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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  0-75000 original owner - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By jwilson778 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Ford knows about and refuses to fix the self destructing AXODE transmission and the head gaskets on the 3.8l for this year. Later years 3.8 head gaskets are fixed under a hidden warranty as may the 91 AXODE trans. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - you will have head gasket and transmission failure. Interior door panels rattle, cooling system failed. Too bad about the engine/trans otherwise this was a stylish and comfortable car.

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  Awesome truck for the buck! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By ecuaman801 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin, to coin a phrase. I bought this and have had no problems whatsoever with it. With regular maintenance, it could run forever. Ive heard of these running clear on and past 300,000 miles!

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  My excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Surfer Hunter Father - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The only problem is that deisel fuel is not at all stations. This is really no problem as it comes with a 44 gallon monster tank! The 4wd failed in a snow storm but the dealer fixed it quickly under warranty and no problem since. I use this vehicle off road alot and it is big on narrow trails so a chain saw for trimming trails, clear coating and waxing to protect paint from scratches is a must. It has yet to get stuck and really has the power to pull loads and get through mud down to dry earth for traction. The kids fight less on long trips with this big house on wheels!

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  Good Car to Buy - 1999 Ford Escort
  By salisalisali - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a good car to buy althoug needs more leg space for driver.

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  Love my mustang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By kakrunner - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used with 32,000 miles on it two years ago. Have only had a few problems and have really enjoyed driving it. However, do not attempt to drive in ice! In snow it is not too bad if you take it slow.

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  Not as bad as it could have been - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By flower mom - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Well, the car is only OK. The head gasket problem, allegedly fixed by the 1996 model, is not fixed it will need replacement at about 80K miles - a surprisingly consistent benchmark. If you buy a used one, make sure its already been replaced. And the speedometer breaks. And the ABS. Luckily, the brakes themselves still work fine. Nuisance stuff.

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  Real Muscle car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - May 26 - 3:06 pm

  I took delivery of thei car in November. Its been nothing but fun. Ive been on 4,400+ mile drives in it and its as comfortable as my Impala. Build quality is great, and its a lot of fun to drive. The hum of the exhaust is something that has to be experienced.

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  Ford should keep it - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kirby28 - May 26 - 11:09 am

  I am reviewing a V8 Adrenalin 2010 6 speed. Im impressed! Quiet, smooth, gorgeous! But why such crummy gas mileage? And wait, no carpet(?) in a 38K vehicle?

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  One of the better Fords - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Bob315 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Very fuel efficient and reliable - almost 5 years old and no mechancial problems - far superior to its replacement the Ford Focus

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  02 zx2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By faye544 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car for single people with a limited budget! if you need to put a car seat in it however problems arise (esp. with rear facing models. there is no middle seatbelt in the back seat so children need to be behind the driver or passenger - not the safest places to be!