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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  A Great Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By MyRoomie - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 5 years. Ive replaced the battery, the timing belt, the radiator (only because I never flushed it), the tires, and the plugs. Otherwise, this has been an outstanding vehicle to own and operate. I highly recommend this for a college student or teens first car.

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  Still driving my Probe! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By AkaAlly - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Probe since I bought it new in 1995, now has 91,000 miles. Have had some problems with the idling and had to have the air intake manifold gasket replaced. Other than that, just brakes and tires and routine maintenance.

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  2012 Ford Focus Issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By farz - December 26 - 12:45 pm

  If you think to buy New Ford Focus, think again, Do not do it. My 2012 Ford Focus has lot of issues regards to SYNC system. every day new error masseges for phone conections, one day whole system and screen went black and every thing was off. the car is shaking after long drive if try to take off. there is seat belt safety issues if for any reason unlock the seat belt while driving there will be no worning light or sound also if leave the and come back and start driving there wil be no any sign of worning. over all very poor quality but very nice design. This will be my First and Last Ford Product.

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  Pauls review - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Paul Mcknight - December 26 - 2:00 am

  A very good all around little car.Not much leg room in the back though.

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  bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By whiteout - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck, but it had some teething problems. The dealer took a lot of pushing, but eventually fixed most things. The hardest thing to get done was replacement of a warped tailgate. They wouldnt believe anything was wrong even when it wouldnt open 3 different times. They finally believed me when the welded seam on the passenger side of the tailgate let go (about 10k). Factory rep was not helpful with reapairs when I met resistance. Engine & drivetrain are great. Breathes better with K&N filtercharger.

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  ford explorer suv - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By pat crawford - December 26 - 2:00 am

  4.0 engine very poor head desine

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  good car - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By man1 - December 26 - 2:00 am

  good car for the money. great reliability, and good gas milage. No problems so far.

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  I Just Got To Drive - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brian - December 25 - 2:53 pm

  I absolutly love this car now that i have is. At first i was skeptical of the look of the cat and how big of a difference it is to look at rather than a Fox Baced Stang, But one night i had a dream and it opened my eyes. I went online and did some reserch and fell in love with this car. I went out the next day and bought me a brand new GT Premium, and havent looked back since. I cant get enough of this car. Sometimes i just sit in my driveway and look at it. The interior has to be my favorite pary of this magnificent car, its edgie retro look is realy pleasing to the eye, and the low siting seats conform nicly and give a sence of real speed even at 50mph.

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  Have a family without needing a minivan - 2009 Ford Flex
  By From Brooklyn - December 25 - 6:00 am

  My wife and I are expecting our third child, and with a dog in tow we needed to get a bigger vehicle than our VW Passat Wagon. We looked at the Routan but something about the Flex caught my eye. Its different, kind of a retro look with modern amenities--so basically it felt like us. So far, so good, it drives very nicely. One of the things I like best is how quiet it is, road noise isnt very present. Our kids really love it, and the automatic seat folding in the second row make it super easy for third row egress. Definitely roomy, smooth ride, SYNC is awesome, satellite radio 2 yr sub, panoramic sun roof...all in all a great experience so far.

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  Feel like KING OF THE ROAD - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By rice - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I had the truck since 1997 till now with 128808 miles on it. Have no trouble at all, Not a thing wrong. I feel like "King of the road" every time when I drive it. nothing more to say but a 10+++++