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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  Watch out for the 3.8L ones - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By GotMach - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought one in thinking I was getting a good car with only 60,000 miles on it but had nothing but problems. Less than 500 miles after I bouth it my air conditioner went out. Then under 10,000 the motor blew a Head gasket. I have heard blown head gaskets are common in the 3.8L motors. My mother in law owns a 96 one with a 3.0 and has been having better luck with hers. Also my transmission I think was starting to slip.

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  Taurus unreliable, but is nice - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By adam Schiff - July 23 - 2:00 am

  My taurus has needed Fuel Pump, tensioner, fan belt : $325 Brakes, pads, rotors : $275 Exhaust : $175 Bag thingies over tires : $200 Other things I forgot : $500 Air Conditioner mt : $100 I suppose for 2 years of driving thats not too bad, but I think a camary would have required even less. Get one of those......

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  Plan on purchasing a new engine - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Tiff101 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The only thing about this car is that it looks good. Other than that plan on replacing the heads or totally getting a new engine. I will never purchase a Ford again due to their lack of informing that my engine could have defects or them totally giving me the run around when I called to get my vechile fixed. I ended up replacing the engine myself because I was just a few miles over the recall amount. I have had both! Its not worth it in the long run, trust me dont let your heart buy your mind and wallet a nightmare.

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  A nightmare brought to life! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By EJA - July 22 - 2:00 am

  What would possess a manufacturer to produce such a lousy car??? To elaborate........ THE DOWN SIDES: No tilt steering (WHY?) cup holders that only accomodate a 12oz can of pop or a small size coffee manual seat slide lever is placed next to the center console, while the seat tilt lever is on the door side (very difficult to adjust without being seated) Gas compartment that cannot be opened from the outside, and seldom from the release lever on the inside (release latch sticks, leaving no way to fill your tank) ON THE UP SIDE: Has a peppy 2.5l DOHC engine (VERY responsive) has 78,000 miles now, and we are in the process of replacing it.

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  True mileage - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Darrell Berning - July 19 - 3:22 pm

  Check maintenance records. Have replaced every seal and gasket on vehicle. I am the original owner of vehicle and pickup was very will maintained.

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  Better skip the automatic! - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By I_Work_For_Ford! - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a nice 5.0 Mustang... except the automatic transmission failed at 50,000 miles. Dealership told me it was out of warranty, so I was out of luck. $1500.00 later, I had a rebuilt transmission. Except for that and a problem with stalling (TFI ignition module) and problems with the fuel pump kicking out (impact switch in trunk) and problems with leaking headlight housings (common for Ford products) and a few other problems, the car was great to drive.

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  exceeded my expectations - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By hugo w - July 18 - 2:00 am

  A forerunner in the fledgling SUV arena at the time and compared with present day technology and comfort, the 91Explorer is primitive in comparison to the multitude now available. I did not expect my Ford to last as long as it has. I have just rolled over 220,000 on the same engine and only had to replace the transmission - and that was because I never changed the transmission oil. My success in reaching over 200,000 miles in a Ford is due, I believe, to religiously changing the oil every 3,000 miles. I was so impressed with my Ford I have just purchased a 2001 Expedition. My Explorer was a great buy!

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  Run, dont walk, away from this - 1995 Ford Contour
  By fogjr - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Im with several others - this car is a pleasure to drive but has drained my wallet for the past 2 years - transmission, motor mounts, A/C, lower control arm bushings (or whatever), power steering pump, cooling fan, and a 500 alternator - I will never own another Ford and curse the day I bought this junk

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  Better buy a new car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By deejay - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 76K miles. I had to replace AC Pump, AC Hose, Water pump, Starter (three times), suspension etc. Power windows do not work. Have spent more money on repairs than the cars worth. It is not worth buying this car after 75K miles.

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  Great car, nice technology, but some cons - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Zakareah Sikdar - July 13 - 3:47 am

  Switched over from a Lincoln MKS due to horrible Lincoln service and stayed in the Ford family due to having the Ford employee discount, but I am regretting it - a bit. The car is great! I have the SE Tech and luxury package - comes with all the bells and whistles - premium audio, leather, heated seats, etc. Fuel economy is good (fills up for about $35 with average of $2.30/gallon). Acceleration is not bad for a V4. My problem arises with the steering and Ford customer service. When the vehicle only had 500 miles it was in the shop for a vibration in the steering wheel. Ford, who didnt provide me with a loaner car, stated this was a "normal characteristic" and they notified Ford Corporate. I was told to drive another 2,000 miles as my tires have flat spots. Drove another 2,000 miles and problem still persists. Took it back to the dealer and was told, "this feels normal to us". Fine, took it again and was told, "the tires were majorly out of balance". After receiving it back, the problem continues. How ridiculous that a brand new car with only 8,000 miles is having such a problematic situation with steering that the dealer cannot even figure out. Also, sent NUMEROUS emails to Ford Corporate - but I do not ever hear anything back. Overall, this car is good - but service with Ford is garbage. Will probably be going back to foreign cars - Lexus is the best.