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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  dont buy one a 95 Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By unhappy_in_the_cold - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This car leaves us on the side of the road regularly. The car feels good inside, rides rather smoothly, but is surprisingly unreliable for a drivetrain built on the Taurus mechanicals. Engine 3.8L has good acceleration but gulps gas.

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  1993 Ford Ranger XLT Standard Cab SB - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By RobWilkins - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, reliable vehicle! I bought it in 1999 with 72,000 miles. It is now 2003 and the truck has over 106,000 and is still running strong. I have had no problems at all with the engine. The only two items Ive had to replace are the sending unit and the exhaust system. I am very good about changing the oil & filter every 2500-3000 miles and the gas & air filter every 10,000 miles, and the plugs & wires every 20,000-25,000 miles... I guess it pays off! I love this truck!!!

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  Still not sold - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By On the fence - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer in March of 99 when it was 4 yrs. old. Didnt have any problems up until about 2 yrs ago and since then Ive had my share. I have had two of the same problems with the clutch that required a part be replaced. The 2nd time it happened just over a year apart (12 mos and a week) and the warranty was for a year. Also had a problem where the car just wouldnt not start, then miraculosly started working after having to get towed to the shop on 2 different occassions. So Im just waiting for the next thing to break.

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  A pleasure to drive - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Chang Limbang - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Power nothing, but A/C & Cruise control makes for a more comfortable ride. I was a bit skeptical about the 4.6L V8 since Ford ditched the 302 from their truck line, but its run out very well for me. My only problem is a clunking noise in the rear end when taking off. I plan on having it looked at soon. Other than that its been a dependable truck for me.

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  CVT Transmission = Worthless - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dee - February 11 - 1:20 am

  Our family has owned many ford products but this one is a great disappointment. This car has been at a Ford dealership since June. The transmission went and Ford wants $5500 -$6500.00 to put in a new transmission that comes from China. Ford will not help in anyway. The looks beautiful but is not drivable. My daughter and I could have been killed on the turnpike because the car slipped into neutral when you tried to get above 50mph. Greatly disappointed with Ford.

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  Fords little winner - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mary - February 10 - 10:46 am

  This is first car I bought in 22 years and I love it. The seats are more comfortable than the Madza3 and Nissan Versa that I test drove. It handles great on country roads..no road noise. Suspension is smooth on rough roads. Gas mileage is god sent averaging 29-31 around town. Leather seats are great. Trunk is big with fold down backseat to increase hauling space. SYNC is great. Cant say enough good things about it and Ford for finally getting it right in the compact car area. Improved safety ratings all around 4 stars.

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  Throttle replaced at 8,000 miles, all else great! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By 2016 Ford Explorer - February 10 - 5:25 am

  First - I do LOVE this car!! Every month when I make the payment, I tell myself that and really do mean it!! BUT. . . . . While vacationing and only at 8,000 miles when the car breaks down and I read that it happens to ALOT of these cars -- really disappointed!! Ford, you need to do something about this. Need to get a recall on this car. I was lucky - I was only in a 45 mph area when all of a sudden the lights come on and the car slows down -- I have time to pull over and take care of things, but I can only imagine if I was on the highway going 70 mph. The other issue I have is the average MPG -- I only get an average of 19 MPG after 8,000 miles of highway and local driving.

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  Ford eaten dodge shitin chevy - 1992 Ford F-150
  By Dr.Traa - February 10 - 2:00 am

  My truck is built tough and can handle what ever I put it to. Wheather it be off road or on road it is very dependable. It will run for a long time. Its for sale too!

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  No Major problems - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By Coke - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van used in 1993 with 19,000 km on it. Since then the major repairs have been a starter and an air conditioning compressor, but in the 10 years I have owned it I have spent less than $1000 in repairs. A workmate has a 1998 Chevy Venture and spent $1300 in 1 repair job alone, Ill keep my Ford thankyou.

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  Over 200k miles and still going - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By tauruslover - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car over 8 years ago, and it has always exceeded my expectations (now over 202k miles). Its been a great family wagon, with the 3rd seat, higher than expected mileage (about 27 to 29 mpg, and great value. The repairs have been minimal, so weve saved a lot of money over this long haul!