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:

• 

  Best Car I Have Ever Driven - and its a Truck! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By T - September 17 - 6:01 pm

  I am very impressed by this vehicle. Absolutely the best car I have ever driven. I am getting between 21 and 22 mpg all the time around town with the 2.7L engine. My comment is to drive one then you can understand. There are only two issues come to mind, 1. Closing the doors; since they are aluminum and very light weight, I almost have to slam them to shut them (this comment comes from being used to my older F250 with heavy doors). 2. I agree with other reviewers about the excessive roof noise when it rains. Other than that - a great find.

• 

  Great car - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By BBrian - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 20,000 miles and about 1 year old. The car has been very reliable-no problems other than routine maintenance. Good riding car, nice power and handling. Very comfortable interior. I would buy this car again.

• 

  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By pmb SUV - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my company vehicle and I drive 25000 miles a year. This vehicle has 110,000 miles on it and my company has spent a total of $500 in maintenance. It is a great vehicle that is very dependable. Dont forget that it is a company vehicle and it does take a lot of abuse. I think it will run forever.

• 

  13 Years and only two repairs - 1991 Ford Escort
  By julields - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escort GT for 13 years! I bought it brand new in 1990, have put 160,000 miles on it, and in all that time, Ive had only two repairs. One $98 ignition switch and one oil leak (recent) for $300. Less than $400 in 13 years ... not bad. Ive taken good care, of course, with oil changes and all scheduled maintenance, but its still got umph when I need it and the most comfortable seats Ive ever found. Huge trunk and room in back seat are bonus, too.

• 

  my gt - 1991 Ford Escort
  By jeremy - September 17 - 2:00 am

  had mine with no probs for over 200 thousand miles

• 

  2001 GT review - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Nm - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over 2 years and it has been the best car I have ever had.quick, strong and fun to drive. I love smoking the tires through 2nd and 3rd.

• 

  go machine - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By jimmy463 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be energetic, responsive, and highly maneuverable for a mini-van. I was pleasantly surprised by its agressive acceleration and superb cornering ability. Its interior is very functional, though back seat room is a little tight for me at 6 2". It is comparable to other mini-vans though. Its strongest point has been reliability. It is like an energiser bunny. It just keeps going and going. I have had no maintenance problems!

• 

  fun drive - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By diecentral - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is a "hoot" to own & drive! Get use to complete strangers coming up to you and asking all kinds of questions about the car. Its impractical to own but Im 60 yrs old & it makes me feel 16 all over again.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Joe Alden - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have found this thunderbird to be an excellent car. Heads always turn where ever I go. The vehicle is very dependable and has given me no problem at all. This is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.

• 

  the best - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By kikumba - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall i would say the 2003 ford thundrebird is the most comfortable, luxurious car Ive ever owned.