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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  should be car of the year - 2005 Ford Focus
  By kingsreiter - March 31 - 12:00 pm

  My 2005 ford zxw sesis an excellent people mover with room to spare for extras fun to drive and easy on gas it has all the toys for a reasonable price. thanks ford for a good experience

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  Ford Explorer Nightmare - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Drking7777 - March 31 - 7:42 am

  Been. Ford guy all my life but with this purchased have experienced the worse Ford has to offer. Dealership was not the issue ford and ford quality and customer service set a new low that I did not expect. Three weeks after purchase blind spot and cross traffic indicators began to fail, this lead to nag aviation failure, A/C failure, front windows stopped working, seat adjustments failed, seat memory failed, seat massage ceased working in very uncomfortable position, defrost may be on with no way to turn off, and tire pressure alerts (tires were fine). Purchased last Saturday in March 2016 and by July 13 it was in the shop more than I had it ( 16 weeks of ownership - I drove it 5 weeks with no problems and 1 week with the dealership researching the problem and the remaining 10 week is was in the shop. Ford refused to replace. Dealership remove, seats, carpets, headliner, replace modules, engine harness, and still had problems. After taking a new car apart and putting it back together unknown times and a Ford engineer coming twice to work on it - I was then told it was now fixed - it is no longer a new vehicle, it has accelerated depreciation due to all the mechanical issues and I can no longer trust it for what it was purchased for. Ford response is they fixed it - not thier problem. Buyers beware.

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  Bad Drive train - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Samson - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Eddie Bauer 99 with all trimings. At 8000 miles the Transmission exploded and had to be replaced. . The SOC engine had many repairs on the timing belts and finally they pulled the engine to do one. Still noisy timing belts when cold. Ford is useless. Last week I had the 60,000 mile $400 service done. Today they had to replace front wheel bearing and many antilock brake parts.

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  1995 F250 4x4 - 1995 Ford F-250
  By deputyj911 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle from a guy in Alabama last year. This truck is an awesome ride. I use it to pull a large covered lawn trailer, and was pulling a 10x8 motocross trailer when I first bought it. It pulls like crazy, and will go through anything in the woods. I have had it in 3 feet of water in a swamp and you wouldve thought you were on I-10. The only thing that I had a problem with, was the front seal on the tranny. Other than that the truck has been 100% reliable.

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  fun - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By 98gtdriver - March 31 - 2:00 am

  ive enjoyed the 3 years ive had this car. absolutly no problems at all. very reliable. very fun to drive. get compliments all the time. my aftermarket exhaust sounds like a ford mustang should. awesome styling. its been a very nice experience.

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  ranger edge - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By torso - March 31 - 2:00 am

  a very good truck to own

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  Big Mustang - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Rollin - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had good experience with my 1996 T-bird. Overall very reliable car, no unscheduled maintenance so far. Traction control with snow tires on all 4 wheels is a must for snowy climate (I use Blizzaks). Handling is very good for a relatively large car and performance is too with the 4.6 V8. 4- wheel disc brakes are an improvement over disc/drum on my 1995 T-bird.

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  The Great Limited - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Limited03 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love Windstars! I had a 96, although it was a lemon. I traded that in for a new 98 and has that for 5 years and 70,000 trouble free miles. I got rid of that and now I have my 03 Windstar Limited. I love it. It has been majorly improved from my 98. Its quieter inside and the interior is of a higher quality. I Love it!

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  Quality is NOT Job 1 - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By MountainMan - March 31 - 2:00 am

  After months of research, sold after 8 yrs(intended to keep much longer) and got a Honda Odyssey. US made engines look like 90yr old cardiac arrest patients on life support. Hondas is more like art work. We never expierenced the head gasket problem but after the research felt the odds were to great(esp if used for vactions/long trips). We were having trans problems. When it comes to head gasket&trans reliability, Id say its not a matter of if they develop, but when. I feel Ford cut corners to save a few bucks that end up costing consumers hunderds, even thousands. After owning 4 Fords, I suspect it extremely unlikely that I will ever own another.

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  Very happy GT owner in Ohio! - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Performance White GT - March 31 - 12:10 am

  Awesome car, completely satisfied! I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for great performance and classic stlye at an affordable price.