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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  Buyers Beware - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Conradikal - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Expedition and had nothing but problems. I had two blown head gasket one @45000 and another @60000 miles. Five times I had to return it to the dealer for A/C repair. I wrote Ford a certified letter stating the problem and they never replied. Such service. It is the most unreliable vehicle Ive owned.

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  Z-licious - 1998 Ford Escort
  By gucciboy75 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Well, I just purchased a 1998 zx2 "hot" from a private party. The car had 62,500miles when i bought it. The car has every option available except abs because when the seller ordered the car abs wasnt an option then. I have all the service and maintanence records for the car since new. That in itself is amazing. Its a perfect car for me because the upgraded seats hug my back althought I dont recommend it to large frame people. All in all I am very satisfied with my car and never thought I would say that about a ford.

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  1998 Ford Escort ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By RodDogKen - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Features: Automatic and A/C. Front-wheel drive. Only 23,500 miles in 5 1/2 years. Everything still works well! Right front wheel-bearing was replaced/was making a noticable noise.

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  Awesome Engine...too bad its in a Ford! - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By 18Driver - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car from a private owner in 1998 w/71,000 miles on it. Put another 70,000 on it before selling it in 2001. Hands down the Yamaha 3.0 liter is one of the finest 24v V-6s ever made. Its a darn shame they stopped making it. The worst part about this car is the taurus guts. A total piece of garbage. I spent thousands keeping this car absolutely perfect and it still had some small problems when I sold it. It ate struts, brakes, batteries, clutches and had a myriade of electrical problems.

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  Show and tell - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Bruce Keen - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Good pick-up, will keep for many more years.

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  Worked three summers for it, best first car ever!! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brian Snow - August 31 - 7:22 am

  Not for the faint of heart. A red convertible mustang (even ten years old now) still draws quite the attention. Mine is a cop magnet, whenever I even consider revving the engine I know they are waiting around the corner for the next youngster in a red car. By todays standards a 200+ horsepower pony car is by no means american muscle, but nothing beats hitting interstate speeds in under 6 seconds with the top down. Pros: the ride is amazing, Im used to riding bikes and being able to feel the road. Last year I made a deal with a guy, he was putting radials on his new gt and sold me his brand-new 2013 gt rims and his Perreli-nero-zeros for 300 bucks. Thus I have a nicer car then 95% of the people in town. Its a source of freedom and pride haha. But when I park somewhere everybody knows its me. Black leather interior, black roof (the fancy vinyl-ish kind, not the cloth top), and of course, the exclusive red sally paint job. Cons: The air conditioning can barely keep up with the heat of two passengers on a hot sunny day (105 degrees), but thats to be expected with a black topped car. Also, the engine is limited in fourth gear. Ruins my fun. But then again theres no need to even be in fourth gear under 85 miles per hour.

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  Most Versatile Vehicle! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jim Johnson - August 31 - 6:16 am

  The Sport Trac ("ST") excels as an automotive Swiss army knife. It has decent performance and handling, seats five in comfort, functions surprisingly well as a pickup, and handles snowy roads with aplomb. And unlike the Chevy Avalanche, it doesnt look like it was designed by a committee. Simply the most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  Id buy another one - 1992 Ford F-150
  By therok6942 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck from my dad more than 2 years ago. The only things ive had to replace are normal wear and tear items such as brakes belts and tires and such. I consider this one of the safest vehicles ive ever driven because I can sit so high up and see over the other cars. I was in one wreck with a Saab(his fault) and I can say that i came out on top.

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  Bam - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Felonious - August 31 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck ...but.... I was in an accident at about 10 m.p.h. and smash....$11,500 damage to the front end of the truck...But I did do $300 in damage to the 86 Chevy I ran into....Luv the truck, but don`t look at the front end wrong the crumplezone is a bad thing

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  Great! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By martoon96 - August 31 - 1:06 am

  I used to own a 1968 Mustang coupe so this is a big step up. I was never really a fan of the modern day Mustang but this one captures the styling of the old with the reliability of the new. First off the car looks awesome, a real throw back to the muscle cars of the 60s. It also drives great. The engine sound sgood from inside the car but not overpowering, the handling is good; a little stiff but overall good. The ride is smooth and comfortable. I love this car and recommend it to any muscle car lover.