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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  Shelby Cobra GT500 - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By b longchamps - March 14 - 9:46 am

  Fun to drive. Great get up and go. Very comfortable. Great to look at.. Performance 9 of 10. Handling 9

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  I use to like ford till i got a lemon - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Brad fraley - March 14 - 5:18 am

  The powerstrokes are what they use to be. Mine has 100,000 miles On it and has left me on the side of the road more than once and has cost me $20,000 in repairs This will be the last ford i own. If your smart you will think about a dodge. I know I am....

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  Waste of Money - 2002 Ford Escape
  By poorchoice - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed. At 40K, I needed new front brakes?!? the windows screech like nails on a chalkboard when in cold weather. I had to have the moonroof fixed.

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  lemon - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By RIckJ - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been back to dealer 17 times for recalls or problems. The same problem came up after warranty and FORD would not stand behind. Last problem exhaust mainfold bolts rusted off with major repair exspense. Ford will not stand behind product. This will be my last Ford product and the last for my company which purchases many vehicles. I approached thess problems as a individual client not thru the company. Because of the treatment Ford has lost a lot of business.

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  MY TAURUS WAGON - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By bryce hill - March 14 - 2:00 am

  The taurus se wagons are made fairly cheap. The quality of components that ford usess in thier manufacture is on the low side of quality. If the wagon or sedan has the overhead valve V-6 (12V) Vulcan engine expect lower performance. The suspension and ride quality is on the low side also. The taurus devalues quickly and costs much to own due to the low quality of craftsmanship on the cars components.

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  1996 Thunderbird LX - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By B. GARLAND - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Performance of this vehicle is excellent while returning 16 mpg/city and 26 mpg/hwy. Good acceleration for a V6. Comfortable and quiet highway ride with the perfect exaust note under hard acceleration.

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  Decent people hauler - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By DaleH - March 14 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems. Expected some based on reviews. At 85000 still running fine. Always had problems with interior lights staying on after going through car wash. Mechanic said to spray WD40 on contacts. V6 engine has plenty of Power for the mountains in Colorado.

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  2015 F 150 too much to lease!!!!! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By CK - March 13 - 9:38 pm

  They never go down for last years model. I want to lease one for 199.00 a month on the a plan thats a joke. Had Ford trucks all my life, thinking about a Dodge ram truck instead. I can afford their leasing prices.

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  1992 Super Coupe - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By PClark - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Decent car but been known to blow head gaskets and it did. 2 of them in 70,000. If the engine could hold together would be a decent car. Owners might want to be machanics so they can repair the heads on their own

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  GREAT CAR - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By bluecluesgal - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I have to tell you this is the greatest car ever!