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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  great truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Anvil - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I buoght this truck with 12,000 miles on it. It now has over 260,000 miles and is still running strong. The only problems Ive encountered is a transmission problem caused by an oil change place leaving the fill plug loose. Very expensive repair, but trouble free since then. This truck is so reliable I find myself taking it for granted.

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  Good SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JPoon - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Very impressive acceleration. 0-60 is very quick! Handling is precise and quick. Took it on a drive over the weekend to visit CA caverns, tried the 4WD feature. Very nice! Handled the steep highway hills very well too. Very responsive transmission. The 3rd gear goes all the way up to 80mph!! Dun screw with this car on the HWY! Braking is very stable and quick! The seats are abit hard The wind noise at high speed is quite irritating and there is some rattlng noise here and there. The license plate has 2 screws and when hit a bump, the plate just slaps on the metal making very loud noise.

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  they got it right - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By 3ChordSig - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Got my Explorer used off of a lease, now have 175,000 miles on it, itll go another 25,000 without too much trouble. I think Ford got this one right, its a toss up between buying a new one and rebuilding this one!

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  Good Quality Truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Skiing Pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for almost 8 years and put about 150,000 miles on it for a total of 193,000 mi. It has been a great truck, my only complaint is the size, but I guess that is why it is called a compact. Had to have the Trans. rebuilt about 20,000 ago, and other minor wearable parts. Milage is about 14 city, 16 Hwy. Overall great 4wd small truck, great off road, can get many places full size cant

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  03 GT - Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Dan24 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  They should of put more toys in the car, but other than that, it is a sweet car...

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  Great suv - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Steven Buchmann - October 16 - 2:30 pm

  There are problems with the radio display failing, but its a pretty easy fix if you have time to learn how to repair it. Other than that Ive experienced absolutely no problems with the vehicle.

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  My first Explorer 1995 - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By frank2369 - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first s.u.v. and i have a PT Cruiser 2001 too but i always take my Explorer in the week ends to go to the country love the space.

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  Problem Car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By realmc - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Contour SE with the sport package thinking that it was going to last me a while. Unfortunately, the trunk developed a major leak which the dealership couldnt fix after 4 tries. The leak was so bad, mildew began appearing in the car and the metal parts inside the trunk began rusting. Ford Motor Co. was no help, the dealership had poor service, so I had to get my state attorney generals office involved. Sold the Contour within a year and took a huge hit on resale. Will not buy a new Ford again.

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  Not a bad car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Mc - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Just sold a 94 that I bought 4/01, and drove for 17 months and 36K miles, got back 2/3 of what I paid for it. Was going to buy an 02, but went for a clean (69K miles) 97 instead. Figure on driving for a year and getting back close to what I paid. The 94 was a great road car, hope the 97 does as well.

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  My 1998 Taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By BGRAY - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The kids and I enjoy long drives on the weekends in the Rocky Mountains. There is plenty of room for all of us and a few friends. The Taurus hugs those mountain curves with no problem and the engine is up to the challenge of the hills.