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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  Works ok but so many little problems - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By IRISBRAMBLE - March 17 - 12:49 pm

  Bought this car after my brand new jeep was totaled in a car accident that was not my fault. I bought straight out from my mechanic it had 90,000 miles on it. Never of the electric sliding doors work right they get stuck, they dont open, or open again after closing. Power locks sometimes dont work, and the alarm sometimes goes off for no reason. The tire light is constantly on and it burns oil, I have had the fuel system and lines goes several times, and converter went as well. The most annoying thing is about 6 months ago I lost all radio reception and just a week ago my front windshield wipers stopped working. I have had this van almost 3 years and it still runs so I cant get rid of it but i wish I could.

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  NEW FUSION - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By SOFTBALLDAD3 - March 17 - 11:43 am

  This car is fun to drive and plenty of power. Have had people stop and check it out and finally ask all about the car. Even though we loved the red Fusion that is on TV we bought black. I have had people tell me they didnt like the looks of the car until they saw our black one! I said same thing that we were looking at the red and on a one day trip stopped in Oakdale Ca and this was only one left on the lot. We never finished our trip because we made deal right then and drove it home. Its funny because our local dealer in Tracy Ca had about six cars and no red! The lady we deal with there had me bring it by to see.

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  Crappy Ford Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By u29577 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. At least once a year you have to sink major money (over $500) into it to keep it running.

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  Midsize Mustang - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By rollin59 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice car, like a mid-size Mustang. Big enough to carry passengers, small enough to be easy to drive.

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  The King is Dead! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Cherisaruss - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most amazing car we have ever owned! Sad to say, the head just blew and we decided to replace it.....at 316,000+ miles. Six months ago, we had to replace the tranny...*sigh*. Aside from that, the only other problem was that the evil yellow light of death came on at about 150,000 miles, and never went off. We just bought a 97 Cougar with 47,000 miles, and the inside is similar but I doubt it will replace the T-bird in our hearts *sniffle.* WHY did Ford discontinue this car???

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  ok, but sluggish - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jenshjelm - March 17 - 2:00 am

  i like to drive my truck, but it is a lil sluggish with its underpowered v6 and 4x4 that doesnt help since there is no axle lock(posi lock) of any kind. also gas mileage isnt what i expected when i bought it.

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  my opion on mytype of truck - 1992 Ford F-150
  By jefflmc02 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  i love my truck and all its features

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  ford expidition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By gregory_bates2002 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  When im leaveing the house and im going out of town i never ever have to worry about the room i have left i have room for me my family and some more (lol) its very fun to drive and something i think that Henry Ford himslef would be prud of

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  Be ware before you purchase a Ford Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By enb74 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for me and my wife in 2000. Though the ride and comfortable level is good the Fort Taurus numerous amount of problems is a killer. My NEW car had a leak in the steering pump, a leak in the ABS and ABS pump needed to be replaced. I had a leak on the interior passenger side. I send several letters to Ford Motor who never responded. I owned a Chevy before and I wanted to stay with Domestic cars, but at the level of service provided by Ford, I believe they lost another good costumer.

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  Never thought Id buy a Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By NewOwner - March 16 - 5:50 pm

  Ive always preferred foreign cars but Ford came up with something to convert me. We didnt want an SUV or minivan but wanted more room than a sedan. Tested Subaru but felt cramped. There is so much space inside the Freestyle & the ride is just great. Ive had the car two months and every time I get in, I think "I love this car"!