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 A Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Hate my Ranger - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had alot of mechanical problems with this vehicle. The service department at the dealership has not done a single repair correctly the first time. I have contacted Ford customer service about this issue and I am not happy with the way I was treated. I would not recommend this product to anyone. If you want a small truck buy a Toyota.

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  put me in debt - 1995 Ford Contour
  By put me in debt - January 9 - 2:00 am

  i got this car with45000 miles on it . 24 valve v6 at first fast ,about a month later the transmission started acting up all the recalls electrical blinkers not working tail lights not working coolant light coming on but didnt need anything than at 10100 miles no oil leaks no overheating the motor just blows up .there is me and my 2 kids on the side of the expressway stranded no warnings transmission problems from day one never buy a ford they are known for bad transmissions

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  Problems with truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick D - January 8 - 11:20 pm

  Starting out, I do love my truck just have had problems with it. Transmission went in it at 22,000 miles. A/C is getting ready to be worked on because truck dies out. Just have had too many problems with this truck.

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  05 GT Mustang is Solid! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By lassen54 - January 8 - 1:10 pm

  So far, Ive been extremely impressed with our GT convertible. It has a solid feel on the road without any noticeable cowl shake. The car handles VERY well for a convertible. I recommend using the traction control as it works well and will keep the ponies in check. The last thing you want is the rear end coming around on you! The motor is smooth and powerful and the automatic transmission shifts cleanly through the gears. The black leather interior is beautiful and the dash layout is very stylish. Dont expect to be too comfortable in the back seat for long distances due to lack of space. The top goes up and down easily, and the top material appears to be very durable.

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  a disaster, my last ford - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jbencheck - January 8 - 2:23 am

  Bought this in Sept 2012 used, private party, 60k miles. Clean carfax, looked immaculate, came back good from the mechanic, and went forward. Summary of repairs then til 7/2014, off the top of my head: Brake issues, bad ring - $400 March 2013 CV joint - $800 May 2013 Hybrid-component water pump/fan - $1600 July 2013 Rear-end rebuild completely - $2000 May 2014 TSB on wiring harness, $240, then brake light still on so ABS module. This is where I walked. They wanted $3400 for the part alone. I traded it in at 86k miles 7/2014. Ridiculous. Hardest part was, yeah, it was a bad car,but Ford, not their corporate, not their dealership, no one would do anything to help whatsoever.

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  Impresive Great Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By IOM - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 1994 Escort GT I owned. Both cars have been simply great. I could not resist buying in OCT/2001 my second 94 GT, it only had 40,800 miles. Today JAN/2003 the car is 9 years old and 50,400 miles and in perfect condition. So far I only replaced the original Goodyear GT+4 tires for excellent Goodyear Aquatred 3. I got new ceramic brake pads (no black dust!) on all wheels. My only complaint is that the driver power window is working slow, probably an early indication of failure. It is a lot of fun to see how many new 4 cylinder cars still fall behind my GT when drag racing.

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  All the Bird I expected - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Seth Forness - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Thunderbird ever since I first started liking cars. I finally got myself one last August. Ive only had it for five months now, but I have loved every minute of owning it. It hasnt given me any mecahnical problems yet. It still has a lot of zip left in it. Merging into traffic is no problem at all. The accelleration is very smooth and predictable.

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  Only the BEST ! - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jack Brannon - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Never a problem. Solidly built. Nothing done to car except changing oil for 12,000 miles.

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  No more Fords - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Gerber - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my mustang with a 2.3 and within a week I had to rebuild the transmission, buy a new starter, power steering pump. So basically this car has killed my thought of ever owning a Ford again.Next car will definitly be a Dodge.

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  Good buy for the Buck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By sil - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Good overall domestic vehicle... I have no major complaints other then I go through brakes like crazy!!! Fuel economy is nothing to call home about but everyone knows that when buying a SUV type vehicle...I tried out all the competitors and other then the Pathfinder backseat, I found it to be the most roomy and comfortable vehicle in its class...