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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  Superior comfort - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By billg - December 8 - 7:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Crown Vic. They have to be one of the greatest values out there. They are dirt cheap to insure (~$700/yr for FULL coverage) and maintain. Fuel economy is not outstanding, but decent (18mpg in typical suburban driving). The ride is supremely comfortable and the car handles respectably for its size. My 2nd CV (a 94) has NEVER had any mechanical trouble or been in for other than routine service. The reliability of these cars is amazing and comfort level is top notch.

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  Satisfied so far - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Wags - December 7 - 11:56 pm

  Switched out from a 99 4Runner to lose car payment. Biggest difference is in the ride. Much harsher than the 4Runner, noiser too. Power from the v6 adequate but I live in CO at 5500 ft so this is expected (4Runner wasnt much different). I have always had Ford or Toyota vehicles and been satisfied with both. These trucks are very good for the money. Much more interior room than 4Runner. Gas mileage around 15-16. 4Runner was about 17-19.

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  Fun and quiet - 2005 Ford Focus
  By jereme - December 7 - 7:20 pm

  Extremely quiet car, sporty, quick shifting, and comfortable. I was in dire need of a car after my previous one failed (73 Beetle). This was not my first choice, as I am still not a fan of the looks. But price and warranty definitely pushed the choice for me.

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  Best van ever owned - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By KLS ROAD RESCUE - December 7 - 12:32 pm

  This van is the best van we have ever bought. We have owned other makes and the Ford Aerostar is the only one that has lasted us. I would not change it out for any other many van now made. The Ford Aerostar was the greatest minivan made. Its a shame that they stopped making it and came up with the Ford Windstar then the Freestar, which are garbage.

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  Forced to Part with Family Transportation - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Scott Gilmore - December 7 - 1:28 am

  This vehicle was purchased new by my Father in 1999. Following his death in 2001, it was purchased by me. The truck has been incredibly reliable and useful.......serving as an all-purpose work truck. Unfortunately, it does not fit in the garage, and our Homeowners Association (HOA) does not let it remain parked in the driveway. It has interior issues, a current heating/AC issue (??), and an intermittent odometer due to a cracked solder joint (common for this year, with the "fix" described on YouTube). It would make a GREAT vehicle for a student looking for a vehicle with low registration and taxes, wanting minimal insurance coverage, and a high driver position / heavier vehicle / safer in potential accident. It would also be a great vehicle to "flip," if someone had the time, talent, and energy to invest in some repairs. Candidly, Id keep the vehicle, but I cant.

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  Over 275,000 miles! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Down - December 7 - 12:38 am

  Over 275,000 miles on my 96 Mustang 6 cylinder and still going strong. Bought it used in 98 with 29,000 and have driven 135 miles daily round trip to work. The manual transmission went out at 185k and then the heater core started leaking at 225k. After they replaced the transmission, the speedometer cable burned into so for 3 months I didnt click off mileage so I have closer to 285k on this car and it is still going. This has been an overall excellent vehicle.

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  Dry Weather Car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Ian - December 6 - 6:19 pm

  If you want to drive this car in the snow or rain go slow! Traction is reduced due to the classic light Mustang rear end, and fish tail you will! Fun in dry weather, though. Low end torque is okay, dont try to pass anyone in 4th or 5th gear, the acceleration isnt there (very sluggish or non-existent, down shift -- or GET A GT!) Also, lightweight body means that you feel the gusty cross winds (at times, I felt like I was driving an Escort). Cornering is not very good, hydraulic assist steering gives feel of sports car, but still in the "not quite there" category. Ive been stranded 4 times in this car: clutch, transmission, radiator, thermostat all failed catastrophically.

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  Escape review - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Frank Pones. Sr - December 6 - 8:02 am

  Great quality for the money

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  Escape is the SUV to drive! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dove - December 6 - 1:57 am

  Traded a 2004 Chevy Blazer in on the XLT Sport Escape. BEST TRADE in the world. Love how it handles! Decent on gas. Love the leather seats, 6-cd changes, the heater heats up fast in the cold months. Like the AWD options, saves from pushing buttons. All around a super car/suv. Highly recommended! Will buy another Escape in the future!

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  Ford Freestar Review - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Gerard - December 5 - 3:37 pm

  I have not had any problems with this van in the 1 1/2 years that I have owned it. It drives great, handles well, great performance. Its fairly comfortable, and its very easy to operate the fold-down seats.