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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  Steering Wheel/Battery Problems - 2008 Ford Escape
  By RECYCLER333 - April 27 - 11:29 am

  Took my 2008 escape to the dealer for problems before the 60,000 check-up. None were covered. It would cost $1,000 to fix. Steering wheel clunked - sounded like the tires were going to fall off, temp gauge didnt work, passenger airbag inconsistent, and most disappointing, the battery needs replaced and not covered - $220 outrageous charge to replace. Why would a battery go dead in under 2 years and not be covered. If I didnt come from a Ford family, I would not buy another Ford vehicle.

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  Nice car but needed lots of work - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Tobei - April 27 - 8:45 am

  Bought it used with 14,000 miles on it. I liked the car for the most part, but I had to stick a lot of money into new springs and struts for both the front (70,000 miles) and rear (105,000). This was a factory problem (springs were made too short and a common problem), but Ford refused to cover the cost on my car because not enough people reported this problem from the factory where mine was built. Also paid a lot to replace a seal on the gas tank (70,000 miles..another recall on cars from a different factory, but not mine). Recent transmission leak and oil leak. Needless to say, Im not thrilled with Fords service. Dont know if Ill buy another Ford.

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  Get Real New Car Value - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - April 26 - 6:38 pm

  I bought a 2016 1.5L Turbo SE Fusion with navigation in November and I was pleasantly pleased with the purchase experience. The car handles wonderfully and is comfortable both front and back. It is both economical and peppy, and really is a bargain vs. marginally more "upscale" vehicles. I have owned Lincolns, Acuras , Cadillacs, BMWs, ect. and this, in my opinion, is thus far, and by far, the best new car value I have ever obtained, even though may not be considered a "luxury " brand or model.

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  No more vans since I found the Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Michelle - April 26 - 10:20 am

  I like this vehicle, It is good alternative to a minivan or SUV. The visibility is good and with the adjustable drivers seat it makes it easy for even a height challenged person to drive comfortably. It has a smooth ride and it is very easy to drive. You have to keep an eye on your how fast you are going because with the smooth CVT transmission you can easily exceed the speed limit. The leg room is quite good even in the third seat. And the ability to fold down the seats makes this a all purpose vehicle. Good work Ford; I hope this vehicle is a real success. I am glad I waited to purchase my new vehicle until I found the Freestyle.

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  Got a Good One! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mv - April 25 - 9:35 pm

  I purchased my SUV new and have been relatively happy with it. I got a good one! Ive owned my Explorer for almost 12 years, have more than 224,000 miles on it (original engine and transmission) and its held up pretty well. Only persistent problem seems to be a roaring in my wheel bearings, which Ive had serviced a few times. Other than that this was a good purchase that has paid for itself over the years. Standard service intervals were always stretched (e.g. oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles) - perhaps that is the secret to this longevity. Ive owned three Fords before this one, and I hope I can make my next purchase a Ford also.

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  T miss her.. - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By fomocobro - April 24 - 11:00 am

  My mom purchased car new in 99 because I recommended it, Nascar, and its 5 star crash test rating. LOVED IT. Great Performance & Style, what made it was the opt. DOHC 24V & spoiler makes the car look 100% better (esp. in black). I inherited it in 06 w/ 47k mi. after it sat neglected in Fl for over a year, got it running & drove it back to home to its origin in PA w/ no problems. Fixed it up and did some mods 2 up performance & looks, man did it make a difference. Engine purred even when stock, growled w/ aftermarket exhaust. I LOVED this car & made it into something beautiful, sold it @ 73k mi. because was time 2 move on to something that fit me better..Cobra. Farewell T..

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  Ranger 2009 - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - April 23 - 9:23 pm

  Just bought the 2009 Ranger with 2.3 I- 4 and 5 speed automatic. This is my 2nd Ranger the other is a 1996 never had a problem with it, so I bought a new one. The 2009 rides a little rougher, accelerates faster, and is more comfortable inside.

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  Nice When It Runs - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By John - April 23 - 9:18 pm

  Bought this 97 Fully loaded taurus gl 22months ago and since it has been one problem after the next, literally. When I purchased the car it needed a muffler and welding done to the holi headders. A couple months later a poppin noise came from the passenger front end, a month or two later I replaced the half shaft. A month later a noise came from the front end again, wheel bearings and tie rod, 170000 miles. A couple months later the car revedded high as I accelerated, trans range sensor, 178k. 7k later the alter and trans gave. Then the waterpump and serp. belt. Last month the coolant resovoir and upper/lower intake gaskets were replaced. Leaks coolant on and off, y? 4 studs broke also, y?

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  Real Bang for the Buck - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Scott - April 23 - 4:00 pm

  This car looks mean, handles great, and turns heads every day. Deffinately worth spending your money on. Its never a boring drive, and doesnt draw too much attention from the authorities. I love to turn off the traction control! I went toe to toe with an SRT 8 and stayed right up there up to 120 mph and didnt lose an inch.

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  Fords Ford F-150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Larry Ford - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This 5 speed manual V-6 worked like a horse when I recently moved from Weatherford to Ft. Worth. Pulling a trailer loaded down and the cargo bed loaded down to the max, this truck was just the ticket for a full days work. I love my new F-150.