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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  Know When to Foldem - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ken B - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Its a Minivan. Hoping it was made to carry family, reliably, economically, we bought it. Initial Quality: poor (4- 6 repairs in first weeks). Electrical problems and a leaking window were eventually repaired. Once de-bugged, car performed well for about 3 years (reg maint only). Many costly repairs after 3 yrs. The engine, everything attached to it, traction control, suspension, door locks & sensors started failing. Suggest selling vehicle after first non-maint repair. Ensuing repairs doubled, and doubled again, and doubled again.

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  this probes been around - 1993 Ford Probe
  By VAgner44 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  i just bought this car and it is the most reliable car i have ever owned. It has three hundred and sixty five thousand miles on the base engine with only minor maintenence done to it. It still runs great and i drive it every day. It has never missed a start in the morning even when it is ten below. its a great car and i will probably keep this the rest of my life.

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  Not too bad - 1990 Ford F-250
  By rodneymackinnon - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I was ripped off when I bought the car (seller said it only had 75,000 miles, it actually had 175,000). Still, it had performed extremely well with minimal repairs despite rigorous abuse. The performance with the 7.5L is very nice, if youre willing to sacrifice gas mileage. The only major complaint is the idiotic electrical system. Every conceivable item has an individual ground that is connected to random bits of the frame. Really shoddy.

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  97 Ford Contour - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Deborah Bussell - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Although this is a small, economical car, I find it to be more than I bargained for. It handles well, taking corners well. It is extremely dependable. With 120,000 miles, I have never had a minutes trouble, even on cold mornings. Never had to replace any shocks. I have been extremely satisfied with my Contour. I only wish I could buy a 2003 model.

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  The only one for me - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Danny Cello - January 12 - 8:03 pm

  I find the looks of the LX Sport to be perfect. Not too much chrome, and perfect trim with the icing being the wheels. Strong look. Strong ride with amazing comfort. I dont always like where Im going, but I love driving this car there. I dont want any other car.

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  This is Why the FOrd F-150 is the Best Truck. - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Warrren Merkle - January 12 - 9:53 am

  First the downside. Too much plastic in the interior. Ford got cheap here. The rest of the truck exceeds your expectations. The best Bluetooth quality, 21.9 MPG on the highway. 18.3 MPG around town. No repair costs. Fit and finish perfect. The only truck to consider, period.

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  Puddle jumper - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Luv my scort - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is a JOY to drive.I LOVE THIS CAR! 5sp and my GOD is it peppy for a 1.9L! I had a few problems, mostly due to the fact it had been totalled before I bought it. The speedo jumps and makes a scratching noise due to a frayed cable, the 2nd gear synchro is off so downshifting always grinds going into second, and that DAMNED check engine light! it came on a week after I bought it, I had a cylinoid replaced, and that fixed it for another week. I had it checked twice, both times no codes. after that I just ignored it. many fond memories with this car. GREAT MILEAGE! and TONS of fun to drive. Id get another one in a second!

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  Dont know what to do - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By mofa - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased Taurus when I retired, 40,000. Id never had trouble with Ford cars before. Ive had to pay to have motor mounts put on and the engine light stays on and everytime I go and pay to have it fixed the light comes back on a few days later, so I just leave it on now. The transmission is also going on the car. Ford dealers are awful people to deal with. With all this wrong with the car, it still rides good and starts up without trouble never leaving me stranded. Im afraid to get rid of it because all the cars Ive had before (GM) were even worse than this one. Next time Ill try a Chrysler.

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  ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dreeves77 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  gas tank too small for the 4.0 liter V6stop all the time for gas ...great power

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By VANBEN - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger first a 1991 XLT it was a great truck and loved it, this one I like better it has more style better gas mileage and ride and came with a bed liner overall a nice ride.