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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  Failed transmission at 60000 miles - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RayDF - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is OK, but the automatic transmission had to be replaced at 60000 miles of normal use (at a cost of $2600). Is this another of the now- famous Ford transmission problems? I thought that by now this problem would be solved. However, it obviously isnt... Also, I wouldnt recommend buying a 2WD with the six cylinder: it consistently smokes the front wheels if you press the accelerator too hard. The 4WD wont have this problem. Alternatively, the 4-cylinder engine should be made available with an auto transmission.

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  O.K. JOSE - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By BIG T. - July 6 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT NEW IN 99.GOOD PERFORMANCE 24V. V6-THE ONLY WAS WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AUTOMATICLY PERIODICALLY. COVERER UNDER 3YR 36000MI WARR.A GOOD BUY SO FAR,BUT THEN ONLY 29000 PUT ON CAR SINCE NEW. STILL A BABY.

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  2003 Edge - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 151 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Great truck so far, but I have had it less than a week. Unknown gas millage, but it appears to be in the low 20s. Great power for a little 3.0, 5speed. The ride is great, and the looks sold me. Not a bad bargain considering the sticker was $17,700 and I paid $10,700 out the door with tax and title. Try to beat that deal when looking at the competition.

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  great used car - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By babs - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for almost 10 years, and and its always been reliable. It now has over 100,000 miles on it with little rust and few repairs for its age (mostly limited to wheel bearings and mufflers). The fuel economy on a 5-speed is fantastic, its great fun to drive, and it has always handled snow, wet pavement, and icy conditions relatively well. For someone with short legs, its particularly great I can reach the pedals and still sit comfortably far back from the steering wheel. Repairs have proven to be relatively inexpensive, and there is plenty of room in the back for hauling camping equipment.

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  A Winner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By HappyOwner - July 5 - 11:10 pm

  We have 09 Camry hybrid, FH trumps it in mileage, performance,and enterior. (SEL model), with everything except nav. Excellent buy with x plan and tax credit. One very small point, no garage door opener, just used to having it. 2300 miles, hope dependability will be as good as Camry.

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  WOW! - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Brian - July 5 - 8:37 pm

  Love this truck... looks, rides and performs great! Wonderful value. Glad I purchased.

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  Hybrid Honey - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mike Hammer - July 5 - 6:51 am

  A roomy and stylish car; comfortable to ride in and drive. Quiet, with great gas mileage. Not flashy, but a family car you can take to a ritzy restaurant or on a long road trip. A really sweet value for the money. Kudos to Ford Motor Co.

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  My Thoughts - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By jonathon - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the Mustang is a wonderful car. My only wish is-i should have purchased the GT. The V-6 model is very sluggish and still gets bad gas mileage. I love the looks, but not impressed with everything else.

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  Ford Ranger 4x4 - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By FordTruckman - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1994 Ranger 4x4 new and intended to keep it 4 or 5 years. Its been almost 9 years now and it is still a great running truck with no major problems. It has some minor suspension noises when traveling very slowing over speedbumps or rough terrain but they dont impact the performance.

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  I Love My Racescort! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By KarenD - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Scort while in college a few years ago, and she paid for herself several times over - what a deal! All repairs were minor and due to regular wear and tear. I replaced the clutch once (it was the original), and other than tires that was my only big expense. She gets great gas milage, and shes fun to drive, too. Ive never known a more reliable vehicle.