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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  car is great - 2013 Ford Edge
  By ian nathanson - November 14 - 3:44 am

  I bought my 2013 edge used at 70,000 I immediately had Ford change all the fluids. I did have two minor problems which I was able to fix myself 1. The canister purge valve which cost $50 at autozone and about 10 min of my time Ford wanted $80 for diagnosis and $150 for repair and 2. The annoying door ajar issue I fixed this by buying a $7 can of electronics spray for moving parts and sprayed it into the the door latch mechanism again Ford wanted $80 for diagnosis and $300 for repair. I havent had the issue come up again and its been five months. Other than that I love the car mine came without sync which I didnt mind. I average about 23-25 city and 28-30 hwy I love the car.

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  Converted Chevy Man - 2003 Ford F-150
  By davidroy - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 C1500 Silverado in to try my first Ford pickup. For the few weeks Ive had it, I love it. Although the horsepower is much less than my Chevy (231 vs. 270), it still drives great. The interior look and feel are better than the Chevy, and the ride/transmission is much smoother too. Well see if I end up a true convert. My Dad retired from General Motors so I could have bought any GMC at a discount. Thought I would try the Ford.

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  piece of crap - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gtw - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Paint is chipping off the corners of the roof. Paint is cracking on top of roof where the roof ditch is located on the left and right side of roof. Luggage rack has black coating flaking off. Van keeps rolling after you put in park. Car is just over 3 years old and I certainly do not expect to have paint problems. DO NOT BUY ONE!!!

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  2014 shelby gt500 - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By jim737 - November 13 - 4:52 am

  Ive owned and driven many high po cars. This one is special in many ways. Critics complain of break fade. Ive not experienced any even though pushing the car hard. Turn in is excellent mid corner and exit excellent,yes bumps can upset solid axel but its predictable and controllable. Even irs cars can be upset with bumps. Ford chose gearing it high for a good reason. People always look at 0-60, 1/4 mile, and top end. Ford made first gear tall so they did not have to shift going to 2nd. Saves time get excellent time. Same with 1/4 mile. And 200mph top end with 3:31 gear. Then there is better gas milage no gas gusler tax all good marketing for ford.a lower gear would be a plus.

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  Goood car - terrible trade-in value - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By javelina - November 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and Iboth love the car. Its fun to drive, has plenty of power, is manuevarable and reasonably comfortable. Sound system is very good and A/C & Heat are adequate. the gas mileage is not the best although not really bad, averaging about 17 mpg around town. The trade-in value on this vehicle, I have since discovered, is very, very bad. The surprising thing is that it is really a very good car to own, just big and strong enough for most people. I really think that the problem is that its a FORD. Quality may be Number One but depreciation is really a major factor.

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  Love My Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By principalone - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The price was right for a new car. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I especially like the roomy trunk. The gas mileage is great for a car that has plenty of power for passing and freeway entry.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford F-150
  By spencerallen - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I needed something that had enough room to haul a family as well as haul other miscellanous junk we as homeowners seem to collect over the course of a year. The Ford F-150 Supercrew 2wd was exactly the vehicle I was looking for. I opted for the 5.4L V8 engine instead of the 4.6L. The 5.4L just gives the vehicle that added push. If you are going to get the F-150 go for the gold and get the bigger V8.

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  Leather Heaven - 2002 Ford F-150
  By macaholic - November 13 - 2:00 am

  For an exclusive ride in one of the most common pickups, this is it. The leather interior smells, feels, looks great. wouldnt trade it for a different model. My only suggestion would be to up the performance level of the 5.4L to play with the HDs and SVTs.

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  1998 F-150 4x4 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By wayne27 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  mostly on paved roads, but it ran well in the dirt too. excellent truck, very reliabale

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  Fun 4-wheel drive - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Nate J - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have totally tried to break my 91 explorer by dragging it through the mudd, crossing rivers, and racing chevys. After all the things that i did to that thing it just keeps coming back for more. My explorer has about 180,000 miles and the only 2 problems that it had was the paint was faded due to the south carolina sun and the lifter tick. these were both easy fixes (i.e. some paint and a bottle of cd-2 lifter quiet.).