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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  Not a bad choice.... - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Kipper - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Expedition from its birth into this world. A great vehicle for moving stuff, people and pets. I have not had any major service issues though I find I am taking the vehicle in the shop more often after 50k miles. Taking the vehicle to the shop is really the main drag in owning this Ford. The service is atrocious at my local dealer EVERYTIME!!

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  Randys Mustang Review - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Randolph W.Mills - October 28 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my first Mustang in 1970 when I returned from overseas duty with the U.S.Navy . It was a 1968 model. I have owned Mustangs ever since. I must admit that this is the finest Mustang that has ever been produced . The acceleration is outstanding and the handling is superb . The styling is what sold me on this car. It brought back fond memories to me and my wife of 34 years.

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  The scariest experience of anyones life - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Very dissappointed - October 28 - 5:14 am

  Please stay away from this SUV. 3,760 miles on the car. Going 57 mph and the car completely shut down on a busy highway. Could not go forward, backwards or get out of the way of any cars. This needs to be addressed and stopped now before anyone gets killed. How can Ford continue to sell their vehicles with this serious problem? I heard it happens in the Fusions, F150s. How can this be?

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  This car should be taken off the lineup - 2003 Ford Escort
  By sweety89 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Well the main reason why i dog this cra is because atfer driving mine for like 3 months it started breaking down i take it to get looked at and i find out that it has no motor mont then it took 3 months to get one because they claimed it was an international part. The other part i do not like is how things are so low you do not even have a arm rest you have a little hole and the stero is awful and when you put a after market one in they have to put a ugly black stero holder

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  2004 Ford F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bob Pozzi - October 27 - 9:30 pm

  First long trip with truck was a joy to drive; many miles of comfort and smooth highway driving. I am glad I bought it.

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  F150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Sean - October 27 - 7:30 pm

  Ive bought several new vehicles over the years. This truck is by far the best vehicle ever. I and my family love it. Its so comfortable to ride in that my wife falls asleep every time we go somewhere. We love our F150 SuperCab.

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  Not Your Fathers Mustang! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Stan The Man - October 27 - 9:16 am

  While vacationing in South Beach (Miami), my wife and I rented a convertible. We liked it so much we decided to buy one. But let me tell you this Mustang GT is no ordinary convertible! This car is much faster and handles better that advertised. The interior in our opinion isnt too shabby either! We really like the retro styling. It is quite similar to the Mustangs of the 60s and 70s. That is where the similarities end. The ride is unbelievable for a car this price. The interior is so quiet for a convertible And we havent been able to detect any cowl shake. With the tires provided (Pirelli Zero Neros) you have to go out of your way to make this thing slide even a little. A very nice car!

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  My first (and last) Ford - 2001 Ford F-150
  By mgrnpd - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this mainly as a family vacation vehicle. Plenty of back seat room for the kids, plenty of luggage room in the bed (with a cap), and can still tow the boat. The problem is it stranded us for a couple days on our first long vacation (Ford was no help at all) and broke down right before leaving on another long vacation. Now several unidentafiable rattles have begun. Id like to get rid of it for a more reliable vehicle, but the incentives on the new ones have really killed the resale value of mine. I thought I was buying one of the most reliable trucks to keep for a long time and now Im looking for a way out.

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  Great Basic Cars - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By humvee4000 - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Good Cheap Transportation. Never a single problem other then basic maintenance in 80k of driving.

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  Alaska owned - 1993 Ford Escort
  By anchmike - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. I am an active outdoor enthusiast and have taken this car places where others with two wheel drive wouldnt go. The front wheel drive is excellent. I have had virtually noproblems with this car until recently when it started missing. Turns out the plugs and wiring and timing belt were all still original and should have ben replaced 30,000 miles ago anyway! So now that it has been it is running great again.