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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  SUV of the Year - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ford girl - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I have always had mustangs and I decided it was time to get something a little bigger. The Explorer is perfect to take trips in, load kids in and even adults. I have really enjoyed the Explorer and I feel that there is plenty of room for everyone.

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  Sexplorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By mibman - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. Drives like a truck

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  GIVE RANGER THE EDGE - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. T - January 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Ranger Edge 4x4 extended cab is the first brand new vehicle Ive ever bought. The Edge styling along with the 4x4 stance gives it a lean, aggressive look, combined with the jet-black paint, although hard to keep clean, just cant be beat! The 4.0 V-6 has super pick-up and acceleration, and the 5-speed auto shifts smoothly. Off- roading is also a blast!

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  Great Family Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By GregP - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an Explorer for this vehicle and couldnt be more pleased. This is my first car in 10 years and I absolutely love it. I like the redesign of the Taurus. It rides smoothly and handles very well. If your looking for an everyday vehicle for commuting or family use I highly recommend this car.

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  Never buy a new model the first year! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dennis Schumaker - January 29 - 9:33 am

  The body is a piece of junk. Door trim tore off because of missalignment. Both rear doors have ripples in the steel. Looks like an accordian. Box has paint bubbles. Key sticks in ignition most of the time. Locking rearend had to have clutch pack replaced. (chatter when turning) Transmission never shifts the same. First shift is either jerky or real jerky. Dealer said there was no problem. Heated seat quit working. Some things have been fixed under warrenty, but wavey doors and paint bubbles are still to be repaired. I know it will not ever be as good as it should be, after body work.

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  Just so much fun - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - January 29 - 6:35 am

  Got the GT with performance package and manual gearbox in Deep Blue with Black interior, all options for under $40K. What a car! Great build quality. Performance is very strong. Drives better than any Mustang Ive ever had of 2 others and even my porsche and AMG Mercedes. The new Sync entertainment system is easy and intuitive. Fast and fun. No buyers remorse whatsoever. And, the GT350 just beat a $350K Ferrari for Performance Car of the Year from Road and Track. Get one with 6 spd manual and you will not be disappointed. Smaller kids fit in the back and have lots of fun. Good trunk space. Way to go Ford. Great to see the USA building a truly world class car.

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  Never Again - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By rm17rm - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle itself is not bad. Its Ford that I would do business with again. They replaced the Firestone tires with Goodyear tires. They were defective, the dealer disputed it and refused to replace them. I threw them out, and paid to replace them. When I contacted Ford directly, I was informed I had purchased the best selling truck. In other words, tough luck. In addition, 4.0L engine, California emission = pitiful gas mileage, under 18 around town.

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  195K and its still ticking - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By UncleVic - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family vehicle. Spacious interior, comfortable long rides. Rebuilt heads @ 150K, liftgate air struts replaced, but otherwise very strong. Power good but not exciting.

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  BlackBird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mark Vine - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is one great car. I have the full ground effects package and it still gets looks as I cruise the streets. This car was purchased new and I have not had any major work done on it. I put a super chip in this V8 beauty and she really screams now. I think Ill keep her for at least 3 more years and evaluate what to purchase next. I hope the cars of 2006 will be as well built as my BlackBird.

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  Open airbag recall cannot be fulfilled by Ford - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Steve "fuck you Ford" Stevens - January 29 - 1:01 am

  The strong engine is the only good thing about this vehicle. Electronics are not great. MAF failure. Bluetooth on early SYNC is not great. Goofy interior plastics. Also, the "Sealed" transmission is not serviceable in the vehicle. Not good. Then the recalls came in waves... finally I didnt feel comfortable having my family riding around in a vehicle with a potentially faulty airbag. So I ditched this thing and got into a different manufacturers new SUV.