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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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By LTrNr050 - December 4 - 12:02 pm

  Not ever a problem! Great truck to drive. I pull my boat and my four wheeler all the time without even knowing its back there. You get the same use of the Ranger as you would with a F-150 but with better gas mileage.

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  190,000 miles - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Marie - December 4 - 9:35 am

  I have only replaced one battery,tires and had my oil changes. Never left me sitting anywhere. I had a "check up" at 190,000 miles and all that had to be repaired was the brake booster. Im ready for another 200,000! And shesaid been driven hard. Extremely happy!

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  Absolutely 1st Class Minivan - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Peter Leech - December 4 - 1:08 am

  First Class in everyway for the price!

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  Loyal Explorer Owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By TPC - December 4 - 12:32 am

  I bought my 1994 Explorer XLT about 10 years ago and still enjoy driving it. It has a sunroof and manual transmission which makes it fun. It currently has 130,000 miles. Had some problems with the power windows. The steering rod is loose but nothing too serious. Ive had some instances where the car wouldnt start (engine turns). If I let it sit for a few minutes, it will usually start up. Ive had the engine quit a few times while driving, now that was scary. These problems just started happening in the past couple years. Probably just due to old age and my frugality in getting the car repaired correctly.

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  An honest opinion - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By BK - December 3 - 9:58 pm

  Great car but bought a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, more car for the money and actually liked the handling better, and I am a Ford person!

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  Hey, its a truck! - 1993 Ford F-150
  By yoji6365 - December 3 - 9:26 pm

  Not great for towing serious loads, fuel economy was kind of low, very low. The previous owner had the tranny fixed at least twice so its not that great for loads or construction work. Might need a bigger Ford. But it served its purpose for light hauling and basic work truck.

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  O2 SEL - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By J Tate - December 3 - 6:53 pm

  OK tranportation, but value after buying falls too quickly.Bought for 20k now with 38K miles its worth $7600. No thanks Ford, not again. The self dimming rear view mirrow is more of nunance than value, doesnt dim enough. Could of used disk brakes on rear instead of drum. If you buy one, get it used and save yourself the loss of value.

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  I love my Freestyle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By christie - December 3 - 11:43 am

  Great vehicle. Much more room than expected, gas mileage even better than stated. Acceleration and mountain climbing is fine for my uses. Exterior and Interior styling could be upped a bit. Liftgate is heavy to work with. Would like some accessories to spruce up the exterior, grills, etc. But overall, I love my Freestyle!!

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  barrys bird - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By t bird - December 2 - 10:00 pm

  I enjoy my tbird,but I have a few problems I didnt have looked into.When i go over a bump the car pulls to the right.The other problems are rattles behind the driver,I dont know if its the hardtop rattling,or if its the convertible top.

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  I love my Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By nyyrule4ever - December 2 - 4:54 pm

  Ive had the car about six months now, and I absolutely love it. The V8 engine has good power, and gets decent gas mileage (16-17 the way I drive it). The car is a head turner, no question about it and it is reasonably comfortable for two just consider the back seat as extra storage space. The ride may be a little harsh, but holds well through corners, so Ill take it. All in all, I love this car.