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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  A Money Pit - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By MaryBeth - November 28 - 5:25 pm

  Our Windstar has been nothing but a money pit and I cant wait to sell it and buy a Honda. In the last 6 months I have been stranded 4 times. Alternator, brake switch, ignition switch and A/C compressor have all had to be replaced. The people at Ford should be embarrassed for making such a poor quality van.

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  Dream Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By LUNAGLO - November 28 - 3:39 pm

  After 19 months, this car is still the one I have always dreamed of. I knew I was going to buy one as soon as I started reading articles about it a year before it came out. I still get looks and positive comments all the time. I am glad I went for the GT instead of the V6 because it truly has the Mustang "roar". The stability is fantastic and it feels like it glides from lane to lane. I added an "Airhog" air filter and I now get 34 mpg average, which is fantastic for a V8. I love the pick up when merging or turning into traffic. It is also quite roomy for a 2 door. At age 60 and female, this is my first "status" car and I hope to own it for the rest of my driving days.

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  You better be ready for this... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Steve The Bluesman - November 28 - 12:37 pm

  Bought used 3 1/2 years ago with 68k. Had to repair brakes twice, coolant reservoir, heater core, wheel bearings...but the car has never stranded anyone. Know going in that this car has a lot of design defects that you need to be aware of. Brakes, transmission, coolant system (including heater), are all going to fail. I do like the car though. Comfortable and safe, and it has turned me into a mechanic.

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  WOW What a Looker - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Radbikr - November 28 - 10:56 am

  Everywhere I go people are twisting their necks like rubber ducks; even the young kids are giving me the thumbs up. Great job Ford.

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  Ford F150 2018 XLT 2.7 Ecoboost - 2018 Ford F-150
  By Rafael - November 28 - 3:05 am

  Before shopping for this vehicle I considered some other options. The Ram 1500 had a much better lease deal, but since I wanted the option to keep the vehicle longer term I decided to lease this Ford. I am now about 3 week into it. It drives overall great, but occasionally I feel some shaking of the transmission. It does it at the lower speed, so still feel its to soon to really know what is going on. My milage was about 22mpg mixed city and highway on week one, then dropped to about 18 so I am also trying to figure out this mystery. I am still driving with the same gas tank from the dealership.

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  Happy owner so far - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Tim Lu - November 27 - 8:51 pm

  Had 2006 Sport for about a year and 25k, no problem so far. Drawn to it by the price (for the same level, 6-disc CD, reverse sensing system, alloy wheels DVD, etc), I would have spent $10k more on Japanese models. Overall, a great vehicle for the price.

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  Transmission problems -get Extended Coverage - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dissatisfied - November 27 - 8:37 pm

  My transmission suddenly went at 63,000 miles. I didnt purchase extended warranty coverage when I bought the vehicle. Big mistake. It cost me $1,900.00 to have the transmission rebuilt by the dealer and $300.00 to rent a car for the week as the dealer didnt have a loaner. The dealer found a cracked piston and thought it might possibly have been a bad casting. I got no help from Ford. I am also having trouble with my instruments. They tell me I will have to replace the whole dashboard to fix these. The vehicle was just paid off last year and now I have big repair expenses. I feel Ford should put more quality in important parts of this vehicle. I feel the Escape is overpriced.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rambler65 - November 27 - 8:26 pm

  I really wanted a wagon, but this is as close as I could get to a full sized wagon. Turned out to be a great choice, and the trips to Home Depot are a cinch with all the fold down seats. The car gets about 20 MPG around town and 25 - 26 on the highway. Not bad for a car this size. The car has been 100% reliable and has only had to return to the dealer for routine service. Im glad to hear Ford decided to keep this vehicle around for 2007 and beyond.

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  My Dream Car - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By atk374 - November 27 - 8:42 am

  Had to wait 14 years to find my dream car but this is it. I wanted one when I graduated HS in 92 now I found one with 58,000 miles and in perfect condition. Great American car.

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  So Boss - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By SOBOSS - November 27 - 6:10 am

  I have added a few mods, lowering springs, Kuhmo 255/50/WR17 tires, shorty headers, SCT Flash, Cold Air, under drive pulley. Dynod out at 301 RWHP and 312 RWTQ and that is prior to the headers; at the flywheel about 350HP. I was going to go the super charger route but I dont feel its worth it. Im going to replace the charge motion plates which should get me 375HP. This is the best Stang Ive owned, Ive had a 68 Shelby GT350, 69 Boss 302, 73 Mach1 with 4V Heads and 01 GT.