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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  Beware- Ford drastically changed their front seats - 2016 Ford F-150
  By RSW - September 8 - 7:19 am

  So it was time for a new Ford. This would have been my 4th F150 in so many years. What is the #1 reason I stick with ford trucks? The big comfortable captains chairs that everyone likes. Plenty of long range comfort, etc. So I test drove the new 2016 F150 (Lariat), fully loaded. First impression, the seats were considerably firmer than my 2014. Very stiff. Almost like Ford decided to be more "sporty" instead of comfy. Within 5 minutes my lower back was uncomfortable. Why? because the seat design has built in lumber. Oh its "adjustable" but even at its lowest setting, it has massive lumbar built in. I cant begin to describe my disappointment. Ford took the best thing about their trucks and decided to go sporty. The seats are smaller, and plainly less roomy and well.......big. Way to go Ford. Just lost my business.

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  last ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lastford - September 8 - 2:00 am

  a large comfort van. Mechanicaly the worst ever made!! 62000 miles the engine blew. At 130000 the engine blew again!!. 65000 the trans blew. At 80000 the trans blew again! At 105000 the trans blew a third time !!! at 120000 the main computer blew !!! Ford knew about all these defects well in advance and tried their best to ignore them. Ford does not care about its costomers and I have learned a very expensive lesson and will never buy another one.

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  Work Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By mrkmvk - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Dont think I would buy another one, unless rusting on body and gas mileage has been improved.

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  This is why I dont buy Ford - 1995 Ford Contour
  By fordcritic - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I was critical of Fords before but decided to give one a chance. My contour has 91,700 miles on it and is currently in the shop for the transmission that just went out. What is wrong with Ford and being able to make a decent transmission??? My vents no longer work either and Im sure thats going to cost me a pretty penny to fix too!

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  Fun to drive but not well built - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Eric Storey - September 3 - 7:37 pm

  The Ford Focus Titanium is a very sporty and fun to drive car. However I have had three manufacturers recalls, the transmission shudders, the sound system is poor. Most problems are covered under the warranty but because of known problems the car has three different warranties extending the warranties on drive train and electronics.

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  1995 Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By john15 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Difficult to get in and out of car without tilt steering wheel. Poor pick up in highway driving

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  Want Another Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By GT Premium - September 2 - 10:30 pm

  I just recently bought this car and have put very few miles on it. My first test was driving it to Boston. While there I had an accident in which the front of my car collapsed at only 20 mph hitting the back of a SUV. It response is very good but it seems too cheap on the inside.

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  Price to sell - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Daryl rupnow - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. Economical to run. Easy to repair. Brakes repairs needed most often

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  whoops, did I buy that? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By not so lucky - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought the van with about 70000 miles. It was clean and looked pretty well taken care of. We were looking forward to Fords big step at making a solid, well build, and safe van. It might be safe in crash tests, but not so safe if you are stranded. Our head gasket went out. Our entire transmission has been replaced twice by reputable companies. The cd player doesnt engage correctly half of the time, replaced many sensors, and brakes and tie rods by 115,000. Other than reliability, it is very comfortable and a likeable vehicle. I wont be buying another one soon.

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  junk - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dnns691 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Worst front wheel drive car Ive ever owned. Scary vehicle to drive in the winter.......white knuckles from November thru March!!