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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  F.O.R.D.= Found on the Road Dead - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Brain - November 16 - 2:00 am

  At 40,000 miles, the engine had to be replaced as a result of a gasket. The gasket was fixed after the recall, however the engine broke down 2000 miles afterwards and Ford would said it want related. Good thing we had the dealership warrantee. I have had the brakes fixed at least 4 times at $600 a pop. I went through 2 sets of tires before having the toe on the rear wheels adjusted. One can get a workout closing the side doors. The heat comes on when it feels like it. The entire car vibrates above 30 mph. The bottom line is this is my second ford and my last!

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  Truly Ford Tough - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Spymagician - November 15 - 7:06 pm

  My second new Ford. Bought it in June of 2000, and still drive it every day. Needs only routine maintenance, and has been absolutely wonderful. The little annoying things scarcely ruin my overall satisfaction in ownership. (e.g.: The center console vinyl fell apart after about a year.) Lots of room inside. (Fit 6 bicycles and 4 people) 4-wheel-drive is powerful, if a little clunky at lower speeds when using 4-Hi, but hardly an issue as its rarely required as such. Im very happy with my truck.

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE my C-Max Energi - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By rlt7020 - November 15 - 5:02 am

  Stepped out of an 11 Prius lift gate into the C-Max Energi. No comparison. Build quality on the Energi is superb, not the tin can experience I left behind. Dont get me wrong; the Pri was a great car, but this car should have a Lincoln badge on it. C-Max feeds data and info to me I have craved. Ive learned to finesse the pedal to maximize range & you will, too. More mass with this car equals better coasting and a solid solid feel. I catch myself having qualms about being in a mini-SUV b/c of the higher seating position, then remind myself its OK - the seating position and view is awesome. Interior quality is upscale. I thank Ford for giving us in the USA a taste of the European Focus.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun... - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By SPARTAN 2 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  And well have fun, fun, fun til daddy takes the T-BIRD away, fun, fun, fun... WOW!!! What a car!!! Who cares about gas milege!!! Why the heck did they quit making them!

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  As a pleasure car - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Local Driver - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is used for local driving. Its fun to drive, but MPG is poor. In the 6 years I have had it, it has many recalls and mechanical problems. Also, it started rusting on the tailgate, bumpers and side steps after only a couple of years. I would not buy another one.

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  My bad investment - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By joe blow - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I was getting out of a 98 Mustang when I got this suv. It hasnt failed me except for once. I dont have too many complaints except for the drivers seat has broken, the rear windshield wiper doesnt work, and the middle console broke easily. It gets crappy gas mileage of about 14 city and 20 hgwy. I like my Explorer, but I dont love it.

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  Love my Explorer - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By CarpeDiem1st - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I owned a new 4dr 93 Eddie Baurer 4 x 4 w/ the works. It was to big for me. I got a 95 2dr. 4x4 xlt. Nothing fancy but reliability & handling has been wonderful. These vehicles are just the right height & sz. for handling and to put in the garage. My vehicle will die before I give it up. I am like wheres Waldo, I mountain bike so this vehicle is loaded and unloaded many times a wk. It is off road alot and it has always worked for me. Guess what Im a lady owner.

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  Too much road and air noise - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By DHughes - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchashed this vehicle used w/ 15000. While driving on the expressways I get a loud roaring noise coming from the air intake or the fan. This primarily occur between 60- 65mph.The noise goes away after exceeding those speeds. This noise doesnt interfere with the proformance of the vehicle, but it is very annoying.I like the vehicle but dont know what to do about this problem.

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  After 5 years - 1998 Ford F-150
  By carlwm - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The only proble ever experienced was a minor adjustment in transmission shifting that was under warranty. Extremely solid, reliable, safe, vehicle. Drives even better when loaded. V6 has plenty of pep and torque. Unless towing a LARGE trailer, V6 is all that is needed. People who buy V8 waste money.

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  Pleased - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Elzy - November 14 - 11:19 am

  I have not been a Ford person but this Explorer has changed my opinion.