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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  Amazing - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Brandon349 - August 6 - 2:23 pm

  i have owned a 99 mustang before this i got hit it was totaled so i bought the 95 5.0 and this is a beauty although id like it to have a little more horsepower than 215 i cant complain because just having the 5.0 makes a big difference than a 4.6 in it handles ok i would like to see it handle better but its a great ride and i will always have it until the doors fall off then ill fix it and keep it rolling when i bought it it had 87k miles ive put a lot on since i had it now it has 112 which is still very low i did just have a major service done to it and its in flawless condition its my baby and i absolutely love it

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  Sad to see it go! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Goodall family - August 6 - 2:21 am

  We have had our van for almost 9 years. Bought it with only about 32,000 miles on it. It now has just over 176,000 on it. The transmission is about to go out. We are now shopping for a used car. I will very much miss it! We havent had to put much money into it, so overall it was definitely a good car for us. I am disappointed the transmission is going out. I would have kept this car much longer otherwise. It is comfortable, roomy and I feel very safe in it. It has had its share of quirkiness though. We call it a "ghost car" as the interior lights will flash on and off sometimes and we have had lights on the dash go on and off but it would still run fine--didnt bother to have checked

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  So far, so good - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Danny - August 5 - 3:10 pm

  I had a 2006 GMC Canyon that didnt survive being the meat in an Explorer/Dump Truck sandwich. So, went looking for a new truck, decided (thanks to the no-bailout policy) to go Ford. After looking around, determined the FX4 was the truck for me. Ive had it Since late May, and made one 2500 miles trip with my family of 5 to 5 states. Everyone had room, plug ice chest and books/DVDs/pillows. All 3 car seats fit in back, with (minimal) seat room to spare. Its got a 700 watt sub, which sounds great. Moon roof extra, but kinda cool. Love the space, and Im getting about the same mileage on the 2010 FX4 as I did on the 2006 Canyon, only with lots more weight/truck/engine (V8 vs I5, both 4WD).

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  Highly reliable, well built car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Ken - August 3 - 1:44 pm

  I bought my wagon six years ago w/34k. I was initially hesitant to purchase since it was a rental vehicle but I got a really good deal. I now have 122k on it and its still running strong. Other than a couple rounds of brakes, tires Ive had little problems. An occasional heater fan, strut here and there but it couldve been much worse. I must admit it doesnt have a lot of frills was surprised it came with a tape player (its a 2003!) Mine came with the standard features, power windows, ac, cruise etc. The quality/ride of the car is ok again, you get what you pay for. If youre looking for a station wagon in this era the Taurus will get you the most for your money.

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  Love My Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Joy Churchwell - August 3 - 12:02 pm

  Very smooth ride - great handling - lots of compliments on car looks and color, Creme Brulee is very posh!

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  It still starts - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By heather - August 3 - 11:01 am

  I got this car 3 yrs ago. It has over 300k on it. Needs shocks, tires, radiator and the air doesnt work. I havent done oil change, trans fluid change, I fixed the power steering. This car is die hard. And if I ever get the money I will fix the these things.

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  Disapointment - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - August 2 - 10:39 am

  Initially I was very impressed with this car and loved the performance. I put better tires on it and it sticks to the road like glue.

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  Just Wont Quit - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Cheeseheadmike - August 2 - 10:29 am

  I bought this truck from my employer with a tad over 300,000 on it, figuring if I got a year out of it I was doing good. Five years later, I have 352,000 on it. Even with the ultra hi-mileage, Im not afraid to drive it anywhere. In that time, Ive replaced fuel pumps in both tanks, windshield, and a TPS. It has the 5.0 engine, no gas mileage champ, but no slouch either. Finally started showing rust around the wheel wells on the bed and has had a slight rear main leak since I bought it. Ive been thinking of trading it in on a new truck but I cant stand what I see out there now, so I think Ill just keep maintaining it.

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  Love My Sport - 2010 Ford Edge
  By kv2 - August 1 - 10:59 pm

  I recently purchased the Ford Edge Sport AWD. So far, this is a great SUV! The exterior styling of the vehicle gets high marks. The interior is not quite up to par with the outside, but delivers with easy to use controls, great nav system, premium sound, and ambient lighting. The inside is also roomy enough for the child seats of our 2 year old and our infant. The vehicle also has plenty of power, and offers a quiet and comfortable ride. This a great choice for a family guy who needs something much more practical than a sports car.

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  Good ol van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By IceBerge - August 1 - 7:47 pm

  Weve had this van for about 12 years now, buying it used from a rental car company, instead of an Explorer. Considering its age and mileage its held up quite well. Only real issues ore the common door sensor problem and the engine uses a little bit of oil, though no leaks. The car is extremely comfortable to drive, the ride is very smooth whether with just a driver or fully loaded with passengers. The seats are very comfortable and make longer road trips a easier thing to handle. The rear bench is a little heavy and cumbersome to remove but the middle captain chairs are as simple as can be. 107,000 miles and going strong, we plan on keeping this thing till it dies.