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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  Gentlemen and Ladies, start your engine! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - May 2 - 7:56 pm

  In 2 weeks, the honeymoon is not over. Just starting the engine lets you know this car rocks! Distinctive sound is like Barry White - deep, vibrant and powerful. Performance with 18" tires is superb. Five speed shifting is smooth and solid. Front seats are extremely comfortable and supportive. Not a squeak or rattle - very tight. Couldnt find a defect on delivery. The gauge display is pure retro, but the color options are an up to date touch. Driving has never been this much fun.

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  [non-permissible content removed] ford - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Randy - May 2 - 3:57 pm

  Bought 2014 fushion se used with 20000 on it. Now 40000 miles and trans went out totally gone no warning nothing just started it and no drive.the sync system sucks. Its always doing its own thing. The air comes on when you want heat. Electronical nightmare. If i could go back in time i would not have bought this car and will never go to kunes ford in wisconsin ever again so rude people they promise you everthing until u sign then its all lies no one cares. They even said to me oh well you bought it its your problem now. Nice huh. Never again ford.

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  one long haul - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Ford Paradise - May 2 - 2:00 am

  i bought this truck from my uncle, who used it as a consruction truck. so far it has had a long, hard life, but it keeps on coming. it has about 375k miles on it now, and the only thing i have had to do to it is replace the radiator, and do a tune-up and do regular mainteanance. it has a 300ci motor in it, and has been truckin forever. i love this truck

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  my Harvick - 2000 Ford Escort
  By JoJoz1986 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  My car has been very good to me in the past 11 months. It gets a lot of miles put on it but I still love to drive it.

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  1994 Eddie - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bucknut - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have 132,000 miles on my Ford and it is still running strong. The exceleration is very good and is a very comfortable highway tourer. The only money I have invested in it is a H2O pump and brakes...the only real flaw I have with the vehicle is the brakes. As front disc only they wear out way to fast for my likeing. I have towed over 5000 pounds cross country on four occasions and the car performed well, only bogged out hitting the big hills and crossing the Rockies.

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  Very Reliable - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By fredericksburg - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar has been the most reliable new car weve owned weve also owned Honda and Volvo. The only warranty item was a loose drivers seat rack, which they replaced. Since then, weve replaced some front suspension pieces at pretty low cost no other problems. Very comfortable on long trips.

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  Lemon Aide - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dukee - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Transmission shifts hard into gear. Has been replaced once by dealer,

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  Excellent Family Car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By G. Ralph Moseley - May 1 - 6:03 pm

  We chose this car because it has an easily accessible third row of seats. Even my mom could operate them. Plus, the seats in the third row fold down easily and give a lot of cargo room. An aside, we purchased the WeatherTech mats and a cargo area mat and have been very pleased with them-- its very muddy where we live. As for build quality, its decent. The doors always look open. The ride is smooth and merging onto busy/fast roads is no big deal. Handling is proficient. Other makes might have a better finish, but I wasnt willing to spend another $10-15K to get the same car with a flashier hood ornament. In all, I would highly recommend this car.

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  Great Business Car! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chris - May 1 - 10:36 am

  A great value for the price! When first purchased in Feb. 2005 I received many compliments on the styling and appearance. Great car for tall and/or oversized people. Perfect for traveling salesmen who must transport clients. Rear leg space is best in class. Trunk space is huge and handy for golf outings. Cup holders and storage compartments galore!

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  Ford Edge delivers comfort and quick acceleration! - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Lois Sanchez - May 1 - 9:53 am

  The Ford Edge Titanium 2.0 Eco boost is amazing! Great acceleration and roomy interior. I have been a Honda girl for 32 years. I drove the CR-V and was disappointed in the lack of acceleration and road noise. The Honda Pilot was just too large for my needs. So I started my research and realized the Ford Edge was in the top 10 best SUVs in Consumer Reports. The other high ranking SUVs were very nice but larger than what I needed. The Ford Edge has a potential of reaching 30MPG which also played a role in what I wanted in my SUV. The redesigned body and interior is very classy and as nice as the high end SUVs! Plenty of leg room and good cargo space. Cabin is pretty quiet. Visibility is great! AC is cold with good fan speed options , and it has vents for the back seats as well. I paid extra for the panoramic sun roof as in my previous vehicles, I used my sun roof as often as the weather would allow. I love it! You will not be disappointed if your purchase the Ford Edge! Ford has done a fabulous job bringing this vehicle to the top 10 SUVs!