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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  dead ar 177 - 1993 Ford Probe
  By devil6 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car with all its power. Had problems at the get go and had the tranny replaced under warranty at 40000. Muffler is expensive and have replaced 3 times in 10 years. Had power brakes disconnected 3 years ago when they malfuntioned on the highway and dealship couldnt figure out the problem. Catalytic is now gone and the powersteering has malfunctioned for the 5th time and its off to the scrapeheap for this puppy. Got stolen once, attempted once more and broken into 2 more times in 4 years (I do not live in a bad area, either!)

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  14K And All Is Great - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By nsteblay - April 5 - 12:02 am

  I bought the C-Max under the pretense of getting 47 Hwy / 47 city. I soon discovered that the EPA doesnt require testing in cold weather The C-Max relies on EV mode to get mileage. Living in Minnesota during the winter the engine needs to run almost constantly to keep the car warm. Hense overall Im averaging 41 MPG per year. This summer Ive been averaging 50+ MPG for commutes to work.

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  Fun to drive little car. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jason ONeal - April 4 - 9:40 am

  Went from a 03 ZTS to an 05 ZX5 SES And I love it! This car feels so much more powerful than the 03. Very roomy with a number of options (like a moon roof, heated leather seats, a 500 watt Sony stereo ext.) The ride is very smooth and it drives like a dream. Im still getting used to the new styling inside and out, but I love this car. Just wish the the 2.3s were a option on all models, not just the STs A very good small car.

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  Get the Diesel - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By JWatts2222 - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Make sure you get the diesel. It offers better fuel mileage and is more reliable.

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  Great - 1997 Ford F-350
  By rhodes - April 4 - 3:00 am

  The best truck I have ever owed. Stong, Tough, and built to last

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  Take this car off the market - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By emmy - April 4 - 3:00 am

  I searched for months for my first car, and when I was shown the Ford Taurus LX I thought it was perfect. Was I ever wrong, my car is in the shop atleast twice a month, each time costing me hundreds of dollars in repairs. I have had to replace almost everything in it, and it is completely unreliable. Do not buy this car!

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  Too much grief - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mnmlst - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Bought new for $24,000 all up in May 99. Now has 54,000 miles. 4-door LX with dual a/c. Ended up at the dealer a lot that first year: cruise control (3 trips to fix), liftgate piston failed, battery died, cabin air vent mechanism came loose and stopped the HVAC, taillight came loose, rear wiper motor died, odometer is 4 percent off. Since that teething period its needed a manifold repair ($1100) and new front brake rotors. Cabin lights strobe, passenger side front seat is jammed in its track, upholstery wearing out quickly. Get a GOOD, extended warranty. Pay a lot for foreign and avoid the repair shop or pay less for domestic, then pay the repair shop. Six of one...

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  Thunderbird sc - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By turbospeed - April 4 - 3:00 am

  great car , it will be perfect if ford didnt cut the cost so much visit www.sccoa.com for more info

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  380K on 5.0 V8 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By TBird Lover - April 4 - 3:00 am

  I have a 93 T-Bird LX (was there any other trim level?) with a 5.0 V-8. This engine is unbelievable. The car now has over 380K miles on the original engine. Have only done oil, filters, plugs, wires and the engine is as strong as ever. Doesnt like anything less than 91 Octane.. unfortunately. I have replaced brake pads probably every 30K and rotors every 60K. Rear brakes have faired better. Replaced the transmission (at 120k) and rear main seal (at 250K). Has always had electrical system gremlins. The interior is falling apart and the body is showing signs of 10 NE winters. This engine is incredible.

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  Best Mustang ever! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ppgooding - April 3 - 10:23 pm

  Like a lot of car nuts, I put off a decision for 2 years while waiting for this car to arrive. It arrived, and I bought it. Im amazed at the job Ford did with this car. It is a dream to drive, surefooted and solid as a rock. The V6 is a wonder, a huge improvement over the old one. The 5-speed auto shifts as smooth as butter. The styling is .... let me put it this way: Get used to having people come up to talk to you about it. Its one of those cars that looks better in person than it does in pictures ... and the pictures look really good. The car is a knockout. I may never buy another car.