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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  Perfect Summer Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Sons Stang - December 10 - 12:50 am

  The seats remind you of a BMW, dash of the classic Mustang, Shaker stereo system is impressive with nice features like random play and has great sound quality. The turn signal sounds like a Cadillac. In fact the ride feels like what I imagine a Cadillac CTS would feel like. But the engine purrs like a kitty and can growl like a tiger when you step on it. The 2005 Stang redefines what a modern day muscle car should be. It is comfortable enough to drive every day and still enjoy it without regret. The only thing missing is a telescoping steering wheel for tall people who will tend to recline more. The steering wheel doesnt tilt down as far as I would have expected. This car is Revolutionary!

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  The Premium Stang - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Mark Schanze - December 9 - 12:57 pm

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  My 2006 Explorer is a lemon - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By roknhrse - December 9 - 5:40 am

  My new 2006 Ford Explorer XLT is a huge lemon. I have a problem with the steering shaft and have no power steering and Ford is not prepared to repair until some time in the 1st quarter of 2006. They are working on it in engineering. They say it is safe to drive. I am in the process of filing with the Better Business Bureau per Fords recommendation because they refuse to do any repair to the vehicle. Ford claims it is an inherent problem in some 2006 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bang for the buck - December 9 - 2:56 am

  Others rate fuel economy as poor yet this car will give you 35 mpg Cdn (28 US). Try it. Non interstate routes 60 mph (Ottawa to Orillia and return) passing normally, booted it twice and got 34 mph. Amazing car and its about as fast as a Hemi PU truck. Pricing is fantastic. $20,000 Cdn for a $41,000 car a year old and about 20,000 miles. Look at the whitest model and you will see one of the most beautiful cars around plus others will pull over and let you pass. Wearing a hat helps. There is nothing like the sound of a V8 as you all know.

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  The good and the bad - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By geomore - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The 200 HP engine has excellent power and gas mileage that is quite good. The transmission down shifts are rough and indecisive. The wagon is a very handy vehicle which Id rather have than an SUV. At 52,000 miles I havent had any problems but I am concerned about the durability of the transmission.

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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Archie77 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its a Ford, and lives up the the name. It has been in the shop 4 times in one year. Get this, when they sell you a extended warranty everything is covered. When you need repairs it covers nothing.

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  Lookin To Improve - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By The car named Ned - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I am a high school student and this car has always worked for me until about 150,000 miles...which is a lot. Now the car seems to have expired or something. One of the front ball joints needs replaced and the rear strut mounts have both broken in half....Hence the loud banging noises. Yet "Ned" still gets me where I am going. Now I am looking for something a bit more reliable as I start to travel more.

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  FORDS AC/HEATER - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By TOMP - December 9 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL WORTH THE $$ AS A USED VEHICLE, BUT HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED LEAVING US WITH LITTLE HEAT OR DEFROSTER IN COLORADO. FORD WANTS $1000 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEATER UNIT TO REPAIR A $20 DOOR. THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. tHIS IS MY THIRD FORD BUT LIKELY LAST.

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  over all to this point - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Randall Bateson - December 9 - 12:57 am

  The car as a whole is truly awesome so far. Its too early to rate reliability having few miles and not owning long yet. The handling is very solid. The more power you apply in the turns the more the car grips the road. Love the way it feels going down the road. Manual trans is very smooth and responsive. It is a coupe so its kind of hard to get in and out of the car. But this is expected for the style of car it is. And it was known going in looking at the Stangs. I would recommend this vehicle to this point. All though I could NOT recommend the dealer!

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  Super vehicle - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By GDG - December 8 - 5:38 pm

  The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum model is well worth the cost. It holds its own in comparison to all the higher end SUVs. Im extremely satisfied with its style, power and ease of using all the interior controls.