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:

• 

  throttle body - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By john - July 18 - 5:26 pm

  After buying this car only six months with 6500 miles on vacation 600 miles away from home we lost power on a busy road pulling out in traffic. After shutting the car off and restarting it after a few minutes it ran fine for a while and then same problems. Called the closet dealer to where I was vacationing, what a joke, service manager said he wouldnt be able to look at it for about four of days and did not have a car for me to use while my car was in the shop, went to another Ford dealer 10 miles further and they were very helpful. Andy Shaw Ford Thumbs up, Mountain Ford Thumbs down

• 

  2002 Ford Lightning - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Debenham - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I was totally happy with my purchase of this truck through a non SVT Ford dealer. The local SVT dealer manager was a pompus jerk and there is no way I would give him my business. Like the truck and look forward to buying the new 2004 edition with 500 HP!

• 

  King Ranch Extended Cab 4x4 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Stonewall - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Totally reliable. Never been in shop for anything except maintaince. Fuel mileage is average, but all else is outstanding.

• 

  Good car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By pat01demcrt - July 18 - 2:00 am

  No real problems so far.

• 

  Fishbowl - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By MaNdA - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Despite the exterior and interior looks of the car, it has been a very reliable and safe car to drive. Holds up great in accidents. Have had no problems even though the car is a FORD.

• 

  Good value - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By crusin14108 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Nice car at good price,The ride is very good and almost no road noise.

• 

  expedition 99 - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By buddy - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, very spacious, smooth

• 

  love/hate relationship - 2003 Ford Escort
  By bebop - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This cars my first car ever, used but was in good condition. Driving it was fun. However theres a flaw to my right front wheel that drives me insane. This loud *SQUEEK-SQUEEK- EEEEEE* sound that comes from it everytime I step on the break.This noise makes people around me turn their heads. Im stuck with this horrible noise prolly till I get rid of my ZX2, and thats all thanks to wonderful mechanics everywhere, including Ford dealership mechanics who wont fix it because they dont know what it is/or they say its nothing. Trust me you can hear me coming from miles away, its that bad. Other than that the cars alright.

• 

  The sports car thats built like a truck - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By DaveSolt - July 18 - 2:00 am

  180,000 miles and never had it worked on! Its the car thats built like a truck! We do have an AC problem that developed around 2001, but other than that it has been rock solid with no maintenance other than oil changes and air filter.

• 

  nice commuter - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - July 17 - 2:36 am

  I needed a comfy commuter with auto transmission, decent mileage, fairly quiet ride that was around $26k. This Limited does what I need without the big price tag. The looks are fine (silver with black interior) and visibility from cabin is excellent. At 500 miles on engine, I get around 30 mpg cruising 55-70. Heavy pedal lowers mpg to low 20s. Engine is smooth and quiet and six speed auto works well. Highway passing is adequate but I usually drive alone. This cars handling feels like a smaller car with a good turning radius.