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:

• 

  Needs more improving - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By shelbyman - August 28 - 8:53 pm

  All I can say is that I feel sorry for those that paid over the sticker. I didnt, and I am glad. The power is there, but you better get used to the first gear shudder that the dealership will tell you is a "normal" thing. Yea, sure. Just like the rear end rusting out is, as they say, normal, and will not affect the integrity or performance. Listen, when you pay $50K for a vehicle, you just dont expect these kinds of things, and, to make it worse, the dealer telling you that it is normal. I should of went with the GT. My bad.

• 

  Dream car revisited - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Kimberly - August 28 - 2:30 am

  Bought the Mustang for looks and performance. Not disappointed with handling, acceleration, and oh the sound! My only two complaints...the seat belt "receiver" is hard to reach and the interior easily scratches.

• 

  EXCELLENT CONDITION - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By RONN - August 28 - 2:00 am

  WELL, THIS TRUCK HAS REALLY BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR ME, HAS CLASS AND POTENTIAL. i HAVE TO SAY 1 THING IT NEEDS ALIL MORE POWER WHEN I TRAVEL UP HILL ITS A LIL BIT GUTLESS THATS MY ONLY PROBLEM, OTHER THEN THAT ITS BEEN A WONDERFUL TRUCK

• 

  No Worries - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By EricL - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had more Ford Ranger since mile 7 and it has been a trusty member of the family. It is the only car I own and I drive on average a hundred miles a day as a single working parent and rarely have to worry about "shiny" (as my daughter has named it).

• 

  you got to love them they need a lot of - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By jim wilson - August 28 - 2:00 am

  you guessed it transmition problems sliping leaky seals,bad placement for a cup holder,and front end parts replaced yearly,the doors are also too heavy and are all out of wack and dont close right,not a good car for the fix it yourselfer,youll spend alot of $$ on special tools

• 

  Warning... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Mr Smooth1 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 94 Escort wagon (70K) in 98 for my High school daughter. At 90K we lost the AC and paid about $1200 to replace. Since 95K, Ive had it in the shop continually with engine troubles. At 103K mi, an $85 diagnostic revealed a dead cylinder due to a burnt valve...needs a $1000 valve job. I sold it to a mechanic for $500. I suspect that my daughter burned up the engine (driving too fast, accelerating too fast, passing, gunning the engine) although I kept the oil changed every 3000 mi. Im replacing the Wagon with a 98 Escort LX sedan (47K mi), but this time Im getting a 5 speed. I expect the AC will fail around 80K.

• 

  Reliable truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By AZ F150 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I didnt like the body style of the modern F-150s, but when I saw this 4x4 I changed my mind. Two tone paint really accentuates the truck well. Very reliable truck. Not real great gas mileage, but none of the full size trucks do. The 4.6 is a little under powered and the captains chairs in the XLT arent the most comfortable, but there really isnt any one thing that stands out as a bad feature of this truck. Again, the truck just keeps going and will take anything I throw at it.

• 

  GREAT TRUCK - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Mark_in_California - August 28 - 2:00 am

  10 miles NEW ! 35000 miles, tires 65,000 miles, spark plugs 75,000 miles, PCV valve due to Service Engine lamp. 87,000 miles, tires and bought new 18" rims. 90,000 miles, Fuel injection cleaned and new brakes. 92,000 miles, spark plugs and wires due to hesitation when the engine was under load.

• 

  Good Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By megamorgan - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Good light work truck... good towing and hauling. Solid on long trips. Minor repairs neccessary on ignition and some seals... all covered by warranty. A/C could be better.

• 

  Overpriced - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Chris Edwards - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great looking convetible, but way too much money! My Sebring was just as much fun at half the price. I used to be impressed by the Jaguars too, but then again, it was pointed out to me that for $50,000 even Yugo can build a good looking car.