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:

• 

  My favorite car ever! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By cargirl - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car. I had no mechanical problems with this car.

• 

  Good Car, Bad Trans...... - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Boxster265 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 96 GT since 1999. I have throughly enjoyed this car until today, when the transmission went submission at 72,000 miles. The car has given me no problems beyond the very bad interior rattles. I have always like Ford products, but now I dont know. A friend recommended selling it at 75,000, I almost made it. Liked the car, but didnt like the bad trans that had been flushed 15,000 miles ago. On to something foreign now!!!!

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By philmie - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My ZX2 is a wonderful car. Since I have had it I drive it 50 miles a day to and from school and then I deliver pizzas 4 days a week. My car is up to the abuse and I treat it to regular oil changes usually a few miles before 3000. It has good pep when accelerating even though it hada small engine. Sporty look too especially when it is given some tint and premium rims.

• 

  Good Car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Joe17fl - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine a month now and no major problems yet.

• 

  Unreliable junk low quality build - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Dpforfun2014@gmail.com - March 29 - 10:53 pm

  This car has been a headache. 6 recalls. Leather seats prematurely worn. I had 38k miles on it. Warranty is a joke. Multiple trips to dealer for transmission issues. Motor doesnt get mpg. Ford was sued for that. Things dont line up on parts on the interior so garbage build quality. The sync info system is a total glitchy and slow garbage screen to have to use. The auto unlock function with key fob doesnt work consistently or it keeps relocking the door as your open it. Another glitchy garbage feature. My last ford. 2nd fusion Ive owned and both had major issues. My wife used to love fords. Not anymore. Update 8 11 17 All the same issues as above. Except that knocking in reverse coming from the car. Very nice. 51k miles.

• 

  Very impressive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nick - March 29 - 5:30 pm

  Buy the Pebble leather interior and with X-plan you have pure luxury for $25,000.

• 

  Worst car ever purchased - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By KBadcar - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in early 1997 with 38,000 miles on it. Had no idea what I was in for. By 68,000 (only 30,000 put on by me) I had replaced the computer, the head gasket and the transmission. By 72,000 miles, the transmission was gone again and the AC was blowing anti freeze into the car.

• 

  great car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By dudeman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  i have had very few problems all of which were minor very reliable car the gas mileage is OK but could be better minor corrosion problems

• 

  great van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By shimdaug - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Windstar is the best van my wife has every had. We have four children and i use it to pick up things at the hardware store. it drives great and theres plenty of room. we have had a Dodge Carvan, Chevy Venture, and a Toyota Previa and none come close to how nice this van is.

• 

  Gotten A Bad Wrap - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By sjw - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and it has only broken down once $70). I had a problem with an oil leak/transmission fluid one the 1st day. After dealing with the Regional Rep. it was repaired, the price of the Quality Care Program was refunded, the Quality Care services were honored, and the warranty of the repair was extended. Not a good way to start, but things have been fine since. At 68,000 miles the brakes have not been replaced, but will needed soon. I have been looking at new vehicles with great incentive rates-but I just cant let go of this vehicle. Nothing else has the same comfort/bells and whistles as this vehicle.