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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  explorer xlt - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By campngirl90 - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has had multiple problem with its front wheels. Have had to have several repairs with all of them being quite costly. I have had the vehicle to several Ford service centers, and have generally not been happy with service recieved. Fuel econmy is terrible, when I purchaced the vechile the window sticker siad aprox 20/MPG. The best I have ever recived was 15/MPG.

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  Needs More Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Chris1983 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Hello I Thought I Would Post A Comment I Had One Of These Cars For A Rental The Other Day It Had 8,500 Miles On It And Was Pretty Much Basic Beside The Auto Trans Anyways The Car Was Decent It Had Some Issues Like The Trans Would Make A Popping Noise (Who Knows) And The Car Wouldnt Even Move Out Of Its Own Way Ive Been In An Escort Before And I Know For A Fact That This Was Slower Than The Escort And Also The Gas Mileage Sucks I Drive A 1993 Lumina Minivan And It Has A 3.8 V6 And It Gets Way Better Gas Mileage Than This Car Anyways Thanks For Your Time

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  Not too bad - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By glatz5 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Ford Taurus SES is a good family car and does well in the snow. The fuel consumption is nothing get excited over, tends to burn gas quickly. Interior looks good and well manufactured. No major problems thus far but only an owner for 7 months. Would rate the Taurus "Most bang for the buck" you may notice it would it comes to its depreciation value.

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  These should all be recalled - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ike-69 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with about 28000 miles. Had no problems for a while, then it seemed like a new problem every week. Water pump, alternator, power steering pump, continues problem with brake lines/master cylinder, electrical problems such that it thinks a door is open, so it leaves the dome light on (have just removed this bulb permanently), radio goes out, and now the motor blew at 107,000 miles. I still like Ford, bur this model sucks!

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  No More Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Windstar No More - December 23 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Windstar had problems from day one. It has been to the dealer more than 25 times for so many things. Heater died, power rear windows died,windshield leaked, passenger door had to be rehung, air conditioning problems, intake manifold replaced,power sliding door would not close, brake problems,for 2 years it has not run correctly, misses and no one can seem to get it right.It had 50K miles on it and I traded it in yesterday for a toyota, what a RELIEF!!!

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  No excitement! - 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
  By das66 - December 21 - 9:29 am

  The car is surprisingly noisy at highway speeds and feels cheap. The road noise coupled with the growling exhaust note at acceleration made me feel like I was driving a smaller import. I was also surprised at how much you feel bumps during normal driving. It didnt have that big car ride. I will give it high marks for braking since it has four wheel disc brakes. The interior is just plain dull and cheap. I guess considering the majority of these become taxis and law enforcement vehicles interior design is not a high priority. My 96 Buick Roadmaster embarrasses this car in every catagory and thats a difference of 15 years!

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  Caaaar - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By rdtyrfrh - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Drives ok Should be more comfortable and reliable. Handles ok in the turns. The highway noise seems excessive.

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  Fix faulty THORTTLE BODY before purchase! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Lumpy Trooper - December 18 - 7:58 pm

  Purchased this vehicle 3 days ago and the throttle body when out on us as we were getting onto the freeway. We could have be in a serious car accident. FORD is knowingly selling people these cars playing Russian Rullete with you familys safety and lives. The part has been on back order for months and the internet is lighting up on this issue with these cars yet FORD has failed to issue a recall even now. At the dealership they begged me to keep my car because giving me a new one would lose the dealership so much money. Like I give a damn about their profit after they knowingly sold me a vehicle that puts me and my family at risk. Do your research on customer complaints about the SUV and ask that the part be replaced before purchase if you really are shallow like me and still want the car for its sexy body. Or get smart and buy a Toyota.

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  94 Aspire - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By JamesB - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable car. Only problems have been in rainstorms the cylinders tend to misfire. Easy fix by changing spak plugs and wires about every other year.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2005 Ford Focus
  By triggerr - December 16 - 9:00 am

  Am getting 26 miles per gallon and dont think that is acceptable for such a small car. Have had it checked and am told it is in the acceptable range and there is nothing that can be done. Am very dissatisfied with the mileage. Would never buy another one for that reason.