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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  Clutch--watch out - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jack - April 22 - 8:13 pm

  I might warn any one who has purchased an 06 GT 5 Speed manual to watch the clutch. I gear down a lot, and with only 1,500 miles on it the clutch is already starting to chatter. Back to the dealer. Other than that a fine ride.

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  2006 Explorer XLT 4.0 V6 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rick S. - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Driving this vehicle is like driving a big sports car. Very powerful and responsive. The engine is VERY smooth when idling. The cloth seats are firm and comfortable with good lower back support. The door handle takes a little getting used to. There are 2 minor glitches that I will take care of soon. Overall, it is one fabulous SUV and I hope it will stay like this for a long time to come.

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  My love/hate car - 1993 Ford Probe
  By goldengopha - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Maybe one of the most attractive cars Ford/Mazda has made. Handles great. Get the 5 speed as the Auto smothers acceleration and power. I love this car but be ready to shell out $$$ for *extremely* expensive parts. Paint is very soft, road noise is pronounced.

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  Twelve year old Ranger - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By nulpro - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable. Had 1 major repair second year that was covered by waranty. Not fast accelerating but good torque.

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  Nice Work Truck - 1991 Ford F-250
  By Maverix - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the basic All-American truck. It works hard, never quits, and truly is a utilitarian vehicle for those looking for something to drive, load or tow.

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  Shes a Great Little Truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By susiecreamcheese - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, frequent oil changes, no repairs until 103,000 miles when I replaced the brakes. Now, at 135,000 I put in a new clutch, replaced the timing belt and water pump, and were set to go. Engine compression is still perfect. This 4-cylinder truck has done a lot of long-distance traveling and still averages 22 mpg.

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  ford aerostar - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By thomas L - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have never had to do anything except the standard repairs..brakes, tires muffler,etc in 10 years..and with 60000 miles on it, its like new. I plan on driving it for serveral more years without any problem...

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  bulletproof - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By cbrett - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Full size Bronco is one tough vehicle. Terrible mileage (13-15mpg) and prehistoric design (unchanged since the 70s), but utilitarian and very safe and reliable. Not a good choice for long range commuting, but an excellent utility vehicle.

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  Perfect city car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By ifedulov - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The gas milage just amazing. Im getting about 300 miles on 8 gallons of gas in city/highway driving. That is almost 38MPG! Amazing car. My expenses so far are: $150 new exhaust, $140 rear brakes and 3x$20 oil changes. Oh and not to mention street parking. That is just simply the second best feature of this car. It can fit in any spot!

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  Mustang Nightmare - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mustangbr - April 18 - 10:26 pm

  I have had the car less than 2 months and it has been in the shop for repair 2 times. The passenger door continues to rattle, even after putting a new anit-rattle pin in the door twice. The passenger car door speaker had to be replace due to internal wire issues and the open and close door switch too. Also, they had to replace the mechanism that open the doors when you press the car remote. Now, I am having serious second thoughts about my purchase. However, I must say that my car dealer has really tried to fix all of the issues with the car. I think it was poorly built at the manufacture. I will be back at the dealer today, wish me luck.