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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  Run away from this van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Drftr - April 4 - 8:16 am

  Worst built automobile I have ever owned. Ride is poor, handling poor, less than 50k miles. The driver side window motor has been replaced. The front heater has quit working, brakes have made funny noises (had checked no problem found). Brake and ABS lights go on off intermittently. Supposedly means big problem. Dealership can not duplicate. Interior lights randomly come on. Passenger mirror remote control had to be fixed. Small trim pieces falling off. Last American product I will ever buy. Driven nothing but Fords for 25 years. Customer service is bad.

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  SHES STILL GOING! - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By TEEJAY - April 3 - 9:29 pm

  Well here I am again. Now my little white wonder has almost 268k and is still running. I bought a new Dodge Dakota in 04 and I like the truck, but with gas prices determined to stay $3 a gallon I drive my Festy to work most of the time. I recently retrofitted the a/c to 134a and its nice & cold now. I basically use no oil between my 4k oil changes and just recently changed the timing belt, water pump & transmission fluid. So all in all this little car has far surpassed my expectations. You big suv drivers can laugh all you want, but I get 35mpg and didnt pay $40k for my commuter. My annual insurance costs are probably less than one of your car payments. So whos laughing now ha!ha!

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  Ford did it again - 2003 Ford F-150
  By lucky - April 3 - 6:13 pm

  Ford has came up with another excellent vehicle. The 5.4 l is the better buy for the power. I really enjoy the roominess of the entire truck. I used to own a Chrysler and it sat way too low to the ground and got dinged up very bad. The good thing about this truck is that I am a lot higher up. I own another F-150, but it is a 1991 yet Ive already gotten 170,000 miles on it, and it still runs like a champ. So I hope this truck will do the same.

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  My all-time favorite car - 1996 Ford Contour
  By rbsjrx - April 3 - 5:15 pm

  I bought my Contour used and have put a lot of happy miles on it. It has the largest standard wheel/tire combo available and I suspect the engine management chip may have been tweaked by a previous owner. It handles like a dream, virtually the same as my 03 Focus SVT (it helps that its lower and wider than the SVT). Power from the Zetec 4 is quite adequate for occasional gusto driving, and works well with the OD automatic transmission. The state troopers once gave me a certificate that it can indeed go 92 MPH without breathing too hard. The only costly maintenance has been to replace the timing belt at 60k miles as recommended.

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  purrs like a kitten - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By strungkitten - April 3 - 2:04 am

  My last car was an Escort and I really loved it. That is, until I started driving my Taurus. The vision is great. The most comfortable seats yet. Even being 10 years old it looks stylish. I also got a very good buy. I am a very pleased Taurus driver.

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  Very Surprising! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By chart63 - April 2 - 9:50 pm

  From the moment I stepped into the 2012 Focus, I was hooked. I test drove a Civic, a Mazda 3, an Elantra, and a Cruze. All of them were good cars, but the Focus really stood out from those. It feels like it should cost a lot more than it does. I know what type of car I was looking for...I wanted a comfortable, good mileage, "fun to drive" car and the 2012 Focus fit the bill. Aside from the great enhancements to the exterior, the interior has a major upgrade from years past, and the technology available is truly amazing. The 6 speed double clutch transmission can take some getting used to, but is responsive. Fun, good MPG, solid build quality, and technology make this a great entry!

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  My 1999 Ford Crown Victoria LX - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bob Macchia - April 2 - 9:20 am

  This is the most dependable, and best car I have ever owned. It is too bad that Ford has dropped the Crown Victoria.

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  premium gt vert - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By WAYNE CLAY - April 2 - 7:56 am

  I drive the Mustang very little because I want to keep it really nice. It is redfire with the light parchment interior and top. The quality of the interior is not up to par with the imports, but for the price, the performance is a bargain. The car reminds me of my 1969 Ford Torino GT, which is a good thing. The difference is that the Mustang actually handles well. I think the Mustang is a great car for anyone who appreciates American v-8 power. It feels like the days of old, but with refinement.

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  Super Stiff Suspension - 2005 Ford F-150
  By dan - April 2 - 3:56 am

  I find it bounces around a lot when driving at slower speeds. I also have the chatter on the floor boards on the driver side. My 95 F150 was a smoother ride!

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  2016 F150 XLT 4x4 3.5L Ecoboost Engine - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Bob - April 1 - 7:46 pm

  I just purchased a new 2016 F150 truck and overall its a good truck. Some of my concerns are as follows. 1.) I wish Ford would put more technology and engineering into the suspension. I know it is a truck, but cant a truck be engineered accommodate different driving conditions? Say two settings; one for hauling and one for general driving. Do I have to get beat up all the time just so I can have a truck for occasional hauling and towing? 2.) The transmission seams to shift too soon most of the time. Ive read where the transmission will adapt to a driver, but overall it drops into second gear too soon, and is a little slow to downshift when necessary. Currently I have 500 miles on the truck and I hope to get 100,000. Time will tell. If you consider getting the 2.7L Ecoboost engine know that it has an auto shut off. In other words the engine will automatically shut off at stops. It can be turned off but you will need to turn it off each time you start the engine. Another thought is to make sure you buy from a knowledgeable sales person. There are so many options when it comes to towing and hauling you better do your homework.