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:

• 

  Bad Experience - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Nelly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We had a head gasket blow soon after we purchased this vehicle used. Four years later weve just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the head gasket has blown again. In addition to this there are minor problems all over the vehicle - inaccurate open door warnings, interior lights that wont turn off, seat adjustment knobs that work only sporadically, pieces of interior that have easily broken. Constant maintenance needed on brakes and drums.

• 

  Great car - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gfoos - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, comfortable and looks great. What else is there to say?

• 

  I was surprised! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By pDub - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Doesnt feel like youre driving a SUV other than towering over people.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By RALP - May 7 - 2:00 am

  fANTANSTIC CAR. NO PROBS AT ALL...LOVE IT!

• 

  Finally , Quality Job #1 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By U00GXG1 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ford has finally built a quality vehicle. I have been a G.M. buyer until this one come out. NO comparison of the quality of Bravada , GMC , or others. The Limited wins hands down ! I am in the process of trading it in on a new 2004 Limited.

• 

  One of the best values available - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By lovinit - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 4.0 liter, V-6 is smooth and makes for a fun, quick truck with good hauling ability. Engine runs like a dream if you treat it right. Transmission isnt the smoothest, but it is holding up well. Body doesnt rust easily. Brakes are good, not great. It handles like a truck. Interior is well designed and slick. If you want a reliable used truck, I dont think you could get a better one than this for the price.

• 

  One of the best values available - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Lovinit - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 4.0 liter, V-6 is smooth and makes for a fun, quick truck with good hauling ability. Engine runs like a dream if you treat it right. Transmission isnt the smoothest, but it is holding up well. Body doesnt rust easily. Brakes are good, not great. It handles like a truck. Interior is well designed and slick. If you want a reliable used truck, I dont think you could get a better one than this for the price.

• 

  FRONT SEAT PROBLEMS - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By REDBIRD - May 7 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR EXCEPT FOR FRONT SEAT. I AM A MALE WHO WHEIGHS 260LBS AND FIND THAT ON LONG DRIVES THE FRONT SEAT BECOMES VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. DID A RECENT SURVEY WALKING ACROSS PARKING LOTS AND NOTICED THAT 95% OF THESE CARS HAVE PILLOWS OR SOME TYPE OF CUSHONING ON THE SEAT. WHAT A SHAME FORD. BAD ENOUGH FOR ME TO WANT TO SELL CAR. HAVE 2 OTHER CARS THAT HAVE NO PROBLEM AT ALL IN THIS AREA.

• 

  Very Reliable, Comfortable, and Quiet. - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Dan - May 6 - 6:09 pm

  Ford corrected the transmission for 2006 and 2007 models. Earlier models had transmission failures. I have 82,000 miles on this cargo van, and it has been trouble free. It is quiet inside, and drives like a regular passenger van because the cargo model has a full cloth headliner and trim panels all the way back to the tailgate. In fact, we prefer this vehicle for vacations. More cargo space than a thirsty SUV. I get 25 mpg on the freeway if I drive 60. At 70mph, it drops to 23 mpg.

• 

  Pretty King Ranch - 2016 Ford F-150
  By joe cuce - May 6 - 5:43 pm

  Traded my 2009 King Ranch 5.4 V8 super crew 6.5 bed for the new one. Have 3.5 V6 turbo and a short 5.5 bed. I will miss my longer bed. I could not locate a crew cab with the 6.5 bed. Truck too new to really rate it but so far so good. Many improvements to the sync system and some useful electronics for safety and ease of driving. Overall, very happy until something goes wrong. Did not like the double glass roof because of the heat it let in past a flimsy thin cover. Had a window tinter put solar tint which helped.