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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  MY XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By BCBard - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck. It is perfect for all I need it to do. Not too big and bulky, as the gas sucking testosterone laden trucks out there. It carries my family and I comfortably, all 5 of us. My family and I enjoy its versitility. We use it for fishing and camping trips, the shorter, smaller bed being just the right fit for us. This is a great compact truck.

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  Fun to drive! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Chad Williams - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it this year new. It had 74,000 miles on it. I now have about 96,000 miles on it. About 5,000 miles ago I had to have the transmission rebuilt because of the value bodies in the trans were failing. I am glad I took out the extended warr. they covered the rebuild except for the $100 deductable. If I hadnt had the warr. it would have cost me $3200. Other than the transmission the SUV has been great. I have loved driving it since I got in it in January. It has been reliable. Even when it was having tans problems, it was still going and going.

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  Beyond Good - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Rodriguez - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is nice and comfortable for the whole family. Great for long trips. I got up to 600 miles to the tank on long distance. Need more pep small engine for heave cargo. It has 3.8 Liter, 200 hp, 26 gallon tank. I am some what happy, but theres room for improvement. Local mpg I only get 400 miles to the tank.

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  SANDRAS REVIEW - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By SANDRA - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR.

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  The Little Pony That Should - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By K&N_A_Must - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car performs fairly well considering the price range. However there are a few gripes. The aerodynamics of this car make it slow to accelerate at highway speeds compared to oh say a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP? Kind of rediculous considering the Mustang has more engine. Overall it is a fun car that is capable of sprinting to speed in a timely manner.

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  93 taurus head gasket problem 3.8 litre - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By mr.k - February 7 - 10:40 pm

  everyone i know told me that the head gasket will go on my taurus at about 70k miles. well the were off by 49 miles. at 69951 mine went. otherwise a decent car.

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  3rd Ford - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Chevis - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Ford P/U I have owned in the last 20 years. Both of the older Fords are still being driven. The oldest is a 1980 with over 150000 miles on it and the 2nd had 205000 when traded for the "new" 2004 Ford. The new truck seems to have sufficient power to pull a boat/trailer, with a ride that matches many autos.

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  VALUE - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By JAMES - February 5 - 11:56 pm

  The Explorers have been demonized by the media. Great vehicle!

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  I love it! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By AnnaJ - February 5 - 2:46 am

  I love my 500. It feels like a pricey luxury vehicle with all the bells and whistles. 6-disc CD changer, adjustable pedals, leather seats, oh my! I got this baby used and it was still in perfect condition. The performance is slightly lacking but its not a race car, after all. This car is a beauty and it drives like a charm.

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  Ford F-150 supercrew - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ryan75 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 03 and I love it. The only thing that I wish it had was more horsepower and better gas mileage. I have the 5.4L and I still think it needs like 50 more horsepower.