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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  Great Performer for a low price - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Chris P - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I opted for this car when my Ford Tempo started to get sick. Figuring it was only $400, and needed front end work, along with body work...It was time to look at a new vehical. Im shocked by the reviews of the tauruss on here. Our family has owned many tauruss and tempos and have never had transmission problems. Read your manual for transmission care! If you do get a tranny rebuilt, have a shift kit installed...it will greatly improve the response of these transmissions. (The one i purchased has a shift kit on it for performance.) I now have 116k on it and it feels like 60k, looks like 70k. Definetly does not look like a 7 year old vehical.

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  Nice Ride - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By pieperwm - April 11 - 2:00 am

  We drove thru severe heat of Death Valley in 120 degrees on vacation and didnt break a sweat. Highway miles were very easy. Im a Volvo owner, my only concern is that this lacks my usual side airbags. Saftey rating was good considering the class of vehicle. Gas milage over 10,000 miles is exactly as EPA predicted. Highway I get 18.5 to 19.5 mpg. I have the 4.0L, extended Cab 4x 4, with a shell. I had to replact the Firestone Tires (Michelin) and that was time consuming. I have had no problems mechanically.

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  One of my favorite automobiles - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Chris P - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car. I wanted a tempo after my mom walked out of a 60mph head on accident with a very minor temporary injury. I purchased mine for $400 from my aunt at 105k miles. Engine is very strong, and tranny is responsive. in 13 years the car has been towed once for a dead battery, and left me on the side of the road once when the engine block heater fell out becuase of an overtightned bolt (bad mechanic?). I took the car off the road when it was due for CV Joints, Boots, and body work. Total parts for this car in 13 years costed $400. I purchased a 1996 Taurus SE as a replacement...I miss my tempo though...

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  No More FORDS for me! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DeltaPDave - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 3 Fords in 10 years and each vehicle was worse, culminating in the Windstar. Car "chimes" for no reason due to an electrical "gremlin". It also stranded my wife at work refusing to start. Dealer shrugged his shoulders. Transmission #2 at 20,000 miles and the thing still lurches and groans. The front bumper began to deteriorate as a crack developed and began spreading. Dealer says I hit something, but vehicle has NEVER come in contact with anything. Rear bumper has crack too. (I must have backed into a water buffalo without noticing!) The dealer has been worthless only surpassed by Ford Regional Management.

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  My 2nd Probe! - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Keek - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Im on my second Probe, and both have been relatively good to me. Maybe not an A+, but definately an A. (1990 Probe, 1997 Probe, both standard transmission) I have really enjoyed driving both of these cars. I was in a nasty accident earlier this week (hit by a BIG Jeep Cherokee) and I am amazed at how well my Probe held up! I was hit on the drivers side, and in a lesser car I am quite sure my legs would have been broken at the very least. Unfortunately, my Probe has too much damage not to be totalled, (Sob!) but I can honestly say that I would get another Probe. (Isnt three the magic number?)

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  GoPonyGo - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By ABuddy82 - April 11 - 1:33 am

  I bought my new Mustang over the weekend. Its firered with red leather. Shaker 1000 which blocks out the exhaust so I never turn it on. Its like listening to heaven with every shift. Very easy to drive and comfortable on a long trip. MPG are in the low 20s but its a muscle car. It wont shift into 1st until the last possible second but has enough torque in 2nd to get out of the way. Really enjoy it. It gets a lot of attention which sometime can be a bad thing. But everyone is your best friend when you pull up in this. After the shock of the new one wears off, Ill still be happy with my purhcase.I probably shouldnt have bought it but the Mustang has always been an emotional thing.

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  EXTREME HEAD TURNER - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By DONNA WHITEHOUSE - April 10 - 6:36 am

  I am amazed! Im 62 years old and this car is leaps and bounds over anything else I have owned. The head turnins awesome (on the road or just parked). I smile and smile! Thanks to Fod and their brilliant designers and engineer! I ordered this mustang GT a while back and am glad I did. They are rare at dealerships. Happy, happy happy!

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  user impressions - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By eridolphi - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The ride is not as good as expected. The seat sits a little higher than the F-250 truck making it more like driving a commercial vehicle. It is rough riding on rough interstate highway. The turning radius is wide. The vehicle does not drive as good as a Suburban but the engine, fuel mileage (18 mpg or better at 72 mph), size of tank, visibility is excellent. The engine runs great, although the first factory re-programing made it run rough and slower than it did before. This is a nice vehicle, a better value than the Suburban. A better seat and drivers position, with a smaller turn radius, would make it great.

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  Average car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By francisco de Paula - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, Economy and Fun to drive could be improved. Good Reliability.

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  Ford has the best trucks hands down - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By AndyTruck1 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I now have 190000 miles and have only replaced clutches and normal wear. It has great power, better handleing and has never left me stranded. Anyone who says different is dumb.