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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  Love it - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Ingrid Land - July 29 - 3:11 am

  I love this car inside out. There is very minimal road noise which I like. Its solid. In heavy snow it does slide a little but when the awd kicks in it rights itself very quick luckily I have not had to repair anything at all. I have about 24000 miles on it and so far no problems. The engine has good get up and go when you need it with the v6. I would recommend this car over and over.

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  2002 Midnight Edition - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Suzanne1976 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I cant think of any complaints I have with my Escape. I love the way it drives and handles the road. Wonderful car!

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  Ford - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By bombbb - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car when it is 8 years old. It never has any big problems. It is big, comfortable, and looks like a luxury car...

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  great car - 1994 Ford Probe
  By probinsteve - July 29 - 2:00 am

  awesome car, awesome handling, few repairs, and very fun to drive

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  American Made - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By rdenny - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Perfect Car. Plethora of aftermarket parts available. Would buy 100 of them if I had the money. No problems ever. I love it.

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  windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By john zarlino - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car because they stopped making the villager. We love it and will be buying another van.

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  Ford F-150 -ex-cab w/3rd door - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cruzer39 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck with 92000 miles on it from a consumer. Truck gave no problems whatsoever until it reached 121000 miles and without warning the motor slung a rod thru the oil pan. Oil had been changed every 3500 miles. Motor was making no noise until one morning I went to start it and then is when the motor went out. Cost of repairs were $3200. This is the only trouble I have had with this vehicle. Up until then I have been very pleased with this vehicle. Well built, but could use more horsepower for the weight of the vehicle. At least it did give up in my driveway instead of the highway!!!!!

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  Great truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By toolguy1967 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have enjoyed owning & driving this truck. I have not put as much mileage on mine as most would have in 6yrs, so well see how she holds up at the 75K mark. The only major problems: 1)rear end bearings went out @ 40K, gears are already pitting (Im told this is a notorious Ford issue). 2) rear window leaks. Wouldve loved to see more power out of the 97 4.6L.

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  Its about time - Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Ward Phelps - July 28 - 9:53 pm

  I have just been impressed for the first time to buy a sedan since 1976. I am a pickup/SUV buyer for almost 30 years. The new 500 is sweet, and the best part is the view from the drivers seat. Right On Ford, its about time you lived up to your Job 1 claim.

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  Karyn - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Karyn - July 28 - 2:46 pm

  I traded in a SUV for this car and this is the best car I have ever driven. I get so many complements on it and a lot of looks. I think this is the best car Ford has.