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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  Tees Blessing - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By tisha - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Suv because of the spacious room, everyone rides so comfortably. I love the comfort of sitting up high and knowing that I have something to ride on that I can depend on. I love the body style and it is built solid.

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  Crazy about my 97 Ford truck! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By badsmoke - August 2 - 2:00 am

  100,000 miles and the truck hasnt left me walking. Excellent ride and styling, good performance. Replaced pittman arm and control arm bushings-both got noisy, idle air control valve, battery just recently. Nothing else but normal maintenance and tires.

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  Great truck - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Corey Miller - August 1 - 6:19 am

  Must buy one

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  My 1st Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By 04 Desmo - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Never thought about getting a truck, but an implulse buy made me glad I did. It has moved me 3 times over the last 3 years. This thing is very reliable, and for 115000 miles still work like a charm. The 4.2 V6 w/ 5sp has a bit of get-up and is fantastic on the highway. Great control location, and the interior design is highly functional and comfy. Exterior design is OK. Residual is alright for a 1997, but I have no plans in selling it. Im trying to put in a CD player, but the 1997 stereo is unique, and I cant find one!

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  Solid car - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Ciaran - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid trusty car. Always starts and drives very well. I hear of people with new cars having basic problems and so cant bring myself to think about changing this car. It is roomy, teh kids love going anywhere in dads car..I feel like this car will go forever.

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  99 XLT Ranger 4x4 - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By demoncleaner - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good and some bad. Got the 4.0 V6 in a manual. Good engine, make the most of it with manual, and pull 20 mpg on highway which is only 2 mpg less than my old 2wd 4 cyl. Going on 60K, good engine no probs with drivetrain. Lots of little things have been a pain. Park brake got stuck in middle of summer, had to have it towed. Door ajar light always on, Now ABS light on. Off road package outstand, limmited slip is much better off-road, rarely have to use 4wd. good in snow, put weight in back though.

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  17 Year Olds opinion - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ckyo5 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is always fun to drive and handles quite well on turns for being a sedan. Its comfortable on long road trips and gets good gas mileage on the highway. Its had its fair share of engine problems, but they didnt cost TOO much to fix. All In all, this is a very decent car for the price tag.

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  Great SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By TheJMan - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The first-gen Ford Explorer is a great vehicle in many ways. First off, it is very reliable. We have had our Explorer for over 10 years, and it has only needed a new AC compressor and a transmission rebuild. Other than that, all it needs is scheduled maintenance. The ride is a bit on the harsh side, but it is manageable and surprisingly good off-road.

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  Happy Purchaser - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Bob - July 31 - 5:00 am

  My Edge has over 7,000 miles now and Im very happy with my purchase. Very smooth ride, good acceleration with nice features. Its a perfect size with room for people and cargo yet weve been getting 25 to 27 combined mpg.

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  Daughter Totaled the Explorer - 2004 Ford Escape
  By bobm - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before I chose the Escape and am delighted with this vehicle. It easily offers the best performance in its class. Acceleration and handling can both be described as "quick". I really like the interior, it feels spacious and airy. Im glad I didnt buy one in its first year (5 recalls?) but at this point I have total confidence it will last a long time. And being a Ford, where everything seems to be on a fire sale, you cant beat the price. Mine listed at $27,715 with leather, mach stereo, moonroof, tow package, 16" wheels and more. I paid $21,888 AND in the Northwest theyre even throwing in two free SEASON ski passes!