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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  incredible!!!!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Toby Carpenter - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most incredible vehicle I have had the pleasure of owning. I have had one other supercrew and other F150s but this is the cream of the crop. When the supercharger whines to life, it is better than sex!!! It is great pulling up beside a new Dodge or Chevy and watching the other drivers jaw hit the floor. Ford definately hit a homerun with this one.

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  Think Twice - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By RMCass - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I purchased the SUV in March 2001. We previously owned a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We decided to opt for a smaller SUV. Now, one year later, it has approximately 12000 miles on it and, basically, the truck is falling apart. The rear wiper works when it decides it wants to work, the interior control buttons for the windows, etc. are falling off, falling through the holes amd the car is already starting to stall at only a year old. The handling on it is horrible - when you hit a bump or pothole, the whole tale end "skips". Basically, the truck fish-tails when you hit a bump or pothole doing more than 20 MPH.

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  Wishing I bought a 4 door Explorer... - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Mario - October 25 - 2:00 am

  For my lifestyle, I should have purchased a 4 door Explorer. Its a pain in the $#@! to put my child in the back seat. Dont even try putting an adult back there. Its tough. An adult will have a real difficult time climbing into the back seat. I like the engine and trans though. The vehicle is very peppy! Wind noise can be very loud when driving on a windy day however. Lastly, I dont like the fact that my new 2002 Sport looks like a 1991 Sport. The body hasnt really changed in 10 years! The Sport needs to be redesigned or discontinued from Fords line up. It is very outdated.

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  transmission failure at 50 k miles! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Billy-Bob - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle provides quite a bit of utility. Less "mini" than some of other vans on the market which means more space,but tighter turning, parking, etc. Lots of wind noise with this van. Been reliable until transmission completely failed at 49,000 (21 mos.). No warranty relief and massive repair bill.

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  Fords nightmare - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jimmie - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Recalls, bad bearings chewed up tires, rattles and knocks over bumps, I thank god every time I drive it (my wife is the primary driver) that it is a 2 year lease. Hate the slow diming interior light. I am Fords worst nightmare, have entered my peak earnings years, kids college is done and after 13 new Fords I am going to Toyotas. Drip, drip, drip, the steady loss of market share.

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  Old beater - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By spalding - October 24 - 9:58 pm

  I bought my Tempo as a work car from a friend of my dads. I had planned on getting a new one but the plant a worked at shut down. I didnt change the oil for 1500 miles. The electric door locks dont work but the manuals still do. After realizing I was going to have to keep it I changed the brakes calipers and drums. Charged the air conditioner and flushed the coolant system. Changed the oil and flushed the engine the old fashioned way with kerosene.The front drivers side was then hit at a light and I bought a new single fender and bumper from a junk yard. The fender doesnt match but who cares. The thing wont die! Very well built and dependable car. Great mileage.

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  Legend among 4WD vehicles - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By jasmith1982 - October 24 - 8:20 pm

  Even though this SUV is about 16 years old, it still blows the doors off some of the best vehicles out today. Excellent design. Great towing capabilities. Its a workhorse. Having the government-issue fire marshal suspension and drive train is amazing. EEC IV system works great, as long as the connections dont get wet and the computer doesnt get corroded. The ECU (computer) is a hassle to replace. The dual shocks on each front wheel gives a smooth ride. On average 12-13 mpg in town. Most mechanical parts interchangeable with ford F-series. Parts are readily available.

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  Mustang GT Convertible Review - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By mustang1 - October 24 - 5:23 pm

  Car has been fun to drive and is generally dependable. Have driven Hondas for the past 10 years prior to this purchase and noticed a significant number of quality issues with the Mustang. Little squeaks, rattles and general small parts falling off or out of the vehicle. Dealer calls it normal wear and tear.

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  My 2005 Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Haverson Disk Jockey - October 24 - 9:46 am

  My Mustang is fun to drive, has very great gas mileage, and between me and you, can beat anyone other car around.

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  you get what you pay for! - 2011 Ford Transit Connect
  By siz113 - October 24 - 2:01 am

  OK $23,000 for a van so, you know. Bought it today, seat seems comfortable. Need it for a small business and to tote an almost adult kid or 2. 4 cylinders and I could bearly get up a steep hill with only me in it and no passengers or payload. That scares me. Probably wont return it, cause I traded in my car. Shoulda shopped more! Yes, turning radius good. Ugly too. Still mileage good. Price good. Little scared about being able to get up to speed on highway or change lanes. If I cant get up a hill at 25 miles an hour, what will happen on the highway?