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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  1996 ford mustang gt coupe - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MIke#11 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  one of the best cars ive ever driven

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  "Leather" seating wearing out/cracking - 2001 Ford Escape
  By LifetimeFordBuyer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love almost everything - agree w/many others that gearshifter is too long and gets in the way of the radio controls and the "tilt" could be better. My main problem has been with the seating surfaces. Ive had it into the dealer 4 times because the "leather" is thread-bare in the seams or is cracking. Weve never had problems with 4 other Ford vehicles with "leather" seats. Anyone else having this problem?

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  Excellent package. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hotpotato - August 7 - 10:51 pm

  I traded in a beautiful German near-luxury sedan for this car. Other than prestige, its little sacrifice. The C-Max drives like a European car because it is one (its been sold in Europe for years, though not as a hybrid). I get 36-37 MPG, better than the 20 of my old car and comparable to the 40 of the Prius V. The compromises the Prius makes to get those last couple MPG (in road noise, acceleration, structural rigidity) arent worth it to me. (We drive Priuses as company cars.)

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  gave up my aerostar for a suburban - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By tara - August 7 - 2:00 am

  What a mistake that was. My van had 145,000 and still ran strong. I wanted something newer and biger. So we bought a suburban, had it one month and it broke down. should have kept the aerostar. bought it with 105,000 miles and only changed the belts and a starter motor . I never even got an oil change,

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  Time for a change! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By newlyweds - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Escape to replace another Ford vehicle that I had also purchased new from my dealership. The first few months were great...lots of compliments and a really smooth ride. However, Ive needed to take the beast in countless times to rectify transmission problems particularly concerning the master cylinder. I was beginning to return to the dealership so often that many of the technicians and salespeople recognized me and knew me by first name alone. You know its bad when that happens. Currently trying to dump our lease and get into a comparable vehicle with another company.

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  Dependable and Rugged - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By FIlbert - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my truck for 6 years now have had only a few minor electrical problems (display on digital clock is a little funny, interior lights delay a couple of seconds before going off upon door closing). A/C continues to work well. At 68,000 miles, still have the original brake pads and shoes. Sound system is also very impressive for a truck, as is the interior design. The truck still rides like a car - no wierd rattling noises or squeeks are present.

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  Off-Road Ranger Rules - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By John - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is white w/gery interior. I bought this truck in Carlsbad, CA and have taken it to Vegas, Whistler, back to Carlsbad and now to Seattle. I love everything about it...from the rugged looks to the spacious interior (I am 6 3 and have plenty of room). I wanted a Toyota, but I will never doubt again.

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  tragedyinoregon - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By exxfiler - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My father bought it. Was decent but later began to have problems overheating, traction control disingaging Would bring it to Ford to have them fix it only for the problems to return within weeks They had terrible customer service and charged us every time He demanded they fix something that should have been fixed, they agreed When it was supposed to be ready one day he was told it wasnt. My father was forced to drive his 68 coug to work. On his way home was killed in an accident The police told us had he had an airbag he most likely would have lived Had ford cared about their customers, he might be alive. They finanly fixed it though.

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  WARRANTY WARRANTY WARRANTY - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jim Kafantaris - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend buying an extended warranty with EVERY car you buy. I bought a warranty for my 99 Windstar and, at 50,000 miles, blew my engine. The dealership claimed it was a timing chain that destroyed the engine. Warranty covered it and I got a new engine--without the warranty, it would have cost me at least $3500.00!!

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  ESCORT - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JONI - August 7 - 2:00 am

  MY CAR IS GREAT ON GAS, IVE HAD THIS CAR FOR FOUR YEARS AND IVE NEVER HAD ANY THING GO WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE PLENTY OF TRUNK SPACE. AND IT RIDES SMOOTH, HAS PLENTY OF PICK UP AND GO FOR A COMPACT CAR. ID RECCOMMEND IT TO ANYONE.