quite faster than the Civic. Even a brand new civic doesnt have as much power as my GT. Well, I purchased the car in Good shape, I only did minor tune up on it. I strongly recomend buying the GT.

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  Still buying Rangers - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By texasdriver - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Since 1990 I have bought 6 new Rangers and one used. Even though we dont really love the body styling, its still better than anything else out there for our needs. All of our trucks have been very dependable, plenty peppy for their needs, they handle better than any other pickup we have driven, and at over 30 mpg on the 2002 with the 2.3 four cylinder, its been a money saver. Excellent heater and air conditioner, smooth ride, seats really could be better, but over all a great choice.

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  Money Pit - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Exped - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ater 45000 miles, things started to go wrong. Transmission replaced, CD player replace, heated seats repaired, rear- end replaced. Thank goodness for the extended warranty or we would have had over $6,000 in repairs ove the last year. Lease is finally up, will not be getting another one.

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  Mixed Emotions About This Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ryguy - November 22 - 12:56 am

  Reading all the reviews, I feel lucky not to have so many repairs but I have had my share. My rear window power motor broke 2 times in a year and Ford wants $300 to fix again since the warranty expired. It has tape on to keep it up. Was hit in the front and back at low speed and held up great, cant say that about the Corolla that folded like a tent. Cramped front seat since I am 6 foot 2. I have 50,000 miles and the car hasnt had any major repairs but that is because I do routine maintenance and have a good mechanic. Wish car had more power and I wish everyday I upgraded to CD player instead of factory tape player. I thrash this car every day driving to LAX airport so it is my kick around car.

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  Nice truck - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By TLA2 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  My Bronco has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. At 97000 miles the engine runs strong. No oil leaks, all gauges remain in factory position. I drove it 2000 miles last summer and it just purred along at 70 mph.

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  Finally Got My Mustang - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By timinana - November 21 - 2:00 am

  The only way to go!

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  Fun American Rear Drive Muscle Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Bryce - November 20 - 2:13 pm

  My 2002 Mustang GT Premium Coupe is brand spanking new, with only 100 miles on it at the time of this review. This is my first Ford, so I cant comment on the reliability. What really drew me to the car were its styling and value. I love the exterior, but am not too crazy about the interior. The value is unbeatable; I couldnt find anything comparable in power or features anywhere near the price. Im looking forward to lots of good times with this American legend.

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  Love my SE - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By T. Shields - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for approximately 4 years. Have never had a break down or any major problems. I maintain it with full synthetic oil (Mobil 1) even with that I still change the oil every 5,000 miles. I perform as much preventative maintenance as possible. One of the best cars I have ever owned. It currently has 98,000 miles and is still going strong. Ford did it right on the 95 Taurus SE.

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  99 Expy Review - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By mhhurst - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1999 4.6 XLT 4WD Expedition. It is a very reliable and dependable vehicle. It was built solidly and has had very few trips to the shop for work outside of normal maintainence. There was one incident with the transmission at 30K miles. They dropped it out, flushed it and cleaned it. Put it back together and viola, problem was solved. Given they only had to replace the gaskets and the transmission fluid, I consider it an overall minor incident. 12K miles later my expy is still cruising along.