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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  Our 2013 Ford C-Max Horror Story with Kelowna Ford Lincoln - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By texerta - November 28 - 6:26 am

  We purchased this car about a month ago and we purchased it because Kelowna Ford had huge banners in the windshield of the car claiming that is got 71 MPG in the city and 69 MPG on the highway and the best we have ever gotten out of it was 40.5 MPG while driving the car very easily and gently, a far cry from 71 MPG. Even in Ford Canadas brochure on the front page they claim that the car gets 71 in the city and 69 on the highway which is a bold face lie. How much more of this crap and outright lies and deceptions are we supposed to put up with from the Kelowna Fords and the Ford Canadas of this world before we say enough is en

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  Practical Transportation - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By bwstewart - November 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a mixed experience. Bought it 3 years old, 32k miles. Wifes friend blew the engine a year later, idled too long on a 100F day. new engine runs better than the old one. Rear outboard seatbelt doesnt work all the time. Third row seat is very clever, good for kids. Lots of cargo capacity and better handling than a minivan.

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  After The Warranty - 1997 Ford F-150
  By pgg - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My XL started having trouble in 2001 and seems to continue.The heater core blew costing $600.00 to have put in.The Water pump went costing $100.00 plus to fix.My starter went out for another $130.00.The oxygen sensors were bad and had to be replaced.The sliding rear window has leaked in the rain from day one.Silicone seems to help.I have owned Fords all my life.I might change!

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  The last Ford we will ever own - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rgkyncl@eathlink.net - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission blew at 60,000 well maintained hiway miles. Engine blew from Ford admitted manufacuturer defect 1500 miles past recall. Ford corporate office actually has a phone bank of professionally trained people who will take 30 minutes to tell you to go to hell in the nicest way you have ever experienced. To bad such a beautifully designed vehicle has Ford garbage for guts. Our Toyotas go 200000+ miles. Guess what we bought to replace this?

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  Can only hear the engine noise - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By BRANDON - November 24 - 4:06 am

  I purchased the car about two months ago, traded in my Mustang GT. I didnt test drive it prior to purchase and I will never make that mistake again. I have owned most popular sport cars in the last decade from a Z01 Corvette to a Porsche Boxster and everthing in between and this car has been the biggest disappointment. The nav quit working after a week. The shifter buzzes in neutral with the clutch out and the whole car shudders when you shift into first gear and the tranny is hot. Took to the dealership and they produced a factory notice saying this is "normal" on some lucky owners cars. Not worth the money. Sad it didnt live up to the legend. Wish I still had my Mustang GT.

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  Stay Away - 1992 Ford Escort
  By metrolover - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has left us stranded a few different times in the past five years. Twice with transmission problems and once the timing belt broke. Car has run good most of time but I dont dare drive too far from home anymore. I have heard from others that transmission is problem for this car.

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  Was an alright car - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Doonze - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Was just ok, at 110000 miles now and am trading it monday before it dies a horrable death. I liked it at first but now its just ho-hum. But all in all its been a good car.

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  basic contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By hospitalmike - November 23 - 2:00 am

  door locks terrible, all stick or dont open correctly driver lock defective after 50k. replaced driver door open cable 2x after 60k. seat sliders stiff, hard to move forward & back.

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  ss garbage scow - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By hospitalmike - November 23 - 2:00 am

  bought dealer used 30k w/ extended warranty...all usual problems: tie rods, rear wheel cyl, slider door switch, ac switch covered all before 75k. ignition block, alternator, steering rack, 2 sets pads & rotors, 2nd set rear wheel cyl & drums & shoes. front sub frame rewelded. ABS error code front axle. Rear wiper motor. All repairs by aftermarket(pepboys) or self. Constant maintenance: (belts, hoses, brakes, tires, alignments, wheel balance & rotate, tran fluid & filter, fuel filter, plugs & wires)- all have made van mostely reliable. No head leaks, tranny problems, fuel-water-steering pumps, NO EXHAUST OR RUST PROBLEMS TO DATE 130K!

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  Transmission Mechanics Companion! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Gary H. - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used in oct,2000 with just over 17,000 miles from a ford exec,and the rest of the story is pretty much crap history! Car now has 46,600 miles and so far these are repairs been maid,Tranmission(what an epidemic)sensors,air conditioning failure,drivers side window failure,cd player skips,crackel in stero,roof strapps have been replaced three times,sun roof whistles terrible at high speeds,etc,etc,etc. In closing is there anyone out there whos owned a sho 96-99 who hasnt replaced the transmiision yet? I sure wish i would have took another 10,000 and bought an camaro ss like i was going to!!!