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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  Not bad Ford! - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Angel_B4U - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a dream. The only problems Ive had with it is: when I first bought it, dealer had to put in a new transmission, the windshield now leaks (got to fix that), and the paint job with the clear coat has much to be desired. It has never let me down. It is very comfortable to ride/drive. The controls are aimed at driver (big plus). The passenger can recline with ease and comfort for a nap on long trips. On long trips I enjoy reclining back and sleeping, it makes the trip go by faster. VERY COMFORTABLE!! I am VERY glad I bought this car!! Ladies - it has "gadgets" that we like to play with and an excellent sound system.

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  Whatta truck! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Sexsayguy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned both new and used SUVs in my time, but this truck is by the far the best. Lots of room, great looks, VERY solid feel, and nice off- road handling. The only downside to it at all is the horrible gas mileage.

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  I love my X - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By esther - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I got my X last year and we love it. This big mama can carry a whole army of kids with room to spare. Fuel economy is excellent with a powerstoke diesel engine. 23 highway and 19-20 on city streets. This big baby does better on gas than my caravan did.

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  THE BEST EVER - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By AUSTIN - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had home depot forklift a pallet of cement into my excursion. It holds 18 sheets of drywall, 75 2x4s or 750 12"X12" tiles. I can fit 5 people and five mountain bikes in sides with all gear. I tow a tractor and dump trailer with it. It safely takes me and seven guess while pulling a 21 foot 4500lb boat at 80 mph (13.5 mpg) to lake powell and the engine temp dosnt change. drove to vegas with 8 people, stoped for gas once!!! 16.8mpg

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  I love my X - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By esther - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a Chrysler mini van and moved up for more space. Diesel is the only way to go with this X. I get better gas mileage with my X than I did with my van. 23 on highways. 19- 20 city. I love all the room and cargo space.

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  Awesome power, sub-par reliability - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By antistate7 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I agree with all enthusiasm expressed for the SHOs performance. However, watch out. My 95 held up admirably until 2002. Then I got socked with numerous expensive repairs, over $1000 each. The Yamaha engine is bullet- proof, but the Ford parts gave me significant trouble. I broke down twice in two months.

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  Still the Best little car Ive ever owned - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Forazda Dave - February 7 - 10:30 pm

  Not sure why others are having so many complaints, in 27,461 miles I have had zero problems and zero complaints. This is the most perfect reliable, fuel efficient car I have ever owned, and this is number 40 in 31 years. I love everything about this Fiesta! For those who dont know, it is a Mazda 2 with the Ford Fiesta badge. Ford gave it the Kinetic energy body styling, but its a Mazda 2. My Fiesta is now near 40,000 miles. I still have not had one problem with my Fiesta. The transmission continues to shift perfectly quiet and smooth all the time. Up shifts and down shifts are flawless and cannot be felt. The engine is still quiet, powerful and very fuel efficient, starts effortlessly every time. Handling and ride still amazes me for as small as the car is. I still love everything about this little car and wouldn’t trade it for anything else on the road today. Almost 40,000 miles and zero problems, take it to my local Ford dealership for regular oil and filter changes and no problems.

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  Herby the red festiva - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Jay Tugz - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my festiva from an old korean lady for 1000 dollors it had everything AC,AM/FM,auto,new paint and low miles about 40K on it now it has 100K and a now sun roof on it. It is the most reliable car we have, only problems were the vacuum modual and the brakes would wear quickly.But very cheap to maintain.

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  Better idea? - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Daddio - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I have primarily riven Ford products for the last 34-plus years (25 total vehicles). I am increasingly disappointed in the crap Ford provides. I rebuilt the ac twice before 40k miles. The 5-speed auto tranny slips in low gear, the intermittent wipers work when they want to and it wont stay in 4 wheel drive mode. This vehicle is 5 years old and has less than 50k miles, has never been abused and I am a self- admitted maintenance nut. On top of all of this, throw in those wonderful self- destructive Firestone Wilderness AT tires (for which I never received the promised reimbursment from Ford) and you know why I currently drive a Nissan!

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  Not a bad car to me - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By leepenfield - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for well under what the retail value is..and it was in good shape. Well maintained, it has not shown the slightest sign of unreliability. It is my daily driver and many times is forced to sit and idle for long periods of time.