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:

• 

  Mustang has reached the modern world - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By Roger - December 30 - 4:48 am

  Great car

• 

  Really fast: High reliability - 1995 Ford Probe
  By probeguy - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Car handles great, looks good, and has alot of power. It costs A LOT to repair, but it is worth the money.

• 

  5.0 BAD LUCK - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By HOLLYWOOD HOGAN FAN - December 30 - 2:00 am

  i like my car alot. This car has been the biggest pain. Transmission went out at 120,000.Water pump went out at 121,000. The alternator went out at 122,000. I still have this car. Im hoping that eventually everything will be alright.

• 

  I got my Ford - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Ben_H - December 30 - 2:00 am

  97 F150 Lariat...what a great truck. I needed to sell my 95 F150 and I knew what I wanted and I found it in this truck. Theres no way you would think this truck is 6 years old- it looks good and drives great. My mechanic gave it a clean bill of health when I bought it and it has yet to give me any major problems. Some brake work (replace rear axle seals) and routine maintenance, general TLC, is all I have done for it. Fuel mileage...well, youre driving a truck, not a Honda (a car I could roll over and not even know :-)

• 

  94 Extended Aerostar - great value - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Remlap - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has been an excellent value for our family. Plenty of leg room and cargo space for traveling/camping with all 4 of my six foot guys! Very dependable car, Ive been driving it for almost 8 years and its never broken down.

• 

  Happy with this one - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By handball - December 30 - 2:00 am

  No real problems with this unit bot it new, drive it skiing over ice/snow and handles well good cruiser on freeway and about town.

• 

  a good good car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Azaleosis13 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car(3.8 L) for 8 years. After the head gasket recall mess (took 3 tries)a fuel injector replacement (due to leaking head gasket) and new motor mounts, it has been a commuter (30 mi/day). Given the mechanical history, I was test-driving replacements for this car, but 500 miles of highway driving have changed my opinion. This cars back seat exceeds the comfort of anything I have test-driven so far. I will keep this car for at least two more years, and if theres a new transmission required during that time, so be it. My only regret is that I dont have the station wagon.

• 

  Nothing but Problems - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By sithjedi71 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Taurus SE in January, and since then it has been a continual trip to the shop every 3 months for something different. Thank God you get a warranty. First the ignition switch kept me from being able to turn the key second the switch that controls shifting went bad third, this one will make you laugh, the battery shorted itself out? and just recently I had the right and left sway bars replaced. This car is priced way to high for the poor power the V6 seems to put out, the seats have no real support if you are in the car for extended periods, and the ride could be quieter. I would not recommend this car, not a good value for the money.

• 

  satisfied owner - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By DDG - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I brought home my Ranger in the Spring of 2000. It has been a great truck to own. The four-wheel drive with the limited-slip axle is awesome in the snow. Acceleration from the 4.0 impresses, but the gas milage doesnt. The engine has performed flawlessly with out any mechanical problems. I thought it was a bit pricy when optioned out compared to a full-sized truck with about the same equipment. Towing is very good, as is the overall comfort. The jumpseats are best suited for smaller people. Would be a better interstate runner if not for the gas consumption!

• 

  Mom Mobile - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Caitsma - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck new 5 years ago. Im a woman and a mother and Ive been driving pick-ups for over 20 years. This has been my favorite! Very reliable, quiet, tight and trustworthy! No mechanical or cosmetic problems thus far. I love my big V-8, its got loads of get-up and go! And thanks to the air-bag option, I can cart 3 kids around, no problem...and still haul cargo! And the best part: People still tell me "Hey, nice truck!".