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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  MY 2001 MUSTANG GT Premium - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Christian Angulo - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Im going to add headers, pulleys, a chip, air intake, and maybe a supercharger.

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  Cant Wait!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 94 Cobra for 4 years and sold it with 2,676 miles on it. I considered it one of the biggest mistakes made in my adult life...so I thought, until reading of the 03 Cobra!

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  Short bed 7.3 crew cab - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Trailboss - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Wifes truck to haul travel and horse trailers, and run around to dog shows from FL to WI. She didnt know she would love it so much. No engine mechanical problems after 210,000 mi. One bad door light switch and one elec. window only real problems to date. Still reliable for her to take long trips. May replace at 300K w/4x4 diesel long bed crew cab.

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  2000 Ford Taurus SE - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Anniemarie998 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle. The shape is much better than the oval-patterned older models. The interior is roomy as well as the trunk space. It gives me an "old-people" feel, but I defantily feel much safer in this car with my family.

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  Ticking Bomb Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Slee - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My first impressions were overall good though the fit and finish of the car when new bothered me a bit cause it was kind of shoddy from the carpet to plastic mouldings all around in the interior. Had to replace front brakes at 29,000 miles. The electrical system from the interior lights, doors and ignition have been problematic since the beginning and the transmission kinda of thumpy. I feel since am just out of warranty very vulnerable to the historical tranny problems and weighing my options. Overall quality and relability issues experienced first hand want me to sell ASAP and reduce losses.

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  Thunderous Torque - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By SkidMark - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My Super Coupe cruises at speeds well over the dollar mark silently and with seemingly no effort. It feels like its concealing a huge V8 under the hood when the clutch engages but then thats the beauty of its supercharged and intercooled 3.8L V6. Handling is remarkably neutral and predictable but the ride is a little stiff and bumpy over rough roads. The power-lumber and power-side-bolster seats and are very comfortable, even on long drives. It’s difficult to think of many complaints. There are a few minor squeaks and rattles and the interior materials dont win any raves. But I still look forward to getting behind the wheel every time.

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  Still going ... ! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By BooFred - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 XLT with 157,000 miles on it. Im up to 211,000 with absolutely no problems. Even with 7" of lift, 33" tires and alot of performance and handling upgrades, she still screams. Those 4.0L motors wont quit.

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  Bought - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By HAPPY DUDE - December 9 - 9:56 pm

  New Ford Fusion sport. Great car drives like a dream, has handling and comfort. The leather interior is awesome in black and blue two tone. The Sony 12 speaker 300watt stereo rocks with the moon and tune package and yes not to forget the 3.5 V6 is a a blast. I drove Camry, Accord, Mazda6s, Scion tc and last VW Jetta. The Fusion sport was the right looks in and out, best quality fit and finish and plus 263 horses on regular gas what a bonus. Go out and drive the sport bet yell take it home.

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  Ford Escape 2015 New Flooded - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Jerri Manning - December 9 - 6:21 pm

  Purchased car new in May. I am long-term Ford customer. Car FLOODED due to defect in front windshield. Ford will not replace or to buy back program after copious amounts of water was in this vehicle. Will not recommend to anyone due to Ford seems to feel that this is not a serious issue. I did not want a vehicle I purchased new 5 months ago to have a history of flooding.

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  a Ford upgrade - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By jd miller - December 9 - 3:03 am

  Our recent vacation trips to Florida, Canada and the Jersey shore found a comfortable, easy to handle station wagon. There was plenty of room for people, luggage and cargo (bikes on back). The transmission served the gas mileage from 23.5 on the high speed Florida trip to the easy ride to Canada for 25.7 mpg. We are well pleased after 6,957 miles to date.