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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  RELIABLE - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By gham49 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over two years now, and had no major problems with it. It has 98000 miles on it, and has never let me down. Great gas mileage, decent power, excellent AC. Its much better than could be expected for a car 11 years old.

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  gpa - 2012 Ford Mustang
  By Dave Underwood - February 23 - 1:03 am

  It is FUNNNNN

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  Best of everything - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By S Lillard - February 22 - 1:43 pm

  At first when I drove the Sport Trac I remember thinking that it drove more like a car than a truck. I had just gave my reliable F-150 to my son-in-law prior to buying the Sport Trac from an acquaintance. The previous truck had given me 269,000 miles and was still running strong and looked newer than the 1995 that it was. I was now hoping the Sport Trac would be as loyal. Now at 100,000 and going strong without any problems thus far. I live in the country, use the Sport Trac as a dirt road explorer, and love driving it. It looks good and it feels good.

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  Poor Gas mileage - 2009 Ford Taurus X
  By Derek - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car rides nice, but the seats are very uncomfortable. Leather is not real leather, some type of bonded leather or whatever it is. Lots of issues with the window on drivers side not working. Been in the garage 6 times in 7 months for repairs. Center console very outdated.

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  Windstar Review -Jmmcoolebay@hotmail.com - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Jordan M - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is great. Has Great power, aceleration is very good, you can roast the tires in this very very good. Gas Milege is also good

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  the - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By L-E - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Have had the T-Bird just over a year and have had NO problems, other than having to get used to strangers talking to me constantly, waving, giving thumbs up, etc. While seats are adult-sized, which is GREAT, there isnt much room for anything else I even got a smaller purse. However, have done road trips with 4 cats and 2 dogs with no fighting. Trunk room is small, but Ive now seen smaller! (VW new beetle conv.). There is a wave of approval that floats your ride in this car, which is backed up by its exceptional performance (EXCELLENT acceleration when you want it).

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  owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By d-alpert - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is an SUV in excellent condition. Has been driven in Colorado for short trips in the past five years.

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  Great drive - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jasejas - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Just a great SUV to own. Wish FORD would make more of these.

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  LUV MY STANG SO WHAT ITS A V6 - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By TOM SHAUGHNESSSY - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 3 YEARS. ITS A FUN CAR AND A HEAD TURNER.THE V6 IS STRONG.BUT REMBER ITS NO V8.THE MPG ARE 23 TO 26.THATS WHAT I SEE ANYWAY.IT HAS A GOOD RIDE GOOD ON TRIPS.I LIVE IN WV AND WE GET SOME SNOW HERE.AS LONG AS YOU PUT GOOD SNOW TIRES ON IT GOES FINE.WE RUN THIS CAR EVERY DAY ALMOST. NOW DONT TAKE THAT WRONG 15 INCHES OF SNOW WE LET IT SAY IN THE GARGE.THE ONLY PROBLEM IVE HAD WAS THE HOOD CRACKED AT THE CORNER OF THE HOOD SCOOP. FORD REPLACED IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. YES THIS IS A FUN CAR .

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  car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By fgs - February 22 - 2:00 am

  the vehical has been reliable, now has 83000 miles on it. only problem has been the check engine lite, which used to bother me , but i have had it on for the last 25000 miles, and it has not affected the driving or mileage.