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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  93 - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By JFernandez - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the vehicle since 97". It currently has 148,000 miles on it and still runs and looks like new. Requires minimal serviceing (annual tune-up, rotate and balance tires, ect...)Have had no serious problems at all. Folks are constantly asking if I wish to sell it.

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  Solid truck - Ill buy another one - 1990 Ford F-150
  By Mason - May 28 - 2:00 am

  All around nice truck for work or pleasure. Pulls a 6,000 lb trailer as easily as it goes to the grocery store.

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  Very nice car, thanx Ford! - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By betz698 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  A very nice car. My Tempo takes a licking and keeps ticking. It has minor problems, AC is out, Alternator problems, some rust but thats about it. I went airborne in this car due to a huge dip, in the road and destroyed the oil pan, got it replaced but there was no other damage, I couldnt believe it. The car is very durable, got sideswiped by a mustang, only minor paint sceapes and trim damage, no dents.I think my tempo still has a couple years left in it.

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  Its A Good One - 2000 Ford Focus
  By paradoxdsf - May 27 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had good luck with my 2000 Focus ZX3, aside from 4 or 5 recall notices. Recalls are annoying, but none of the problems actually occurred with my car. Other than recalls, I havent had to take the car back to the dealership.

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  Junk Transmission - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Frank735 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice engine, terrible transmission. I have had aproblem with the trans since day one. Dealer said it was fine and now it has to be replaced. 88K and a new trans? The rest of the car is fine, basic transportation, no frills, no thrills. I almost forgot the power steering goes out after extended highway driving. Dealer comment "We cant see anything wrong". Ha!

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  A good little car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Axel - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very reliable little car. It is not functional as a family car or for long trips, but they can be done. It is an excellent get around town car and short trip car. It does get somewhat uncomfortable for trips 2 hours or more. The car never had a problem starting, it is a little sluggish in sub-zero temps (typical of 4-cyl.). The gas mileage is pretty good. The car is an excellent, reliable get around vehicle.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Sseth Aaron - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall I think it is a great car. I have basically had no problems with the car and it is very reliable. It has pretty good pick up for a 3.0L V-6. Great first car.

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  Rolling Ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Man-o-man - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Ranger since 93 and its been one of the most reliable trucks Ive owned. It now has 173000 miles and its still going strong. The only major repair Ive had was a hydraulic leak in the transmission 5 years ago. I plan on keeping this one for a lot longer hopefully.

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  2002 SPORT TRAC REVIEW - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JJRAINV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  VERY FUN AND COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. I LOVE THE LEATHER, THE FOUR DOORS AND THE SIZE OF THE BED WITH HARD TONNOUE COVER. IT IS A VERY SHARP LOOKING ADAPTABLE TRUCK.

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  2002 Ford Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By jl21 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. Very reliable and quick. I think the engine should be quiter though, like the toyota land crusier