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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  Robs Mustang review - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By robert j. carrico - June 2 - 9:02 am

  I purchased this car in 2000 brand new. It had only 2.5 mi. on it when I test drove it. I have had other Mustangs in the past and this one is much better driving in inclement weather than the rest. I also believe it is the best built of all the past Mustangs. Throttle response in this one even today after 50,000 miles is incredible. Transmission is still a sure hook and the car has never let me down when it comes time to start it. I have even driven it in eight inches of snow and it got me home driving eleven miles. No problems with this car at all.

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  Greatest SUV ever - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Kevin St.Amant - June 2 - 8:54 am

  This vehicle is as tough as a tank, yet gentle and extremely comfortable. Will tow just about anything. Excellent ergonomics and a great family vehicle. 7.3L Diesel engine is the best and longest lasting production engine made, very durable and reliable.

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  Pampered Eddie Bauer - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By jarendt - June 2 - 7:04 am

  Pampered but still big ticket repairs. $1000 for ventilation problem. New transmission at 125,000 miles, and now it needs a head gasket, $2500 quote. Heated seat stopped working at 60k. CD player has problems on and off. Love the ride and feel but do not plan on fixing or buying another. Honda here I come!

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Jason - June 2 - 12:43 am

  First car and have had it for 6 months and its been great. Was just rear ended the other day at about 25-30 mph and the Taurus held up fantastic. The car that hit me was a Corolla and it was totaled but my car only has bumper damage. Has lots of room for passengers. Ive driven about 5,000 miles so far and its at 75k and no problems with the car yet. Its pretty good with gas but could be better.

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  1990 T-Bird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By KPtoledo - June 1 - 9:48 pm

  This car has been in the family since 1991. My mother originally bought the car and racked the mileage up to 101,000 on the 3.8. Since then I have brought it up to 176,544. Reliable? Yes for the most part. I blew the head gaskets once while being a "kid", and this was at 105,000. At the time of rebuild, all items were replaced water pump, starter, etc. The transmission has held up great and never slipped. The suspension hasnt seemed to hold up to much. This month marks the 3rd time all front end suspension parts will have been replaced. Rust? Lots of it. The rocker panels are well known for it. I had the rust removed and sheet metal welded in, but that only lasted a year.

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  Old school in all ways - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jimscar - June 1 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this car after totaling a 626 in a rear ender. The car is great out on the road. She literally is a land yacht on long interstate trips and I got 27.3 mpg on one trip from GA to upstate NY. Around town here in Savannah is another story. Potholes and washboard surfaces befuddle the old live axle and shes a handful to park and maneuver around the squares in Savannah. and then, of course, when gas went to $4 a gallon even the fair mileage wasnt looking to good.

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  My Car "The T-Bird" - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Richard L. Trythall - June 1 - 3:33 pm

  Performance is a great feeling car responds well. Good handling & sensitive steering. Could be quicker through the gears. Seating a little stiff for long trips or a few hours of steady driving. Limited visibility when hardtop is on - tough to back up safely, as port holes dont help much. Great with the top down, or hardtop off. Car needs some kind of protection on the sides for parking purposes if you dont want dents or scratches. Seat belt arrangement could be better. Dont like boot cover for behind the seat. Car turns a lot of heads & gets many neat remarks. A fun car to own & drive.

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  Great Crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By CDN Driver - June 1 - 2:50 pm

  A very easy vehicle to drive. Great visibility and handling. CVT performs well. Fit and finish are impressive. Interior controls work well and lots of places to store stuff.

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  01 Focus a standout but for 2 things - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Arnold Rosen - June 1 - 2:38 pm

  A car that is very pleasant to look and a solid and reliable driving experience with 89,000 miles. Easy to find instrument controls and nice high seating view. Heater and a/c strong and reliable. Quiet engine. The downside - key lock failed at 85,000 miles. It was bad - caught in a mall ($230). Ford never said it was bad and they knew it. Steering rack ($300) at 85,000 miles.

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  Last Ford Ill Own - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Allen Sackett - June 1 - 12:18 pm

  I purchased the Ranger XLT longbed new in 1990 and wish there had been a lemon law in place at that time (there is now). After a few thousand miles I had to have the dealer install a new rear axle as the old one was being worn in two! I purchased the Ford rust protection. At 270,000 miles it is now pile of rust in spite of regular waxes and washes (it was showing signs of rust at 150,000 miles)! At 133,000 miles: installed rebuilt engine: I have now put more miles into the rebuilt than the factor engine! The check engine light continues to come off in spite of having dealers look at it.