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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  Bad Gas and Service - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jeoddo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The car seems to be a good car, but the Gas Mileage is terrible. 19-20 mostly on the highway. Car the dealer and since computer doesnt tell them the problem they cant fix it. No help past that and customer assistance only logs calls. Trying to get further, maybe sometime someone may help. Would not buy another Ford with this service so far.

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By P.A. Nardi - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have not had a problem with this Explorer. IM driving it to work daily and through the snowiest of conditions in the Upper Peninsula of Mighigan.

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  LOVE OUR F-150!! - 1995 Ford F-150
  By DAVE - November 5 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM 2ND OWNER WITH 48,000 MILES, HAS THE 5SPD MANUAL TRANS 4.9 6CYL. ,GOES ANYWHERE IN 4WD !! SUPER SHARP GET LOTS OF COMMENTS ON APPEARANCE,BUT OUR BIGGEST GRIPE IS FUEL MILEAGE!!! 15 MPG IS THE BEST I HAVE GOTTEN!!I EVEN PUT MANUAL HUBS IN, NO CHANGE.ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED!! MIGHT HAVE IT PUT ON COMPUTER?

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  Contour Owner - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Skittlzz17 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just recently got the contour and so far i love the performance with it. The check engine light is on but not sure why. It does great on the highway and is very comfy!

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  Was never on my radar Screen - 2002 Ford Escape
  By RLDahle - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I had been researching, shopping and test driving for about three months to repalce a leased saturn. I drove everything from an Acura RSX to an VW Passat. Three weeks ago I was shamed into visiting a Ford dealer by my Brother-in-law who makes a living building the Explorer. I drove the escape and much to my suprise it was almost everything I was looking for. With 200hp it preformed very well It has more than enough room in the back seat for even my 63" frame (my sons will all be at least my size in the very near future). and it has an impressive supply of after-market accessories to make it stand out in a crowd.

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  Fun comes in small packages - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Deepwoods30 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my teenage son to drive. I fight with him over who gets to drive it. For the money, a great deal!

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  90 Supercab LB - 1990 Ford F-150
  By RPR - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After moving to Georgia from Florida in 1993, I had to buy a truck. The vehicle had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 140,000. In the almost 10 years Ive had the vehicle, I have painted it twice (Maaco). Replace both powerwindow gears, replace the alternator(this year), front brakes 3 times rear one time and thats it. No major mechanical work to engine or trans. Its been a good truck.It was used as a tow vehicle before I bought it and used to tow a car hauler by me.

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  Im now a Ford guy. - 1998 Ford F-150
  By ravenmaniac - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Up until now I have been a flat out GM man all the way. I desided to take a chance on Ford, since Ive had them as service vehicles for years. When I bought this truck it had 85000 miles, it now has 102000 miles. Even with the high mileage this truck is great. Very tight and sound. No squeaks, rattles, and other annoying noises. Havent had one bit of trouble. I will definately be considering Ford as well as Chevy for my next truck purchase. P.S. I hear a lot of complaining about gas mileage. I have a 4.6L and average about 17mpg highway, which I believe is very good for a pickup.

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  my probe gt - 1993 Ford Probe
  By probefrk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I first drove a gt in 1995,and i tell you what i fell in love with it. The car handles like a dream and acceleration is punchy 5 speed. I have only had 1 problem with my car a 25 dollar part thats it. Basic oil change and matience stuff.The mazda engine made the car what it is.If your looking to make it a street car all you need is a few modifications and your ready to go.

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  IF YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SUV GO EDDIE - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By GLENN COXON - November 4 - 2:00 am

  WELL ONLY ONE SUV OUT OF FIVE I HAVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED WAS WORTH BEING UPSET OVER WHEN IT WAS TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE AFTER THEY CALLED AND SAID THE LEASE WAS UP. MY 1999 EDDIE BAUER THE GREEN MACHINE.I LOVED IT AND IT LOVED ME ESPECIALLY AT THE GAS STATION BOY CAN THEY DRINK GAS AND AT $1.45 A GALLON ON AVERAGE IT CAN HURT THE OLD POCKET BOOK HAULING THREE TEENAGERS TO BUDDIES HOUSES AND SPORTS VENUES DAILY. WHAT THE HELL THEY ARE WORTH IT.ANYWAY WHAT A SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE I LOVED IT.