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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  25 is to young to die. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By young - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I have a 3.8L 99 windstar with 25,000 miles on it. I have always followed the schedueled maintainance. While driving 45 mph suddenly the van lost power and the engine light came on. Today the engine was diganoised with no compression in two cylinders. The dealer recomended I replace the long block for around $5,000.00.

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  Ford E-150 Chatuea - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By JK - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a better vehicle than the GMs. Especially for the money. However, I highly recommend you go with a quality conversion. The conversion industry is on its head, and for $3,000 - $7,000 more than factory you can get an awesome highway beast.

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  FIRST FORD SINCE 1965 F100 - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Catherine - November 29 - 11:39 pm

  This is our first new Ford vehicle since 1965! Prior vehicle to this, 1994 Toyota T100 4x4. Prior to Toyota 1989 Chevy 2500 4x4. Chevy sent us to Toyota, problems galore on the Chevy truck, purchased Chevy, Toyota, and Ford new. Son suggested a Ford for replacement of our Toyota, noting past positive experience with Explorers at his job. Purchased under Ford "Friends and Family" program, Explorer was price of 06 Escape (was going to buy Escape, but no 05s left, and no deal on 06s). What a pleasant upgrade from other vehicles owned in the past. V6 4.0 has lots more power than V6 3.0 the T100 had, plus turning circle is much much tighter.

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  Best SUV that I have owned - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By PJN - November 29 - 9:10 pm

  Traded in my 03 Expy with 4.6L for the 5.4L and man, what a difference in power. I am pulling a 2006 23 Weekend Warrior FS23 which weighs about 7600 lbs loaded and it does great. I pull the grades at 55-65 with no problem. It sure is nice to be able to pull my toy box with an SUV rather than a truck.

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  king of the road - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By Ivan - November 29 - 4:24 pm

  superior family/dog/supply moving vehicle. with high seating and a real frame around the van this vehicle provides real piece of mind. outside of the subpar starters that were supplied with this van , the rest of the equipment does the job , in comfort. The AWD feature makes this van unstoppable on the worst days. god bless ford

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  2016 Fusion SE - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Don L. - November 29 - 4:54 am

  The 1st Fusion I bought new was the 2010 SEL and the car never gave me a issue 1 in 130,000 miles. I used it to commute back and forth to work 100 plus miles a day. Kept the oil changed when the car said to change it at 0% on the oil life tracking meter. Traded it for a 2016 Fusion SE and it will do the commute as the old one did 100 miles plus per day. I thought the trading-in value was very poor on my the 2010 since it was in excellent condition with not even a door ding, but you know the dealers always screw you on your trade anyway. I went ahead and traded up for the 2016 Fusion since Ford was advertising 0% for 72 months cause cant beat 0% interest. If the 2016 is as good as the 2010 model then Ill be back for another review in about 5 years. My old Fusion was a excellent car and the over all mpg on the 2010 all highway driving at 65 to 75 mph was 28.7 to 30.7. So far only have 1000 miles on the new 2016 and it is at 32.2 mpg so far as of this morning, so a little better than the old model. Hope it is as good a Fusion as my 2010 was.

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  My Trucks my best friend - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Collin Stoddard - November 29 - 1:17 am

  This truck has been awesome. I wish it had more power sometimes, but it is unstoppable. I pull two horses with it and it has a hard time with that sometimes, and I have spoken to other F 150 owners and they have seen a similar trait of exhaust leaks in the exhaust manifold. I have yet to fix mine, but it hasnt effected performance at all. I have had to fix nothing on this thing in the three years that I have owned it and it has 160,000 miles on it now.

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  Great Car For the Money - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Matt - November 29 - 1:13 am

  Bought this car in Aug. of 05. So far it has been a good investment since it has taken me back and forth from work and school with little complaint. It is definitely a good car to have with the uncertain gas prices although the engine could use more power. The only major problem I had with this car is the heater core and the AC still doesnt work but I consider this pretty good for an almost 10 year old car. Overall Im satisfied with my Escort and would definitely buy one again.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Moe - November 28 - 11:40 pm

  Its a beauty. Young and old admire this car. I left work one day and found a crowd gathered around it. All fans. For the buck its a blast. Fun to look at, fun to drive and easy on the pocketbook.

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  Big and Handsome - 2004 Ford F-150
  By heavy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nice in many ways, comfort, style and performance. Very good build quality and paint is smooth. I have the 5.4 liter and there was no selection on this review menu for my configuration. I am getting 16-17 miles on the hwy.