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:

• 

  The Ford Windstar is a piece of junk - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By johnanderson - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Windstar is a piece of junk, dont buy one This is the only new car I ever bought and it is the worst car I ever owned. ItÂ’s supposed to be 100,000 mi service free 1998 Windstar LX NEW TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MI Loose computer cables 1st week New battery first 6 months New alternator first 6 months New Serpentine belt at 30kmi New rear shocks at 50kmi 3 sets of tie rods in 65,000 mi New Catalytic converter at 75,000mi 2 new oxygen sensors 2 of 5 power locks donÂ’t work All the plastic screws are falling out on the out side And donÂ’t even ask about the crappy service department. I left Ford as soon as the warrantee ran out

• 

  Good Commuter Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By blubyu - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 30,000 miles on it and it runs very well. Does not leak anything and drivers very tight with ice cold AC that does not drain power from the engine. Pretty good passing power for a 4 cylinder with an automatic. Comfortable to drive and easy to get in and out of.

• 

  Days of Old - 2009 Ford Shelby GT500
  By montanabob - November 23 - 6:26 am

  What a great car. Fun to drive and lots of power. Bought the 09 instead of the 2010 because I dont like the rearend of the 2010. Looks cheap. I also like the old style interior. I sold a 350Z roadster and bought the Shelby.

• 

  not a good winter car! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By brock2296 - November 23 - 3:49 am

  So I bought my car from my uncle and it had all the maintenance ever needed done to it, and, well it does not have heat, I have flushed the thing out three times in three years and and still no heat - they say that they are notorious for clogging the heating coil, what a waste to buy if there is no heat. It costs too much to get the heater coil replaced and if you live where there is snow in the winter time, this is a Danger Warning, do not buy if you dont like sitting and waiting a half hour before going anywhere to defrost your front window, I get about 15 MPG and this is all at about 112,000 miles. Good luck if you own one.

• 

  A nice surprise! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By mike32779 - November 22 - 9:42 pm

  This was originally my company car. I picked it up new in 7/00, drove it for 3+ years, and bought it from GE Fleet Leasing at 60,000 miles when it was due to be turned in. I got a new company car (2003 Impala) and gave the Taurus to my son. Hes still driving it, and there have been no major breakdowns or failures. I am really very impressed with the vehicle. A winner!

• 

  Looks Awesome Breaks Often - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Blaze659 - November 22 - 4:48 pm

  Interior/exterior awesome styling. Hand grabs great. Large mirrors allow you to change lanes easy. Head rests you can actually use. Upgraded stereo sound great. Seatbelt position on seat works outstanding. The flareside styling is awesome. Tires seem to be wearing very fast. There is a drivetrain rattle that is still not found. The 4 wheel drive system has gone out twice now. Modules the first time, now the the motor that engages the system is broken. The transmission slips a little. Only 19000 miles on truck.

• 

  Great truck - work or play - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Keith - November 22 - 1:50 pm

  I have owned many other trucks, but this is by far the most quiet, smooth, and comfortable vehicle I have ever owned (car or truck). The inside design is fantastic and my passengers have a tremendous amount of room and are truly impressed with the vehicle. I have hauled over 3700 pounds of brick pavers in the bed twice and the strength of this truck is impressive. My last Ford truck had 238,000 miles on it and I am confident this 2004 will be just as reliable and look just a nice when I trade it in many years from now.

• 

  Gas Mileage - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Adam - November 22 - 1:38 pm

  This is overall a pretty good truck, a little underpowered with the 3.0L but still pretty dependable. The only shortfall is the gas mileage. Stop and go eats gas, and if going 70 on the interstate it gets about 16.5 mpg. A little more room in the cab would help, backseat for kids only. Ride is a little stiff, but put a load on it and it rides great, of course. Just a smaller version of the F-150 with a 3.0L.

• 

  better than ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By fordcrazy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  amazing ride nothing like it had toyota tundra no power 6500 towing capacity that sucks

• 

  Fords The Best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By G - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Well the company that i work for only uses ford because its the one that last the longest.