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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  Small but a blast - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By michael surrency - July 27 - 8:43 am

  This car is almost a good family car being a hatchback....put for pure joy of driving it is a 4 1/2 star ... Small fast great steering FUN in town and great in the mountains...for what you pay this thing ROCKS

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  Love the Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Stouder - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I do love my 94 Taurus, sure it had its problems, but being handy under the hood, I could fix it all. Thats about the best thing about the car, easy to fix. Every sensor is easy to get to, the radiator went on it a few weeks ago and I changed it out easily, as well. As fo looks, the older, original Taurus is stately and a very attractive car.

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  #1 car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By p,stang - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I own a red 2002 mustang and its a dream i mean i love my car, sure its not a gt or a svt cobra but it is still faster than alot of cars out there that dont have changes made to them. i got in to a majore accident recently and i hit a person head on and i came out of the reck with nothing but my neck and chest hurting from the airbags, it is very safe for how i drive an fast enough to keep up with alot of cars but watch out cause it is a magnet for cops i know.

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  My opinion - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By Scott02 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Car runs fine, but the transmission went out at 165000 then I replaced it now still runs fine. but trying to sell it now do to lack of space ware I live.

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  I told my best girlfriend not to buy one - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By the girlfriend - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I work at a Ford dealership, Stay away from all of them except for the Ford Trucks! They Rock! The 150s are Awesome The Windstars are sadly nothing but problems

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  My last Ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By enaj - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Cute van, we thought, but the problems with the electricals (faulty warning lights, seatbelt and key tones etc) were endless. I stopped fixing them when the warranty expired. In the last year we replaced transmission, alternator, head gasket, and the brakes have worn down to the metal every year. We now drive a Honda, and will never go back to Ford.

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  After 5000 miles - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rdinatal - July 26 - 7:36 pm

  I decided upon this as it met my needs for room, mileage and price. Ive had others say that Toyota makes 3 hybrids and that they are better. In all honesty 20 years ago that was true, but not now. I did my research and could not justify the extra $$ difference. So far I have not regretted my decision.

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  Great First Car!!! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By bbajaj - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought brand new to be my "college car". Couldnt have asked for anything better. Although, I think a manual transmission is necessary. My girlfriend had a 95 auto, and she sold because her second tranny went out at 110,000. Her original tranny went out at 60,000 miles, which I hear is common with Fords. But with the manual, no problems there. Mine now has 110,000 miles on it and has been fairly reliable. No major problems, only maintenance for normal wear and tear. I would suggest this car to anyone who needs to get from point A to point B at a very affordable price.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jess_sr05 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The ZX2 is a great car! I recently got an 03 ZX2 for my 16th birthday and i love it! Its great on gas mileage, very easy to drive, and an overall fun car!

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  Better than youd expect - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Zahmorri - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have driven the life out of my car (10500/6 years), and it has been fairly good to me. It looks faster than it is, but it will give you its best, however loudly. Is extremely fun to drive is best with a manual transmission, however. Looks great, especially with tinted windows. Mix of Mazda/Ford parts is a pain modifications also difficult due to cramped engine space. Yet has great fuel efficiency (in non-extreme conditions).