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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  Never Thought A Ford - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Your_Honor - August 19 - 6:24 pm

  I traded in my Acura MDX because I was driving 45 miles one way to work. The dealer tallked me into buying the Taurus. I never thought I would own an American car, but its been a year and Ive put 38,000 miles on my car and the most Ive spent was 150 on a hose that only the dealer sold. Ive driven my car from Atlanta to Connecticut twice, and to Houston Texas and back. Never has this car let me down! But on long trips the drivers seat is very uncomfortable, the gas mileage is not that great at all, the body leans heavy when cornering, and the the transmission cant keep up with the powerful engine. Eat my dust Honda!

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  Best of three - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Pat Cavanaugh - August 18 - 9:20 pm

  Get 20 mpg on the high way all the time. Use Motor Craft oil in all changes. Always starts, A/C is cold, comfortable for long trips. Companion can put seat down or a child can sleep on back bench. Tinted windows are what I would have installed in another vehicle. Just the right tint. No rattles.

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  American Muscle Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Ricco - August 18 - 9:03 pm

  Been in love with the car since I got it. Leather in great condition, seating comfortable, handling was great, performance was very good.

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  10 Years Ownership - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By B Whitcomb - August 18 - 8:39 pm

  Good reliable engine, no oil burner and exceeded EPA estimates on highway achived 26 MPG on highway. A lot of interior noise. Removable second and third row seats very heavy. Brakes marginal. Tow package for 3500 lbs worked well. No major failures in 203000 miles. Seat cushions on front driver side did not retain cushion. Radio AM reception poor.

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  Great Little Truck! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Olen - August 18 - 2:38 pm

  I am 16 years old and this is my first car! I can not say how pleased I am with this vehicle. Performance: a 3.0 liter V6. Can move the truck but is not an engine you can dog all day long. Comfort: Seats are very comfy and have great lumbar support. Back seat is fit for cargo only but my 8 yr old brother can fit back there. Fuel economy could be better. I get 18 city/22 hwy. Fun to drive, easy to drive. Shocks could be better but its a truck! What do you expect? Interior design looks alright but Im going to pimp it out soon! Exterior design looks awesome. Looks way better than S10s. Build quality: built to last...built to love. Reliability: very few problems!

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  When it fails it snowballs - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By mike - August 18 - 10:56 am

  It handles excellent, great transmission, cant even feel it changing gears. Bought it with 37k miles and now has 75k but when the trouble started it has yet to stop. The radiator, battery, alternator, hoses (normal) wear, this got me thru another year, but now power steering major leak, driver door handle bad, etc...I think i got my cash out of it, but thought it should have much more life in it. Im going with a Toyota or Honda till the end of time. No more Fords for me.

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  Best Little SUV Ever - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By FORDMAN - August 18 - 1:23 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Explorer sport since 2003 when I was in college. Since then Ive clocked more than 100000 miles in it. Aside from a trip to the dealer for a bad air flow sensor shes been good to me. Never let me down, always started, still runs like a champ. I love the interior layout, while small I always seem to find room for what Im hauling when I lay the seats flat. Sadly I will soon have to part with her as Im about to have a baby and will need to upgrade to another Explorer (this time the sport trac) to have 4 doors to fit the baby.

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  My Sweet Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By broncobabe4u - August 17 - 11:57 pm

  I bought my Bronco used at 2 years old. I traded down from a newer vehicle but my test drive sold it. Two weeks after I bought it, I had it at the Silver Lake Dunes and while many trucks were grunting and backing down not making it to the top, I had no problem walking right up. Its never given me any major problems in the 10 years Ive owned it. I get compliments on a weekly basis and offers to sell. It will never happen. Shes getting old but I will continue to drive it with pride until it dies or I do, whichever comes first. Never have I owned a vehicle this long and will never again. Shes the best thing thats ever happened to me and at 200,000 and still going strong, why would I?

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  Heads Turn - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By MMR - August 17 - 10:06 pm

  When I first saw this car online I really didnt care for it, but I must say that up close and personal was a whole nother story. I fell in love. The Fusion is sleek and sporty, my kids love it. I had been driving a 4x4 for years and thought that I couldnt go without it, but I must say I have no problems in the snow. I live in upstate Pennsylvania where we get a lot of snow, and I dont think twice about going out in a storm, handles great. No matter where I go, I am always being asked what I think of this car, people in a parking lot always seem to stop and look. The car is awesome. There isnt another car out there that can give the performance and style for the price.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Mikey - August 17 - 8:18 pm

  Had the car for just over a month. Love the feel, drive, Sync, well everything about the car. My parents own a Buick and they like the ride of my Fusion better.