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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  Wasted $3000 - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Joan1805 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I drove it for 1.5 years. Now it is dead. - transmission ($1000?) - antifreeze gets into engine and exhaust($1000?) - catalytic converter broke and makes an awful noise (buzz), ($260?) - starter was replaced ($90) - alternator was replaced ($300?) - battery was replaced - blinker lights are burnt. - interior: ceiling is decomposing and dropping something black onto seats, door handle has come off, power windows dont open, cracks on the dash board from the sun, all plastic parts are barely hanging, glove compartment is not closing or locking anymore. -exterior: paint came off on the roof. I am amazed. The car seemed to be so good when I bought it. :(

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  no star in my wind - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By sco - April 8 - 2:00 am

  At 20,000 miles tranny goes , on christmas day. engine light came on at least a dozen times in the past year . went through 3 sets of tires.ford tells me this normal,my van has 58,000 miles and im DONE.

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  From Navigator to 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Sam Hampton - April 8 - 12:50 am

  I traded my Gator to get better gas mileage, lower payment, plenty of room for family trips, safety, style. Just took a trip to NC. The car did great. Power was fine, handling was very good, plenty of room for the family, gas mileage was 29 mpg. Felt very safe and comfortable. Cabin is cavernous. Great visibility.

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  Ford edge - 2017 Ford Edge
  By smac - April 7 - 5:28 pm

  shop around dealer price vary for same car they mix in different options

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  Very Good Small Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Gary Spears - April 7 - 8:14 am

  If youre looking for a good small truck you really cant go wrong with this one. Holds its value well. Since there are a billion of them parts are cheap and plentiful. My only recommendation is that if you get the super cab, you want to get the 4.0 liter V6. The 3 liter is a little small for that big of a truck. And the mileage difference is not that great.

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  VERY EXCITED ABOUT OUR 06 - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Everett - April 7 - 6:36 am

  We drove a 1998 Eddie Bauer for 8 years and liked it. When the 2006 came out, we were first interested because of the improved safety features. After test driving it we found much else to like about the redesigned 2006. It is very quiet and the ride is very smooth. Our 06 Eddie Bauer has a long list of great features that we are enjoying more and more the longer we have it. The more we use it, the more convinced we are that we have made the right decision in buying this vehicle. While the gas mileage leaves something to be desired -- but what decent sized SUV doesnt -- everything else about the 06 is very satisfying to us. We would recommend it to anyone thinking about an SUV.

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  My Second Chance - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gary Clark - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased one of the first all Thunderbird Blue models on the road back in February of 2002, and have loved the car ever since. It is the perfect combination of comfortable road car and sporty performance car. And that body . . . . Now that Ive owned the car for a year and driven it just over 3,000 miles, I know that love at first sight has become a love that will last forever. I never thought Id get a second chance to by a new Thunderbird with the style and class of the originals, but there you are.

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  2000 Flareside XLT 4x4 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By chrisblank3463 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck used and I love this truck. I love the smoth ride and the power on command. I wish it had a little more power, it seems a little under powered compared to the dodge. but it works for me. I love the stepside and i can still fit my 4wheeler in the back.

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  Ford Lariat 4X4 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Sportsman - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Truck handles great, with enough power from the V8 engine. confortable on long trips, and driving around town,

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  Very Dependable and Fun to Drive - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By L Ruiz - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost 7 1/2 years and have never had any mechanical problems with it, other than regular maintenance. It looks good and is fun to drive.