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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  Awesome car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Collin - February 23 - 12:20 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Ford did a fantastic job redesigning the mustang. The v6 offers plenty of power for me, and if you are doing a lot of stop and go traffic, youll want the v6 anyway for mpg reasons. One thing I would highly recommend is the Interior Upgrade Package. In my opinion, it adds so much more to the interior look.

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  driver seat - 2016 Ford Edge
  By FARMER TIM - February 22 - 11:06 am

  I am 5 .7 and 200 pounds and I HATE the drivers seat never buy a ford again ps this was my 4 ford

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  Very reliable, Great little car - 1996 Ford Aspire
  By Erikvi - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Incredeable interior space. When you take out the back seats (remove 4 bolts) you can use it as a mini-mini van. Gas mileage is a little disappointing. Fun to drive. Very comfortable seats. Lots of leg room (I am 6ft-2". I can stretch my legs. Hardly any trouble after 155,000 miles!!

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  A great SUV - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By grit - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in 02, with 60000 miles. I now have 75,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. The only big repair that I have done was had the A/C Compressor replaced and that was only $800. The former owner bought it new and had the oil replaced every 3,000 miles, as I stil do. The engine is not quite powerful enough for me, but it is a reliable vehicle. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable, fun to drive, and basic SUV.

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  94 Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By F - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used at two years old with 30,000 miles. Drove very well with no problems for 3 years, then all hell seemed to break out with numerous problems. Auto was very well maintained with all required maintenance. At 6 yrs old, driver electric seat shorted out and caught fire. At 5 yrs old, driver seat seatback metal handle broke off leaving seatback stuck in remaining position forever (found corrosion/rust on the metal joint). Overall, have been treated very poorly by Ford service depts.

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  Incredible Reliability - 1993 Ford Escort
  By jgh2020 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my LX sedan used with 16,000 miles on it, and have since put on 130,000 more miles. I have replaced the clutch at 130,000, put in a used rebuilt A/C at 110,000, otherwise routine maintenance, tires, etc. I can cruise on the highway very easily at 85mph and this car is as solid as a rock, no shakes or rattles. I dont worry about door dings, grocery carts because it is an Escort...bring it on! It still has tremendous pep in the acceleration with the manual tranny. For the money spent, this has been an amazing car and I will have a hard time giving it up.

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  Pedal to the metal - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By GT4ME - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a convertible. I read the V-8 was a more reliable engine so I went with that. After rebate and dealer discounts, the Mustang was $2k LESS than a comparably equipped Miata. I feel safer in a larger car. I can pass other cars on the freeway quite easily now. Love driving with the top down and the exhaust sounds great. Not the best looking inside or out. And not the most reliable compared to Japanese. But thousands of $$ cheaper, so figured that would offset.

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  great car - 1997 Ford Probe
  By first car - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car, i got it with 40k, and now have almost 90,000 on it. Never had a major problem, only minor ones that i fixed myself. I get 25 mpg city/30mpg highway. Performance is good,and the car looks awesome with the chrome wheels. For an 11 year old design, this car is still holding its own against new cars. awesome handling. Would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Great Value - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By The Car Guy - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Certified Pre-Owed, at half of MSRP was and after pricing the news car it was more of a 6,000 in savings. And with the 6/75 warranty you cant go wrong. But to get this you must buy the car from a Ford dealer. This a must second Certified purchase and Im sure it wont be my last.

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  My Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By AKemp - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I just recently purchased a used 2002 Ford Ranger EDGE supercab 4 Door. The truck has 4x4 and handles perfect in the snow. I would recommend this truck to anyone.