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:

• 

  Fun Fun - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Kent - April 23 - 6:36 pm

  This is probably one of the best performing cars I have owned in a long time. Definitely an attention getter when I run through the five speed manual. No rattles at all and top is solid as can be.

• 

  Good Car aside from Defective Moldings - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Nick - April 23 - 1:19 am

  I just purchased my 2016 Escape SE (2 L turbo) a few weeks ago and have already had it serviced twice. Apparently the car was equipped with defective plastic door and mirror moldings that warp/melt when exposed to the sun. When I say sun I am talking about 75 degree san diego sun in February. Although theyve never seen this before the dealer happily replaced the passenger side door moldings and side view mirror moldings. The drivers side moldings soon warped about a week later. After replacing those I figured I was all set because I had replacement moldings straight from the factory. Unfortunately the replacement moldings warped when left out in the direct sun for a couple hours. The dealer is in the process of creating a ticket directly with Ford to figure out if there was a bad batch of moldings or if this is an inherent defect in all 2016 Escapes. Im shocked to not see other Escape owners with the same problem. I imagine as we get closer to summer there will be a number of customers with the same molding issue. Theres no point of replacing the moldings again as this would result in yet another trip to the dealer a week later. So for now, Im stuck with a new car that looks like it just came out of a microwave. Hopefully Ford presents a solution.

• 

  Outstanding - 2008 Ford Edge
  By FASTANG - April 22 - 10:03 pm

  It is above and beyond my expectations not to be a true luxury vehicle. I like the visibilty it allows with its height. It drives like a sports car but rides like a luxury car. It has a hint of sportiness to it that keeps it from looking like a "grocery getter".

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Tom Battiato - April 22 - 8:58 pm

  The most comfortable and reliable car I have ever owned. Outside of regular maintenance (I change the oil religiously), the only problems I have had were a dead battery (the heat in Florida saps them), and a nail in a tire. This was the best purchase I have ever made, especially for the reasonable price.

• 

  I LUV THIS SUV! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By LLcoolG - April 22 - 8:17 pm

  I have had this SUV for 2 1/2 years. I love it. As long as I can afford the gas, Ill keep it. It is so comfortable for me and my large family.

• 

  Unreliable - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dsp - April 22 - 7:33 pm

  Bought off lease with 15,000 miles, ran fine until warranty ran out. Around 60,000 miles had constant check engine lights. Would replace one sensor and then the following week it would be another one. Power steering rack started going out and traded it for a Toyota Sienna. I hate to admit but I will never again buy another Ford product.

• 

  Average at best - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By lary jameson - April 22 - 5:50 pm

  Average American car. Needs repair every 5-6 months. Starter, wiper motor, computer chip, brake vibration etc. Last 3 cars (Toyota & Subarus) went to 150K miles without this type of repair. Dealers cant seem to fix problems the first time but have got it right without extra charge. Cheaper than comparable Japanese make with same features but you make it up with repairs.

• 

  Pathetic! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By tsblack - April 22 - 3:09 pm

  I bought this car an 06 SEL in 08. Had great miles on it and the car presented very well. Overall a great looking comfortable car. However its all the cosmetic things that are ticking me off and now as of today I am getting a skipping occurence where the car is trying to hiccup?? going down the road. The engine light has now come on and were going to be off to visit a mechanic soon. Im not happy. Moreover, the drivers door keeps setting off an alarm that its open when of course its not going down a highway! and the car just frankly rides like crap. Very noisy ride. Wont do this again. Another let down from Ford.

• 

  Great Trucks / Built Great - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Perry Panousis - April 22 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned nothing but Land cruisers and Mercedes and this is the first pickup I have ever owned. I bought this FX4 for my business which required a 4x4 pickup and at first I was a bit nervous about buying an American vehicle due to all my friends having problems with theirs, but I have got to say that I LOVE THIS TRUCK! I sold my new E Class Mercedes and now I drive this truck everywhere and the 4x4 is awesome!. Ford really does make great trucks....I LOVE THIS TRUCK! PS: Great on the gas for being a truck and I think it is awesome how Fords manual transmission requires only regular gasoline. I think I am going to go and buy a ranch now. Thanks Ford!

• 

  Fine Ford Product - 1999 Ford F-150
  By George - April 22 - 10:55 am

  Bought this truck three years ago with 67,000 miles. It has been GREAT! Only repairs were a rebuilt alternator, and brake disks, front. Otherwise, it hasnt missed a lick, great seats, decent mileage. Ride is a little bouncy without a load, but less than my neighbors nearly new Dodge 4 x 4. Would definitely buy it again.