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:

• 

  1996 ford 150 sb - 1996 Ford F-150
  By rkw - August 20 - 2:00 am

  truck has been completely reliable, looks good, but lack of control over seat back angle makes it uncomfortable for long drives even though it has an adjustable lumbar support

• 

  Decent - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By cbrian22 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been very dependable. Only the alternator and the Speedometer has went out. The windshield wipers also quit working. I understand that the speedometer is a big problem in this model and getting it replaced is hard to do because of the risk of incorrect mileage when selling the vehicle. This car handles good and has ample power with good fuel economy.

• 

  Cool Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Cody - August 19 - 8:56 pm

  I have had excellent use out of my Ranger.

• 

  Ford Explorer Review - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By JOE - August 19 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my Explorer I loved it. Last year my transmission started to go out and its been downhill since. I have talked to a lot of Explorer owners and found that they also have had to replace their transmission for the same model.

• 

  Takes a Lickin - 1997 Ford Escort
  By CA_Kid - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, now have over 100K on it and it still runs great. Body and paint job are outstanding and the engine is extremely durable. Like most 4 cyl. cars, some power is lost when turning on the A/C, but it sure comes out cool! Windshield seems to have a design flaw, the padding keeps coming out. Otherwise I couldnt be happier with this little commuter car.

• 

  wheels always dirty with brake dust!!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By la - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Some added features are improvements, such as the fold down 3rd seat. the fromt wheels get dirty with brake dust in less than 24 hours, so the vehicle never looks clean. the message center in not convenient, nor is the brights-on sensor. i have often had my brights on and didnt know it because of the positioning of the steering wheel

• 

  Guess I am lucky! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By HappyContour - August 18 - 2:00 am

  My 95 GL 4-cyl. auto trans car has been quite trouble-free for over 7 years and 104,000 miles. The only repairs have been maintenance items, except timing chain replaced at about 80k miles for $185. Cant complain, the car still looks, smells, and drives like new. This is the longest Ive ever kept a car, and my wife really likes it, too.

• 

  OK, but youll want those 4 doors - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By B Newton - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad overall vehicle, but am really upset that I didnt pony up the extra 1500 for the 4dr model. The 2 door really does limit its appeal and resale plummets w/ the 2door compared to the 4dr model. Fun & quiet to drive, but the dinky gas tank always makes you on guard during long trips.

• 

  2011 Ford Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By MS - August 17 - 1:30 am

  Car handles well on curves. Accelerates nicely but needs a little more oomph. Gearing is a little awkward, the dual clutch transmission is a little jumpy going from first to second then down to first gear as if its trying to find the right gear ratio at speed. Emergency braking is excellent.

• 

  A Grumpy Owners Bad Dealer Experience - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Grumpy Escape Owner - August 16 - 8:16 pm

  Transmission failed 170 miles. Ford was attentive to repair. Dealers service was terrible in that the dealer took too long to repair and did not appear to know what to do. Dealer said vehicle would be ready at the end of the day and then calls three hours later to say engine removed and and vehicle would be ready sometime the following week. Extremely poor service from dealer and Ford needs to supervise repairs to assist the customer. Dealer refused to furnish repair manual information and allow third party inspection of transmission. Car returned with bracket hanging after 19 days. Ford needs to tell prospective purchasers that vehicle may have a long break in period of about 5,000 miles.