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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  Taurus SEL Wagon - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By neilwoida - May 15 - 2:00 am

  24 Valve V6 has plenty of power. SEL has upgraded interior - qulity and comfort are very good. Is affected by crosswinds more than even my minivan. Does not handle as well - tuned for soft highway ride. Overall, a solid value - but the time has come for an updated chassis.

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  reliable! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By luvmyrngr - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I really am pleased with my Ranger. The gas mileage is nonexistant, but the truck is solid with few problems. Great offroad!

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  2004 Ranger XL 2.3 /4 w/5 spd manual - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Don Arthur - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage not up to expectations, so far about 22 (EPA rated at 24 city) for mixed city/highway. When first started engine revs way too high (2400-2500 RPM). This is annoying & cannot be good for engine. As usual no satisfaction from dealer service (they claim its all computer regulated and NORMAL). It may be computer regulated, but I doubt its NORMAL. Otherwise I like the Ranger, easy to drive, handles nicely, but 4 cylinder is anemic in top gear(s)..have to downshift too frequently. Probably should have gone for 3.0 liter V-6 and automatic (wouldnt have to manually downshift). Have only 600 miles on it, so too soon to make any lasting judgments.

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  Reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Lindsay_Kis13 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from a private owner in September of 2003 and I can honestly say I did not want the car. I wanted more of a sports car. But I have been completely satisfied with my car. It is not the best looking car out there but I have had absolutely no problems with it. My car has high mileage and is still very reliable. I drive it alot and I definately dont drive it easy. My 1993 Ford Escort is a strong and very reliable car. I am pleased.

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  Our Ford Contour - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Cat Lover - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We have been very happy with our Contour. It has only needed normal upkeep and has had only one moderate problem caused by my daughter and her lack of experience in driving. It fits everyone in our family from my husband who is 62" to our daughter who is only 411".

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  I love my mustang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By J.Brit - May 14 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it had 165,000 miles on it, but other than that it was in great shape. I had to make minor repairs. A new radiator and heater but for the amount of miles it has. Its performance has been great. It currently is up to 175,000 miles and it is still running strong.

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  TBIRD - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By DANSK14 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  SOLID CAR.......TRANNY STARTING TO GO.

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  Beats Dodge any day - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Teacher - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We shopped around at all minivan dealers, Toyota, Dodge, Kia, Ford, etc. and went with the Ford. It seems to me that the people who have responded to the Ford Windstar must be car dealers because their responses dont seem valid. Shop all other dealers first, then compare price and options to the Windstar. There is no comparison.

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  Can you afford to - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ttudave - May 14 - 2:00 am

  "Buy American" I thought proudly. Two transmissions later Im replacing my Windstar with a Camry or an Accord. I cant afford to be patriotic if that means supporting unreliable vehicles like this Windstar. Dealers charge over $100 to diagnose mysterious trouble lights on the dash...three times already. The AC and power steering systems leak. Ford has a problem with their automatic transmissions. The service manager at the dealership advised me that transmissions were a known Ford weakness. Fords customer service was useless.

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  Back from Honda - 2012 Ford Focus
  By lvstyle - May 14 - 1:22 am

  Now that Ive had my focus for a few weeks I can truly say what a remarkable car the new focus is.Lets start with the transmission. My tranny seemed to be doing some weird things in the beginning but it has smoothed out as it was just setting its shift points. Some find the shifting a bit un-nerving but my car is getting 31.4 miles on average. I have zero issues with the tranny. If I wanted a car that gets lower gas mileage and has muscle I would have bought the mustang.The focus is fun to drive and suprisingly has a lot of pep under the hood. I traded an 06 civic and Im not looking back. I had a lot of minor issues with the civic and the new civics dont have the value that focus has.