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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  Reliable for 8 Years and counting - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By mplap - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Our explorer has been very reliable and provides plenty of room for our family, our dogs, supplies, four sets of golf clubs and trips to visit relatives. Only complaints are the tire wear, its a bit sluggish from stop and some minor electrical annoyances. Overall, I am pleased.

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  MPG NOT GREAT, EVERYTHING ELSE IS GREAT - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By BILL - May 17 - 11:21 am

  Currently getting about 38 mpg with a hybrid, but I drive fairly hard.

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  Great Truck to Drive - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By DrDRoss6 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I just got this truck today. It has 69k miles and is in GREAT condition!! No problems at all. Had it inspected by a professional mechanic that we are friends with before we purchased it and no problems at all were found. I am very happy with it!!!

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  BUY THE S-10!!!!! - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By rangerhater - May 17 - 2:00 am

  i got this truck last year as a first vehicle. what a dissapointment. I bought the truck w/ 120000 km on it. 17000km later i hate it more than ever. The suspension on the left side is shot. the steering is loose and bulky. the engine...oh hell it wont run smooth until im 10 minutes into a drive. there is no fun factor other than the reardrive on a gravel road. this truck is way underpowered.hit a bump while accellerationg and it feels like the rear end is gonna blow up or drop out. If you need a small truck, get the S-10 w/ the 4.3L. I test drove a 94 SS and it could blow the doors off of any truck out there. i wish i hadnt taken the cheaper route

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  1995.5 Ford Windstar GL minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By beamingup - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this used and have gotten 110,000 miles from it. Comfortable ride, roomy - adding a fourth door on newer models definitely an improvement. Electrical problems, mostly with interior lights, warning bells, passenger window, have been numerous. I am now in need of a head gasket (last one was installed 2 years ago). Transmission still good. A/C and heating have been powerful, reliable.

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  Great used car purchase - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus Driver - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an affordable used car, and I ended up looking at a Silver taurus SE with all the options. The great thing is that Taurus are so popular that you can find one easily and cheaply. They are dependable. I havent had any major problems. The AC is awesome and so is the driving stability. Cant say the same about the brakes. Even with all new brakes, this heavy car brakes slowly. Its a great travel car for 4 or even 5 people. Its design is so bland that it still fits in with todays models, so you wont feel like your driving an older car! I love my Taurus. It has over 150K on it and looks like it could go for 200K.

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  Awesome, versatile car - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Samantha - May 16 - 12:30 pm

  I am very happy with my 2016 Ford Focus and have been since the day I bought it. As someone who commutes to school, work, and various other places in a given day, this car is perfect for someone who is looking for a great car for them to commute in; easy to get in and out of parking spots, a breeze to parallel park in, decent gas mileage, and all that jazz. My only complaint is that the button on the emergency break gets "weird" and gets stuck on the occasion, but that is it. The radio and bluetooth have cooperated with me and have not caused me any issues, and out of the 5 months I have had it, it has never needed to be taken into the shop (I drive a considerable amount every day). Also, I recommend this car to someone running on the shorter side- I am only about 53", so this car is easy to get in and out of from the drivers seat, but other taller family members of mine have required a bit more effort getting swiftly in and out of it despite adjusting the seat.

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  Good Bur a Rough ride - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Good but a rough rid - May 16 - 4:56 am

  I first saw the Sport Trac in late 1999 in a commercial and I wanted it. So I sent to the several dealerships and they only had a few- but I found a 4x4 Gold w/ black trim. Of course I paid sticker - it was brand spankin new. I have had it since 2000 - 10years now and i have almost 72K miles on it. I just spent $700 for mew plugs, tune-up, etc. OVerall - its been a very good little truck. Gets me where I wanted to go, never got stuck.

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  A Big Let Down - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By a big let down - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Major problems!!!! I am the original owner of this truck. I have had numerous recalls!(Tires, Switches, etc...) Massive electrical problems. 4x4 problems. Numerous dealers could not figure what the problems were. Finally they said just replace the transfer case,(at my cost of course), and it was still never right. ABS problems. Again, dealers said it was corrected, and as soon as I leave the dealership, more ABS problems. This was the cause of my Wreck. Bottom line is BUYER BEWARE!!!! Ford Quality care in plain english SUX! Techs are uneducated in their product. They can never figure out what is wrong with it. I will NEVER own another ford again.

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  Fun but not Comfortable - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By SpeedOne - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive short distances, but the poor suspension and lack of good seats make long drives difficult. The sound system is good, but you cant hear it without blasting when you drive over 45 miles per hour (and in this car, the fun begins much faster than that!).