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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  Trusty Escort - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Mel - August 14 - 1:10 am

  I bought my Escort brand new and it has been an awesome basic car to have. It has only "dumped" me once, and it was my fault because I ignored the dying battery warning signs. I have the 5 spd and it never gets less than 34 MPG no matter what the conditions. It averages 36. Escorts will go forever with care, and I expect to see this one get 150,000 miles.

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  Taurus SHO 91 1/2 great car ! - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By Ike - August 13 - 9:44 pm

  My brother bought his Ford Taurus SHO brand new in 1991.Since my brother is serving in the military between the Iraq war and his new duty station in Japan force him to give the SHO keys to me.Our experience with this car is the best ever not toyota or honda can come close to it.Regular maintance was most of the expenses.Right now our SHO has 160,000 miles and feels like new.At 140,000 new clutch,water pump,brakes,fuel pump,high performance exaust, alternator, timing belt, tires, paint job, tuned up, front bearings and oil changes. All this maintenance is regular for any type of car including imports. My final words excellent car built tough to last until 300,000 or more.

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  Fine Car - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Irus - August 13 - 5:03 pm

  The only thing I have done to this Limited is change the oil and one set of tires.It still has the orignal battery.A couple of interior lights dont work. My car in Irus Frost and still looks new. I bought this car new when they came out late in 1994. I have made 6 trips to South West Florida from Ohio no problems. I like my Explorer.It has every thing but sun roof.

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  Great car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Oscar Argueta - August 12 - 6:27 pm

  Ive heard really bad reviews of the Ford Focus saying that its not reliable that it will not work at all. So I started investigating a little and the reason why people are saying that the Ford Focus se 2012 its not reliable or does not work its because apparently the automatic transmission does not work at all! All of the reviews and videos that Ive involves a Focus with an automatic transmission, so myself I decided to try the manual transmission model and it has been great! no issues with the transmission or even the engine Ive always do the maintenance on time and its not expensive. So if you are going to buy this car try the manual transmission.

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  Been very good to me - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By DF - August 12 - 6:09 pm

  My expedition has been a very reliable and outstanding vehicle for me. I have had little to no problems short of basic maintenance. I will own another one of these fine vehicles.

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  Mixed Feelings - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By radiosonicfan - August 12 - 5:47 pm

  It is a good vehicle. Very comfortable except like many others I had to get my transmission rebuilt at about 100K. I like the car but I didnt expect replacing the alternator and starter within the first 3 years. I continue to own the car and currently have 130K on it. I expect to own the car for some time.

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  I Love my Mustang! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By V Scott Fant - August 12 - 1:00 pm

  Had a 2011 Camaro for 5 years - HUGE upgrade in quality moving into this GT Premium Mustang - LOVE IT>

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  Eye Catcher! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Stitches26 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my fusion hybrid brand new in July 2010. Must say it caught my eye right away on the lot. I really wanted to buy the new Taurus. But I took a look at the gas mileage and said next. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive. Pricing was great for a loaded car being hybrid. the only think i dont like is that the side mirrors do not fold in. it would be nice for when Im parking in the city. also needs a better turn by turn direction system. i just use my own gps.

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  Decent - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Zachattack - August 12 - 1:27 am

  Other than a starter going out I have had absolutely no problems with it. Id recommend it for a teenager.

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  Blown head gasket - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Snake34 - August 11 - 8:52 pm

  I purchased an expedition b/c of its great looks, size, and expected reliability. I bought it w/55k miles in 2003. Loved it and still do b/c of tough truck looks w/the sport package. Great view from the front seats, plenty of room inside, though when the 3rd seat is used there is little to no room in the back, great handling interior comforts. The ride is a little rought. However, all of that went to the wayside when the head gasket blew at 69k and ford refused to help. So $2k later, I am still driving my Expedition. So, love the vehicle but can not rationalize buying another one due to my misfortune and fords refusal to help. Where is customer service to keep customers loyal?