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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  EB4wd_SweetSUV - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jekcartalk - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought New 1998, Drive a mixture of Highway and City. Avg 13mpg. Kids like the car. Good handling in all types of weather. Replaced Goodyear with Michelin ltx at 65k miles. Burns a little oil. No Electrical problems ( knock on wood). Smooth transmission, brakes could be better. Above average in most respects. Pleasantly suprised for a Ford Product.

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  One awesome car - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bad Bird - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The only problems that I have had with this car are regular maintenance issues, ie: O2 sensors, plugs etc.

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  Dont Buy One - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By foxult - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Speedometer went out at 49000 miles ($750 not covered by warrantee, of course). Transmission problems under 75000 miles (warrantee). Heater problems at 120000 miles ($1100). Final transmission problems at 124000 miles ($3000). Donated to Goodwill. This van has been nothing but an expensive problem.

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  Great truck! - 1996 Ford F-150
  By wcga12 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck since new and it is my first ford truck. I owned a GMC before this one. I use it like a truck is supposed to be used and have no complaints. It pulls with the 5.0L and auto just fine. It is the best looking truck made PERIOD. Chevy & Dodge dont come close to the styling.

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  So far so good - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Ed in Atlanta - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first domestic truck recently and so far it has worked well. Brakes leave a little to be desired. Build quality is not on par with the imports, but Ive come to expect that from the domestic auto makers.

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  ZERO DEFECTS - 2002 Ford F-150
  By PowerWagon48 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Second F-150 XL Supercab my company has leased for my use.4.6,ARE cover,auto,& 3.08 gears.22.6mpg on straight hwy run with 1,000 lb of tools & parts.The 98 I had was getting 19-20 mpg.Have had experience with four different Ford vehicles with 4.6 V-8.NONE of my Fords rattle or squeak.Steve Marsh Ford in W.Tenn.the greatest for service.

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  ford taurus - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By marie ann - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I own one and it drives very well.

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  2016 Ford Fiesta - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By LouAnn Madrid - January 4 - 8:57 pm

  So far I really like the car although I have not received my $300 off the car they promised they would make a payment which I have not got a confirmation of as of yet

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  I can’t see the front of my car well - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Yuzhen liu - January 4 - 7:52 am

  It’s hard to see in front of my car , the distance between other cars

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  Love My Stang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Lilstang38 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Stang new in 96, only had one problem with it so far. Replaced fuel pump under warranty at 1500 mi. No abnormal wear and tear on any parts. Changed front pads at 108,000 mi. and still had 3/8 in. of lining left, still have a 1/2 in. of lining on the rear. This car has been just awesome all the way around.