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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  I Love This Car, So Far - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By eem150 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an 1988 Taurus, so this 95s my second one. Ive also never owned any other cars. I really like the car, it has good power, its comfortable, and its large. The spedometer is up the creek without a paddle. The lighter also got stuck in the push-in position, kept heating up. I panicked and picked it out, dropped it on the carpet, lost it under the seat while the carpet burned, then threw it out the window. Other than that, no major problems ... yet.

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  Great car - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Danible - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely a wonderful, fast, nice looking, awesome, great car. I love it very much.

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  ranger rob - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Robert Harvey - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a commuter. A small 4 cylinder truck meets my needs for travel as well as giving me the flexability to do chores around the house (mulch, dump, loam, etc.) In addition, the Ranger is a nice looking truck (rims,wheels,chrome bumpers, etc.). Dont quite understand why the engine requires 2 spark plugs per cylinder...if it is for extra power in the four cylinder?...it is not happening! Better combustion? Salesman did not know!

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  v-6 power ???? - 2000 Ford F-150
  By mashit - October 21 - 2:00 am

  bought the v-6 5speed 3:55 gears xlt extended cab.no problems except little miner things.rust on bottm of tailgate,after setting parking brake,then releasing it,truck will shimming until i stop completly & back- up.gets about 20-21 m.p.g.great for an everyday driver.trany gearing is all wrong.too high.bring the granny gear trans back.i do pull a car trailor and fullsizederby cars with it.it will pull it but it works it.bilt ford tough.wouldnt buy v-6 again.no torqe at all.would definitly buy another ford truck.this is my 4th.

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  Ford Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Woodshoes - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Rides well and handles well.

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  Nice looks bad engine - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jason1973 - October 20 - 3:46 am

  Actually I have a 98 F-150 but everything is the same on the 2002s I like the looks of my Ford F-150 but Im experiencing what Ford calls piston slap and Ford would not do anything about it. Learn your lesson from me and dont buy a truck for its looks because when I start it up in the morning it sure sounds like a ugly truck. Do your research to see if the problem was fixed.

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  best car eve made for reliability - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By steve64 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Mine was actually a 1988 LX five speed with a/c. I bought it used in april 1997. I bought it with 192000miles on it. It never gave any trouble and I drove it to 234000 miles. It had the original engine, clutch, etc and was a great car. The car never used oil between 4000 mile intervals! The coil went bad at 234000 miles. The mechanic I took it to put water in the engine and cracked the piston. Jerk, he ruined the best car I ever had!

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  Focus Points - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bill Brown - October 18 - 4:03 am

  I needed a vehicle for my sales job (I carry chemical samples). The Focus Wagon fit the bill to a "T". Spunky car. It is definitely spartan (interior) but the car more than makes up for it in performance.

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  Sapphire Blue - 1995 Ford F-150
  By amarok3 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the second flar side Iv owned, and am pleased.

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  Love the Ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Jwish - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first truck and it drives better than any car i have ever had.