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:

• 

  Had it for 12 years and still enjoy it - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By rrenner - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1991 and it has served us well since then. Its been up and down the east coast twice and used virtually every day since it was new. After some initial problems with bushings - repaired under warranty - it has been remarkably trouble- free. Replaced A/C after 5 years. With a 5- speed, its still fun to drive. Gas gauge has been broken for w few years I just reset the trip meter. The center armrest broke recently - a common problem. I replaced it with a good match. I want a new car, but will miss this one.

• 

  nice truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By cda - April 15 - 10:00 am

  great handling, fast, fun to drive. could be a little better on gas mileage 14 city/ 17 hwy.

• 

  Great Ford - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jim Ford - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, great Ford, Great Dealership, Great Buyer, Great Free Drinks, Good is Great for Ford. I listen to Chevs rust in the clean mountain air.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fmath - April 15 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the car yesterday and now all our neighbors are asking what it is. The style is beautiful and the handling is even better. We always drove Ford products but this is the best.

• 

  Sense of Humor - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Jennifer N - April 15 - 5:00 am

  I love my car it has nice power to weight control, paired with a 5 spd manual transmission and short throw shifter. The clutch is not overly heavy. Comfort of the vehicle is fine with good safety features.

• 

  My F1504x4 - 1999 Ford F-150
  By BYGBRI - April 15 - 2:00 am

  As of Apr. 15, 2003 the following have been repaired/replaced on my 5.4L, 4x4, 4R100(E4OD) trans: 1) Passenger side head gasket. 2) Rear window seal has been replaced. 3) 1st trans rebuild at 30k miles. 4) 2nd trans rebuil at 56k miles.

• 

  never misses a beat - 1997 Ford Contour
  By HelenFelice - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased 97 GL sport 5 speed. this car is excellent in the snow, climbs mountains with ease and is definitely fun to drive. I average 28/30 mpg which makes my compute of 120 miles a day a breeze. I just replaced the clutch at 120,000....it starts without a problem and has been very reliable. I love being able to keep up with the "big dogs"

• 

  worst transmissions - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jdk01 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  the transmission in this vehicle is the worst i have ever seen. It has been replaced twice and it still shimmers when shifting. beware!

• 

  1996 Ford Thunderbird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By bm4751 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over seven years and all I have put in it is a battery and new tires.It is a very dependable car that rides great.

• 

  enjoying the road again - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By a.a. - April 14 - 7:13 am

  I was attracted to the 500 by its semi-luxury euro exterior which appears deceptively mid-size but open the doors and trunk lid...WOW! After purchasing, I read about its low horsepower being its weak point. City driving does have a full-size feel but on the highway this puppy gets up and Ive never felt it strain, so I attribute both inclinations to its CVT...either way, I enjoy driving again.