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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  Dont Buy - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never again Ford - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Very poor reliability. Too many recalls.

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  fantastic Tbird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By tbirdfan - September 28 - 2:00 am

  the best car I have ever had and we have had alot of new cars. I love it when we go anywhere and people stop us and say what a beautiful car we have. It is the red one with red and black interior. I love it both with the hard top on and with it off but most with the hardtop because of the portholes. It really sets the car off from anyother car around. It is a funtastic car.

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  Great first truck - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Danop - September 28 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I can think of that I dont like about this truck is the 8 spark plugs on the 2.3L engine. It was a great starter truck but I am looking to get a extended cab 4X4

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  1995 Ford Taurus GL - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By jfreier - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Probably the worst car Ive owned. Radiator went out, electric fan motor went out, transmission feels funny and makes a huge jolt when going from park to reverse/drive. I would not recommend this front-wheel drive car to anyone. Do yourself a favor... buy a Crown Victoria or Chev Lumina.

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  Not bad for a Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By MOS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this wagon in 2001 with 85000 miles. I have since put on 46000 miles. Once had to have work done on the transmission with two solenoid valves replaced on the valve body. All tranny shops wanted to rebuild the whole thing for 1500/- and above. The local ford dealer did a good diagnosis and prescribed the right parts. I then went to a trans shop and gave them the diagnosis to fix for half the labor estimate of the dealer. In all about 400/- to fix. 300/- in parts.

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  My first new cae, ever! age 56 - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By jimmy - September 27 - 1:11 pm

  at lest check it out. I was not sure about buying a car with a 4 cyl. engine. I was blown away. More horsepower than my 2009 mustang 4.0. So far love everthing about it.

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  Unbelieveable - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By dls - September 27 - 11:50 am

  After searching through two states just picked up my black on black GT. If all I could take from this buy was the feeling of the first 15 minutes of driving this machine it would be worth it. Even paying MSRP the GT is a bargain. You can talk about the power and handling but it really comes down to how this car makes you feel when you are in it. Great job Ford.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By shadow597 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car with no problems. It has run great and fuel consumption has been less than expected for a SUV.

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  escape in a escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By lynnduncan - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my 03 Escape. It is just enough for me and my little family. Plus, those of us with a baby to change, you can take out the stroller, and lay the baby in the back to change the diaper. I LOVE THAT!!!!

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  2000 Ford Contour - 2000 Ford Contour
  By JamieC588 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car, so far it has been very reliable for me. It gets good gas mileage, it rides good.