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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  Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Starman1950 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is probably one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. EXCEPTION--- front brakes. Right front brake has had serious mechanical problems for the 2nd time now...#1 warranty #2 will be out of pocket. I will be no doubt replacing the rotor, pads and God knows what else.

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  Very nice car! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Big_Gar420 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when it had 76,000 miles on it and it runs great. I have upgraded wheels, exhaust, shifter and a few other bolt-ons. This is the best body style of a Mustang but sadly the motor id the worst ever put in a Mustang. The heads are very resticting and that decreases HP. These car will hang with 99+ Stangs with a headswap. Great car overall.

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  My first brand new car - 1997 Ford Probe
  By jdarwen - February 19 - 2:00 am

  After nearly 6 years of ownership, I still get goosebumps from the choir - like tones one hears from the engine bay all the way to the 7500 RPM redline. Power is very good when needed, yet the car is very mildly tempered when youre just taking it easy. This car is just a blast to drive hard or be the daily commuter. I dont imagine Ill ever sell this car.

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  Best time to buy is at the end of the month - 2015 Ford F-150
  By Rob McGinley - February 18 - 10:25 pm

  Shop on the internet other dealers and be sure to compare the factory invoices.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Missy - February 18 - 1:56 pm

  I am very pleased and happy with my purchase. I went from a small compact car to the Ford Escape and was very pleased with how comfortable it is to drive and how safe the vehicle makes you feel. I am a mother with small children and they are very happy with it as well. Very well recommended.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Christina75 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! It drives smooth, but the size of the car could use a V6 instead of a 4 for power. This car is very roomy compaired to the Toyota Carola I test drove. I like the shoulder belt in the middle great safety for my children. All in all, The exterior, interior and safety features was a big plus. It did have two recalls on it that no one had ever fixed: heater blower resistor and connector, and the front spring shield.

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  Loves the abuse - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By chacharelli - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger has the 4.0L V6 and 5 speed manual. Purchased when I was in high school in 1997 with 55,000 miles. It was my first vehicle, so of course it was abused early in our relationship. Now, with 120,000 miles - it just wont quit. Still gets 21+ mpg highway, and the torquey engine has not faded. Replaced the clutch at 85,000 but that was the only major repair. Reliability is almost unbelievable.

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  Designed to fail - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By AlexV - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Had this one for a few years. Too bad I was not looking through the reviews. It was fun while under warranty. Was well taken care of, right by the book. Have 3.8l engine. At 68K engine light went off. Took to the dealer. Dealer said that a tunup is needed. Manufacturer said at 100k. Dealer replaced spark plugs etc. Light went off. At 70 K sprung a leak somwhere between heater core and the back of the engine $2k repair(needed to take half the car apart). At 73K engine knocking, water in the oil. Estimate $2.8k to replace the engine. Thanks Ford. That is the last Ford made car my family bought in about 3 generations and hopefully more.

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  The greatest compact sport car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Lunchbox - February 18 - 2:00 am

  to start off. i love my escort gt. its the most wornderful car to drive. its really quick when you want the power its there. handles great. i do plan on making it handle better by putting some strut bars in front and back, and makeing it a little more powerful but i love it. its a perfect sleeper i guarentee itll beat a 97 honda civic ex coupe.

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  cars worth today - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By seeking - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Love it, rides well ,good leg room , great acceleration