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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  Thinigs to keep in mind. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Donna Grimes - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Rides rough, but it`s a truck. Most problems covered by extended warranty. Transmission wouldn`t shift properly, anti-knock box had to be replaced and gear shift lever was to move into gears and turn signal was replaced. All this before 40,000 miles.No power windows or locks, SPORT model has 3.0 liter engine, with air conditioning on between 200 and 250 miles on a tank of gas.

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  1994 Ford T-Bird LX - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Scottie43 - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I like my t-bird so far. One thing that I dont like is the cup holders ar i the wrong place. You hit it with your elbow. They are located in the center console towards the back. Other than that I have been pleased with t.

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  love my truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By parker88x - February 4 - 2:00 am

  the power and ride are awesome. Ive driven Ford truck before and it is totally different. An old guy saw me and said "dont know what it is but it sure looks impressive". :) Cant wait for the next generation with 500hp.

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  100 G miles and NO major problems - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Stangman67 - February 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever purchased. It is very reliable, I have pretty much followed the manufacturers recomendation on oil changes and basic maintenance. Aside from new brakes once and recently new shocks/struts, this care has cost me very little in upkeep. It still runs great too and will get a tune up at 100,000 (next month)

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  very happy - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rick - February 3 - 10:30 am

  I live in the San Francisco bay area and have a round trip commute of 80 miles. I have put 20,000 miles on the car. I bought it used with 20,000 already on it and have not had one problem. Averaging 45 mpg. I use mid grade gasoline and I pay $30 to fill up (San Francisco bay area) couldnt be much happier. At 40,000 miles the car runs the same as the day I bought it.Update: my car is over 60,000 now and still running great. Averaging 46mpg but this could be due to the tires wearing low providing less rolling resistance.

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  My Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robert Amlaw - February 3 - 3:56 am

  The Escape is an awesome vehicle. The fuel economy is outstanding. I really like how quiet it is when in electric only mode. It gets everyone looking at you when in electric mode. You can only hear the wheels turning from the outside of the Escape when it is in electric. It is outstanding in the snow. I live in Worcester, and there are a lot of hills. The Esape Hybrid goes right up them all even when they are covered with snow. It is so nice that it knows when to shift into four wheel drive on its own. You cant even tell when it goes into four wheel drive. The CVT transmission is so smooth. There are no shift points. I highly recommend it.

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  Better Than Any Foreign Car Made - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Brent Miller - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My girlfriend ows a 2001 honda civic, it is a peice of garbage that lives in the mechanics shop, her parents own a 2002 toyota highlander and it blew the tranny at 12,000 miles, IVe got 120,000 miles on my mustang and all I have changed is a serpintine belt, $12.00, The japanese cars have a good drivetrain but the fit and finish is a joke, If you want a real car buy a mustang.

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  Love my Stang! - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By JB Hoss - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is a real head turner - and without any non-factory adjustments. Great styling, a comfortable ride, and reasonable fuel efficiency make this car a great package. The 6 cylinder is a little tame, but makes for an excellent cruiser to take on long trips - especially along the beach or other scenic areas. Once you go topless, its hard to go back!

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  35th V-6 Mustang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By bcombs - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun car though be very aware of your area, of all the toys and add ons out there for stangs, nothing helps them in snow. Outside of the handling poorly in in snow and the trunk being a little small,(though both are to be a bit expected), it has been one of the most enjojable cars I have had in 20 years!

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  Paint Job!!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Angela Hebert - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I loved my mustang until the paint just started flaking away on a routine carwash. Be careful with Ford and their paint!!!! They will not pay for it to be repainted. I am especially disappointed in my dealership(The Bohn Zone) they wouldnt "cut me a deal" because I didnt get maintance work done their. I thought buying the car their would be enough. So ask about these things before you buy a 2002 or any other Ford.