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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  Swaggs 1996 Ford Mustang GTR® - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Jonh SWaggerty - April 9 - 11:26 pm

  The 1996 Ford Mustang GTR® has started up every time I have ever turned the key. I have had very little trouble finding parts for repairs (when necessary) as well as performance parts. I also think the ride quality is superior to previous years and the power is much improved with the 4.6L. Although the car lacks rwhp in its factory trim it makes up for it with torque. Also it is a solid car and hooks very well. The GT is ready for modifications in hp, which is truly the hallmark of a mustang, affording the opportunity for personalization.

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  mpg not even close to advertised ratings - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Greg - April 9 - 9:16 pm

  I only have 1,200 miles on my ZX3 5 speed manual. This vehicle is advertised as getting 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. I drive mainly highway mileage and baby this car and still am not getting any better than 28.5 mpg.

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  10 years and still going - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:51 pm

  We purchased our Windstar new almost 10 years ago. It has been almost trouble free the whole time. We pull a 3,500 pound camper with it and it pulls great. We went from WI to Montana 2 years ago with camper fully loaded 80 to 85 MPH all day with temperature outside in the 90s. It ran great. The mileage averages about 18 MPG, which isnt that good but it has never had any major problems. Have heard a lot of bad things about engine and transmission problems, but we have not had any. I use synthetic oil and flush the transmission every 30 to 40K miles. Very comfortable front seats. Great for those long rides.

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  F150 problems - 2002 Ford F-150
  By F150 Problems - April 9 - 3:47 pm

  The first 3 years the truck was a good truck. I use the truck for camping and to go a short distance to work. For the past year I have been getting water in the cab on the drivers side. I have tried to find where it is coming in at with no success. This year the ABS has died (the orange idiot light is on and ABS doesnt function). Havent had time to investigate this yet to determine what the problem is. Three of the four doors are starting to bubble with rust at the base of the doors where the folds are at. The last issue is every so often the service engine soon light comes on. If it wasnt for these issues I would be really happy with the truck.

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  Kevins Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Kevin - April 9 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 years, I have not had any mechanical problems, just routine maintenance. It has fairly comfortable seats, but could use a little more power.

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  2001 Ford Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Silvia - April 9 - 12:51 pm

  Great car! I like the look of the car. It does not go out of style, especially the shape of the rear and front lights.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By FordFan - April 9 - 12:29 pm

  I have worked for Dodge and Toyota, both of there trucks cant compare to the quality and performance in my opinion, to a Ford. Im a Ford guy and there really is nothing better. I love the 4.0l, lots of torque. Yea it eats gas, but I didnt but a truck for gas mileage. I love it. Excellent job Mr. Ford

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  Beautiful, powerful, comfortable GT - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By J S - April 9 - 9:12 am

  Most people assume it cost my much more than it did.

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  Great value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Kathy - April 9 - 9:08 am

  I love the smooth ride. Others have also commented how its like riding on glass. Also have had comments that the car is sharp. I also checked into cost of insurance before purchase, was pleased at affordability.

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  My Lariat F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By MikeB7 - April 9 - 6:56 am

  Completely satisfied! Spent many months researching and went with the F150 over the Titan with no regrets. The interior is pure luxury, the exterior has the best appearance. The Titan was tempting for awhile but I grew tired of that look and the Titan interior is no match. Ford quality is real.