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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  Problems with 99 Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mjrmc - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Liked this car initially, however, developed a "check engine" light problem that persisted for several months and about $1100+ dollars later. Also had suspension problems in front. Engine was stalling and running rough. Not Ok for me, this car has low mileage (65K) and shouldnt be like this. Can you say Toyota or Nissan??

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  My T-Bird Review - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Allen Goddard - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had a great time with this vehicle. The only things to go wrong so far have been the following. The passenger side window motor and relay went out withind the first week of ownership and twice now when braking, it felt as if you still had your foot on the accelerator which was overriding the brake. Thankfully, by pushing down harder on the brake pedal the problem was corrected.

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  Great little Ford - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Rolf and Reina Fischer - January 29 - 11:43 pm

  First , the Escape. I purchased had the 2.0litre turbo, which changes this vehicle from a nice little SUV to an OMG, Im going how fast! Wanted something bigger for my wife then the Hyundai that she had and researched the Escape. This little SUV is far from little in features and interior room. First off the seating is comfortable and after driving 3 hours to Orlando, I hoped out and felt no fatigue and was ready to go. The driving characteristics are responsive and light, sometimes can feel a little to responsive, wish it had a sport mode for steering like my mustang. The power is great, 240hp out of a 2 litre turbo, crazy, kept finding myself cruising at high 80s and having to let off the gas. At this speed it averages 26.5 mph. We were loaded up with 2 dog carriers and several sets of golf clubs as well as suit cases and everything fit in the back without a single care. The interior sound was minimal, more noticeable was the tire noise from the Continental tires... All in all would have no problem suggesting this vehicle and hope to put many miles on it.

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  Bang for the buck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Jeff H - January 29 - 6:23 pm

  Good crash test scores and and a good Consumer Report rating was the incentive to buy. Only problem has been "check fuel cap" light that came on and needed a new sensor. Ford has aggressive pricing and makes this truck a good deal. A comparable Toyota would be 50% more.

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  Roush Stage 2 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Melissa - January 29 - 5:16 pm

  I bought a roush stage 2 last summer and have loved it ever since. It looks awesome and attracts a lot of attention. It is very fast and very fun to drive. I love how loud it sounds. It is has not had a single problem. The service I got from the dealership both at the time of purchase and when taking it in for an oil change is great. I would recommend this car to anyone who doesnt mind blowing about $35K. It is so worth it though!

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  rangers driver seat - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By army1 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  if you have anykind of lower back problem do not buy this truck the drivers seat is built with a hump in the middle of the seat and there is no way to get comfortable on long drives,short trips is bad enough

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  Ford = high maintenance - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By FormerFordFan-2 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  While in warranty I was forced to visit the dealer 4 times for repairs. But it was after the warranty expired that things really started to go wrong. Having spent over $9,000 in repairs since the warranty expired I am convinced that Ford sold me a defective vehicle and are continuing to sell this same vehicle still today. Sure the new one looks different, buts thatÂ’s just marketing hype. Inside this vehicle hasnÂ’t changed, just ask any honest engineer or maintenance tech at Ford and they will tell you that the changes are cosmetic.

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  F-150 SuperCrew Lariat FX-4 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By drmugavero - January 29 - 2:00 am

  My first nice vehicle. I went all out and got most options. The truck is beautiful inside and out. Roomy, comfortable ride. Heated leather captain chairs are very nice. I was a little weary buying an American truck because of all the stuff you hear about poor quality, but I must admit Im very impressed. Although its big it is easily maneuverable and the visibility is good. No blind spots. Rides up nice and high. After more than a year I still enjoy walking out to my truck every morning. Gas is pricey, but if you can afford to buy the truck chances are good that you can afford the gas.

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  Damn Good Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Ford Truck - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the truck. Simple, fun to drive, and works for me. Looking for an all- around truck, 2WD, extended cab, for the family, cant do any better.

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  Great car, if u take car of it - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By afiretofight - January 29 - 2:00 am

  weve had this car in the family since it was first purchased, and it has been running until last last year. It had been through 4 accidents, repeated trips of over 500 miles, driven 100 miles a days, 5 days a week, for 9 years, and if we had taken car of it better, the 4wd would still work(dont drive with it on 4wd auto all the time), along with the ball joints), and other minor things. Tranny died because car had 182000 miles on it, but it ran fine until then