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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  Truck or Toy - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By 2nrz - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The truck is fun evan with 123,000 miles ive had not a single problem. I did a diognostic at ford and it was in the "good" condition rating and thats pretty good for that many miles. the only problem is that the manuals go through cluches fast if you tow

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  99 4wd stepside - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By bucks - October 21 - 2:00 am

  fairly dependable. a few electrical gremlins(ive had electrical problems with all 3 rangers ive owned.) that would drain my battery overnight. also, it has the normal, ford power steering pump whine. gas mileage with the 3 liter engine and 4 speed automatic transmission is about 13 mpg around town and 18-19 on the highway.

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  Looks Matter + Reliability - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Terry Robertson - October 20 - 4:44 pm

  I am a long time owner of Hondas and Toyotas, but with the positive changes of reliability ratings overall, it finally made sense to look again. Have to admit we purchased in part because of exterior and interior looks. Honda Pilots now look like magnified CRVs. I could not tell inside the Pilot if I was in a $30K family van or in a $45K SUV. Highlanders now have those bulging red rear lights and that pleasant open-mouth whale shark grill. The Explorer just looks better. Looks and reliability count for something :)

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  lemon - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By mary542 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The car has many electrical problems, my van was in and out of the shop. Buy another sel, Ford could not give me one free.

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  2002 Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Lindy - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for what it is. Highly reliable and much sexier than a Focus for only about $1,500 more. The Mustang still turns heads and the V6 is insurable for teenagers. While I wouldnt want to drive cross country in it, its a great commuter, off to college car.

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  Good - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By wawa - October 20 - 2:00 am

  It is a good car for me. Up to now,everything is fine. And it is fun to drive it. But it drinks gas in local, I just use this car for freeway, kind of safe and save gas. Compared with used corolla you can get with the same money,the performance is much better(I have a 5-speed corolla for local,no fun to drive, just save gas).Buy a used taurus should be a good choice if you often on freeway. I am kind of fan of taurus. I will keep this taurus till it die. And each time, I will rent a new taurus for long trip.

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  Crunching Sound From Brake Area - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By DJA - October 20 - 2:00 am

  In 3.5 years, I have had 5 brake booster assemblies on my car including the original. Ford tells me that the crunching noise of the brakes is a "characteristic" of the car and now offers no solutions except to live with it. I have been to two dealers and have also talked to their Customer Service department. I know there are lots of others that have this problem because they told me about 80% of Taurus have this noise and they dont know of Ford actually doing anything about it. I look forward to the day I can get rid of the car and purchase either a Honda or Toyota something with a better reputation.

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  Expedition 1997 XLT - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By cyeack - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle delivers what it promises - - loads of space, good handling, reasonable power and suprisingly good fuel economy (17 city, 20+ highway). Issues are easy to resolve, with spare parts readily available and the vehicle design maintence freindly.

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  Mustang V6 Premium with Pony Package - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By lewisr - October 19 - 4:03 pm

  This is a fun car with excellent handling characteristics. It has excellent acceleration and road handling manners. I am impressed.

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  Smart buy - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Eugene Brinkley - October 19 - 7:19 am

  this has been and still is a great car. would recommend anyone to buy this model.